This Recipe is a Reminder That Waldorf Salad Is Timeless (2024)

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Bring this retro dish back for a simple lunch or tasty brunch.

By

Elise Bauer

This Recipe is a Reminder That Waldorf Salad Is Timeless (1)

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

Learn about Simply Recipes'Editorial Process

Updated November 11, 2024

69 Ratings

This Recipe is a Reminder That Waldorf Salad Is Timeless (2)

Waldorf salad is a favorite around here, particularly in the fall when apples and walnuts are in season. It's especially popular around the holidays, gracing many a Thanksgiving and holiday spread.

The Original Waldorf Salad Recipe

According to the American Century Cookbook, the first Waldorf salad was created in New York City in 1893, by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d'hôtel of the Waldorf Astoria.

The original recipe consisted only of diced red-skinned apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts were added later to this now American classic.

This Recipe is a Reminder That Waldorf Salad Is Timeless (3)

Mayo or Yogurt for Waldorf Salad?

Some prefer their Waldorf salad made with yogurt, instead of mayo. I usually stay in the mayonnaise camp (which is what we are using in this recipe), but feel free to substitute yogurt for the mayo if you prefer. In which case you may need to add some honey to offset the added tartness of the yogurt.

Seems like everyone has their favorite version of Waldorf salad! If you have one you would like to share, please tell us about it in the comments.

This Recipe is a Reminder That Waldorf Salad Is Timeless (4)

How Long Can Waldorf Salad be Stored?

For the freshest, crispest salad, make Waldorf salad no more than an hour before serving, and keep it in the fridge until you do. Refrigerate leftovers for a day; the apples may brown a bit and the salad may become watery, but it will still be enjoyable.

Ways to Serve Waldorf Salad

You can serve the whole salad on a bed of fresh lettuce, but if you want to serve individual portions of Waldorf Salad, try these presentations.

  • In martini or coupe glasses
  • On lettuce cups
  • In a large, hollowed out apple

How Our Readers Make This Classic Their Own

  • Vicki: "Enduring family favorite. Mother mixed the mayo with maraschino cherry juice for the dressing, making it almost a pink desert. She used a variety of canned and fresh fruits with celery and walnuts, as well as the now drained cherries. We have it every Holiday. Just gets better after a day in the fridge!"
  • Robin: "We like to have it with diced ham for a serious main dish."
  • Marshall: "Great recipe! Made this today. I used homemade aioli with fresh whipped cream for the dressing. Also added toasted pine nuts and goji berries as add ons."
  • Rose: "Been making this for years, and this is a nice recipe, but I don't add salt. Yogurt and honey is my dressing of choice. I prefer dried cranberries to grapes or raisins, I soak them in boiled water first and then drain well (of course!) and use one red and one green apple."

More Classic American Recipes

  • Muffuleta Sandwiches
  • New England Clam Chowder
  • Tuna Noodle Casserole
  • Southern Buttermilk Biscuits

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Waldorf Salad

Prep Time15 mins

Total Time15 mins

Servings4 servings

If using yogurt, omit the lemon juice. You may also want to add a little honey to balance the tartness of the yogurt.

Some of our longtime readers prefer to omit the salt, but we like the way it offsets the sweetness of the apples and grapes.

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Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons mayonnaise (or plain yogurt)

  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

  • Pinch freshly ground black pepper

  • 2sweet apples, cored and chopped

  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved, or 1/4 cup raisins

  • 1 cup thinly sliced celery

  • 1 cup chopped, slightly toasted walnuts

  • Lettuce

Method

  1. Make the dressing:

    In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or yogurt), lemon juice, salt and pepper.

    This Recipe is a Reminder That Waldorf Salad Is Timeless (5)

    Add the apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts:

    Stir the apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts into the bowl with the dressing.

  2. Serve:

    Spoon salad onto a bed of fresh lettuce and serve.

    Did you love the recipe? Leave us a rating and review!

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Nutrition Facts (per serving)
301Calories
22g Fat
25g Carbs
6g Protein

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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories301
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 22g29%
Saturated Fat 2g12%
Cholesterol 1mg0%
Sodium 311mg14%
Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
Dietary Fiber 5g19%
Total Sugars 17g
Protein 6g
Vitamin C 8mg39%
Calcium 55mg4%
Iron 1mg7%
Potassium 415mg9%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.

This Recipe is a Reminder That Waldorf Salad Is Timeless (2024)
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