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Waldorf Salad Recipe

4.8 from 107 reviews

This classic Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, juicy red grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts with a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. Served on a bed of torn romaine or Little Gem lettuce, this refreshing and colorful salad is perfect as a light lunch or a side dish for any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad Ingredients

  • 50g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 2 apples (Granny Smith recommended), roughly chopped
  • 150g red grapes, halved
  • 3 celery sticks, finely sliced
  • 1 romaine or Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated and torn if large

Dressing Ingredients

  • 1 lemon, juiced (divided use)
  • 100g mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp Greek-style yogurt
  • ½ tbsp Dijon mustard

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts: Heat a dry frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the walnuts and toast them for 3-4 minutes until they become lightly golden and aromatic. Remove from the pan and allow to cool in a bowl.
  2. Prepare the apples: Toss the roughly chopped apples with a splash of the lemon juice to avoid browning and discoloration.
  3. Make the dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and the remaining lemon juice. Season well with salt and pepper. Note that the dressing can be stored chilled for up to two days.
  4. Combine the salad ingredients: Add the prepared apples, halved grapes, and finely sliced celery to the dressing. Toss well to ensure that all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Assemble the salad: Arrange the torn lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the apple and grape mixture, along with any remaining dressing, onto the lettuce.
  6. Add the finishing touch: Scatter the toasted walnuts over the top of the salad just before serving to retain their crunchiness.

Notes

  • To prevent the apples from browning, toss them immediately with lemon juice.
  • Toasted walnuts add a rich depth of flavor; avoid skipping this step for the best result.
  • The dressing can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to save preparation time.
  • Feel free to substitute romaine lettuce with other crisp greens like kale or butter lettuce for a variation.
  • This salad is best served fresh as the lettuce can wilt if left too long with the dressing.

Keywords: Waldorf salad, walnut salad, apple salad, grape salad, creamy salad, classic salad, healthy salad, lunch salad