Description

Waldorf salad is a crisp, creamy dish combining tart apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, toasted nuts, and a light whipped dressing. Perfect for picnics, holiday buffets, or as a refreshing side dish. Easily made gluten-free, nut-free, or vegan.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

– 2 cups diced tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; about 2 whole apples)

– 1 cup diced celery

– 1 cup halved seedless grapes

– ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped (substitute almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds if needed)

For the Dressing:

– ½ cup freshly whipped cream (or plain Greek yogurt/sour cream for a lighter option)

– ¼ cup mayonnaise (use plant-based mayo for vegan option)

– ½ tsp kosher salt

Optional Add-ins:

– Pinch of sugar (to prevent apple browning and enhance flavor)

– Squeeze of lemon juice (to prevent browning)

– Dried cranberries, golden raisins, or shredded unsweetened coconut (for extra texture and flavor)

– Diced cooked chicken, turkey, or chickpeas (for added protein)

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Instructions

Dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them immediately with a pinch of sugar and a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, halved grapes, and toasted nuts. Gently mix to combine without crushing the fruit.
In a separate bowl, whip cold heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold in the mayonnaise until smooth and creamy.
Carefully fold the dressing into the apple mixture until everything is evenly coated. Season with kosher salt and taste. Adjust sweetness or tang as needed.
Cover and chill for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, to let the flavors meld.
Serve chilled, either on its own or over crisp lettuce leaves for a more substantial presentation.

Notes

– Choose firm, tart apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for their texture and balance of sweetness.

– Toast nuts for extra flavor: Toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3–5 minutes until fragrant.

– Prevent browning: Toss apples with lemon juice and sugar immediately after cutting.

– Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if storing for more than a few hours to preserve texture. Do not freeze.

– Customizations: Add dried cranberries, golden raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture. Swap walnuts for almonds, pistachios, or sunflower seeds for different crunch profiles.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad / Side Dish
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American / Classic

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (based on 4 servings per recipe)
Calories: ~200
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 200mg (varies with added seasonings, use low-sodium mayo to reduce)
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg