Jump to Recipe Print RecipeAs I sliced into a crisp, tart apple, the refreshing scent instantly took me back to summer picnics filled with laughter and sunshine—the perfect backdrop for a delightful Waldorf Salad. This twist on the classic recipe takes the traditional medley of apples, grapes, and crunchy celery and elevates it with creamy Greek yogurt, bringing a lightness you just can’t resist. Besides being a breeze to whip up, this salad is packed with goodness—making it a fantastic choice for a healthy lunch or a vibrant side dish at gatherings. With sweet pops of fruit and the nuttiness of toasted walnuts, I promise it will leave your taste buds dancing! Ready to dive in and uncover the secret to this refreshing spin on a timeless favorite? Why is Waldorf Salad a Must-Try? Simplicity at Its Finest: This salad combines fresh ingredients and easy preparation, making it stress-free for home cooks. Creamy Delight: The addition of Greek yogurt lends a luscious creaminess, elevating the classic flavors. Nutritious and Wholesome: Packed with vitamins and healthy fats, it’s perfect for those seeking nutritious meals. Versatile Dish: Whether served as a main dish for lunch or as a delightful side, it’s sure to impress at any gathering. Crowd-Pleaser: With its refreshing taste and appealing textures, it’s bound to be a hit with family and friends—check out similar dishes like Cucumber Strawberry Salad or Quinoa Crunch Salad to keep the flavor excitement going! Waldorf Salad Ingredients For the Dressing Whole Milk Greek Yogurt – Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor; substitute with low-fat yogurt for a lighter version. Mayonnaise – Provides classic creaminess, complementing the yogurt; use all Greek yogurt for a lighter touch. Fresh Lemon Juice – Brightens the flavors of the dressing; freshly squeezed is best for optimal taste. Honey – Adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance the dressing; maple syrup works for a vegan option. Sea Salt – Enhances all flavors in the salad; use sparingly as some nuts may be salted. Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Adds warmth and depth; adjust to your taste preference. For the Salad Tart Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Provides crunch and sweetness; any tart variety will work well. Celery (3-4 Ribs) – Adds crunchy texture and freshness; reserve celery leaves for a lovely garnish. Grapes (Halved) – Juicy pops of sweetness; you can choose green or red grapes based on your preference. Walnuts or Pecans – Contributes nuttiness and crunch; toasting enhances their flavor—pecans can be a delicious substitute. Fresh Parsley (Chopped) – Brings freshness and color to the dish; mint can offer a different and delightful flavor profile. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Waldorf Salad Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Start by washing and drying your apples and grapes. Chop the apples into ¼ to ½-inch pieces and halve the grapes. Thinly slice the celery, making sure to reserve the leaves for garnish. Next, toast and chop your walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Finally, finely chop the fresh parsley to add color and flavor to your Waldorf Salad. Step 2: Make Dressing In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of whole milk Greek yogurt, ¼ cup of mayonnaise, the juice of one freshly squeezed lemon, 1 tablespoon of honey, a pinch of sea salt, and a few grinds of freshly ground black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy, making sure the ingredients are well-blended for a tangy and rich dressing that perfectly coats your Waldorf Salad. Step 3: Combine Salad Add the prepared apples, sliced celery, halved grapes, toasted walnuts, and chopped parsley into the bowl with the dressing. Using a spatula, gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Ensure the salad looks colorful and appealing, as the combination of green, red, and white from the ingredients makes for a vibrant Waldorf Salad. Step 4: Season & Serve Before serving, taste your Waldorf Salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper according to your preference. Transfer the salad to a serving platter, and garnish with additional parsley and reserved celery leaves for a fresh pop of color. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful crunch and creaminess of this refreshing Waldorf Salad. Waldorf Salad Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make this delightful salad your own with these tasty twists and swaps that bring a new flavor to your plate! Dried Fruit Boost: Add dried cranberries or raisins to introduce a sweet, chewy element that complements the crunchy textures. A handful of these fruity gems adds a surprise burst of flavor and a lovely chewy dimension. Leafy Green Base: Substitute spinach or arugula for a vibrant bed of greens that enhances the salad’s freshness. The peppery touch of arugula can elevate the dish while introducing extra nutrients, creating a lighter salad experience. Creamy Vegan Option: Swap Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for cashew cream or an avocado mash for a creamy yet dairy-free delight. This twist not only caters to vegan friends but also adds a unique flavor and texture, perfect for a new spin on the classic. Crunchy Surprise: Incorporate finely chopped broccoli or sunflower seeds for a pleasing crunch and extra nutrition. These elements can transform your salad into a nutrient powerhouse, offering a new texture that keeps things interesting. Fruit Variations: Try pears or oranges in place of apples for a sweet and juicy alternative that excites the taste buds. Each bite bursts with refreshing flavors, creating a delightful fusion that gives the classic Waldorf a refreshing makeover. Spiced Up Heat: Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat that balances the salad’s sweetness. This adds an unexpected flavor complexity, ensuring your salad is anything but ordinary! Herb Upgrades: Swap parsley for fresh dill or mint to provide a refreshing twist that brightens the entire salad. The fragrant herbs lend aromatic notes and a lively splash of freshness, perfect for those who enjoy experimenting with flavor. Nutty Flavors: Replace walnuts with toasted almonds or pecans for a different nutty crunch that changes the overall taste. This simple swap can shift the flavor profile of your Waldorf Salad, keeping it exciting and new! With these delightful variations, you can enjoy the classic Waldorf Salad in many different ways. If you’re looking for more refreshing salads, consider making a Cucumber Strawberry Salad or an energizing Quinoa Crunch Salad. The kitchen is your canvas—happy cooking! Make Ahead Options These Waldorf Salad preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to simplify mealtime! You can chop the apples, grapes, and celery (making sure to keep the apple pieces in the dressing to avoid browning) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing can also be whisked together and refrigerated for up to 3 days ahead of serving—just remember to give it a good stir before combining it with the salad ingredients. When you’re ready to serve, simply mix the fresh ingredients with the dressing, and you’ll have a refreshing Waldorf Salad that’s just as delicious and vibrant as if it were freshly made! Expert Tips for Waldorf Salad Prevent Browning: Add apples to the dressing immediately after chopping to keep them fresh and prevent browning. Room Temperature Ingredients: For a creamier texture, ensure the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise are at room temperature before mixing the dressing. Freshness Matters: Serve the salad right after preparing for the best texture; combine the dressing with solid ingredients just before serving to maintain crunch. Custom Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste; a pinch more salt or a dash of pepper can enhance the Waldorf Salad flavor beautifully. Garnish Ideas: For an extra touch of freshness and color, don’t forget to garnish with celery leaves and additional chopped parsley before serving! What to Serve with Refreshingly Creamy Waldorf Salad? The perfect meal deserves delightful companions that enhance its light, refreshing taste, setting the stage for culinary bliss. Grilled Chicken: Juicy, succulent grilled chicken provides a savory contrast to the sweet and creamy Waldorf salad, creating a delightful balance of flavors. Whole Wheat Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for mopping up the creamy dressing, adding a comforting, hearty touch to your meal. Quinoa Pilaf: Nutty quinoa pilaf brings a fabulous texture and a hint of earthiness, harmonizing beautifully with the crisp salad. Crisp Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans add a vibrant color and fresh crunch that easily complement the creamy texture of the Waldorf salad. Chilled Rosé Wine: A crisp, refreshing glass of chilled rosé elevates the dining experience, echoing the salad’s fruity notes while cutting through its creaminess. Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with homemade warm chocolate chip cookies, a beloved classic that pairs wonderfully with the freshness of the salad. Fruit Sorbet: A light, refreshing fruit sorbet serves as a delightful palate cleanser, echoing the sweet and fruity elements of the Waldorf salad. Each of these pairings enhances the overall dining experience, inviting your family and friends to savor every bite together! Storage Tips for Waldorf Salad Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To preserve freshness, keep the dressing separate from the solid ingredients until ready to serve. Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because the texture of the fruits and vegetables will change upon thawing. Best enjoyed fresh! Reheating: If serving leftovers, there’s no need to heat—you can enjoy this salad chilled. Just give it a gentle toss before serving to revive the flavors. Make-Ahead: Prepare ingredients a few hours in advance and store them in the fridge separately; combine with dressing just before serving to maintain that crisp taste in your Waldorf Salad. Waldorf Salad Recipe FAQs What type of apples should I use for Waldorf Salad? For the best flavor and texture, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal. They provide the right balance of sweetness and crunch. If those aren’t available, any tart apple variety works just fine—explore options based on your local market! How long can I store leftover Waldorf Salad in the fridge? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the salad fresh, it’s best to store the dressing separately from the solid ingredients until you’re ready to enjoy it again. This will help maintain the salad’s crunchy texture! Can I freeze Waldorf Salad? Freezing is not recommended for Waldorf Salad due to the risk of texture changes in the fruits and vegetables after thawing. The salad is best enjoyed fresh, so whip it up right before serving for optimal taste! What if my walnuts are not toasted? If your walnuts are not toasted, don’t worry! You can quickly toast them on a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently until they’re fragrant and light golden brown. This enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your Waldorf Salad. Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the chopped ingredients and store them separately from the dressing for a few hours in advance. Just be sure to combine them right before serving to maintain that fresh and crisp flavor and texture. It’s a great way to streamline your prep when hosting! Is Waldorf Salad safe for those with nut allergies? If you or your guests have nut allergies, you can easily omit the walnuts or pecans from the recipe. This salad remains delightful without them, or you can substitute with seeds, like sunflower seeds, which won’t compromise the freshness of your Waldorf Salad Recipe FAQs. Creamy Waldorf Salad with Greek Yogurt for a Fresh Twist This Creamy Waldorf Salad features tart apples, grapes, and crunchy celery with a refreshing twist using Greek yogurt, making it a must-try healthy dish. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 5 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 250 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Dressing1 cup Whole Milk Greek Yogurt substitute with low-fat yogurt for a lighter version1/4 cup Mayonnaise use all Greek yogurt for a lighter touch1 tablespoon Fresh Lemon Juice freshly squeezed is best for optimal taste1 tablespoon Honey maple syrup works for a vegan optionto taste Sea Salt use sparingly as some nuts may be saltedto taste Freshly Ground Black Pepper adjust to your taste preferenceFor the Salad2 cups Tart Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) any tart variety will work well3-4 ribs Celery reserve celery leaves for a lovely garnish1 cup Grapes (Halved) green or red grapes based on your preference1/2 cup Walnuts or Pecans toasting enhances their flavor1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (Chopped) mint can offer a different flavor profile Equipment Mixing BowlSpatulaSkilletKnifecutting board Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Waldorf SaladStart by washing and drying your apples and grapes. Chop the apples into ¼ to ½-inch pieces and halve the grapes. Thinly slice the celery, reserving the leaves for garnish. Toast and chop your walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Finely chop the fresh parsley.In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk together until smooth and creamy.Add the prepared apples, sliced celery, halved grapes, toasted walnuts, and chopped parsley into the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Transfer the salad to a serving platter and garnish with additional parsley and reserved celery leaves. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 6gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 150mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 4gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 0.5mg NotesFor best freshness, combine the dressing with solid ingredients just before serving. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
