If you’re craving a salad that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, look no further than this Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe. It blends the crisp snap of fresh apples with juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all wrapped in a luscious, velvety dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and honey. This salad is a timeless classic that balances sweetness and creaminess with a hint of tang, making it perfect for anything from a light lunch to an elegant holiday side. Once you try this creamy Waldorf salad recipe, it’s hard not to keep coming back for more!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each ingredient adds a unique texture or flavor: the apples bring crunch and sweetness, the grapes add juicy bursts, celery lends a fresh crispness, and walnuts contribute a satisfying nutty crunch. Plus, the creamy dressing perfectly ties everything together with a touch of sweetness and tang.
- 2 cups chopped apples: Use cored, unpeeled medium apples for that fresh, crisp bite and vibrant color.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning, maintaining their bright appearance and tart flavor.
- 1 cup red seedless grapes: Halved grapes provide juicy pops that balance the salad’s textures.
- 1 cup celery: Thinly sliced celery adds refreshing crunch and a slight peppery note.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: Toasting these brings out a deeper, richer nuttiness that complements the fruits perfectly.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Creamy base for the dressing that delivers smooth richness.
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness, balancing out the mayonnaise’s richness.
- 1 tbsp honey: Sweetens the dressing naturally without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall taste.
- Lettuce leaves (optional): Ideal for serving if you want a refreshing, crisp bed for the salad.
How to Make Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Fruit and Nuts
Start by chopping your apples into bite-sized chunks and immediately toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning—this keeps your salad looking fresh and appetizing. Then halve the red seedless grapes, thinly slice the celery, and either use raw walnuts or toast them lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor. Combine all these ingredients in a medium mixing bowl to get that perfect medley of textures and flavors ready for the dressing.
Step 2: Whisk the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is the magic that ties the whole salad together. The richness of the mayonnaise, the tanginess of the yogurt, and the sweetness of honey create a beautifully balanced sauce that coats every bite with deliciousness.
Step 3: Combine and Chill
Pour the dressing over the fruit and nut mixture, then gently toss to coat everything evenly without bruising the delicate grapes or mashing the apples. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows the flavors to marry and develop, giving you a wonderfully harmonious Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe that shines on every palate.
How to Serve Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation, scatter a few whole walnuts or sliced almonds on top right before serving. Freshly chopped parsley or a sprig of mint can add a lovely pop of color and a subtle herbal note that complements the salad’s sweetness. If you want a bit of extra texture, a sprinkle of lightly toasted coconut flakes also works beautifully.
Side Dishes
The Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey for a light yet satisfying meal. It also shines as a refreshing contrast to hearty dishes like roast beef or pork. During holidays or special gatherings, serve it alongside warm bread rolls or a savory quiche for a balanced and crowd-pleasing menu.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad scooped into crisp endive leaves or hollowed-out apple halves to impress your guests. You can also arrange it atop a bed of mixed baby greens for a more substantial salad or pack it into individual mason jars for picnics and packed lunches. These creative presentations not only look fantastic but also make the salad feel even more special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad holds up well for up to 2 days, but keep in mind that the apples may brown slightly and the walnuts could lose some crunch over time. To refresh the texture, stir in a handful of fresh chopped apples or walnuts before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh fruits, celery, and creamy dressing will lose their texture and freshness once thawed. For the best taste and consistency, enjoy the salad fresh or within a couple of days after preparation.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Since it is a no-cook salad, reheating is unnecessary and could compromise the delicious balance of flavors and textures that make the Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I substitute the mayonnaise in the dressing?
Absolutely! You can use all Greek yogurt for a lighter version or substitute with vegan mayonnaise if you prefer a dairy-free option. Just keep in mind the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
What apples work best in this salad?
For the perfect balance of sweet and tart, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are excellent choices. They hold their crunch well and add beautiful color and flavor to the salad.
Is it necessary to toast the walnuts?
Toasting walnuts is optional but highly recommended. It enhances their nuttiness and adds a lovely warmth that complements the other ingredients wonderfully.
Can I add dried fruits to the salad?
Yes! Adding raisins or dried cranberries can bring in extra sweetness and chewy texture, giving the salad a new dimension. Just add them sparingly so they don’t overwhelm the fresh flavors.
How long can I prepare this salad in advance?
You can prepare and chill the salad up to one day ahead. Just stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing and refresh the textures a bit.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe enough for anyone looking to brighten up their meals with something fresh, creamy, and truly delicious. Whether it’s for a picnic, holiday dinner, or a simple lunch, this salad brings a happy crunch and sweet-tangy goodness that’s irresistible. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite salad!
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Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus optional chilling time of 30 minutes)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Waldorf salad is a classic American fruit salad combining crisp apples, sweet grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all coated in a luscious dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Lightly sweetened with honey and balanced with a touch of lemon juice, this refreshing no-cook salad is perfect as a side dish, especially during holiday gatherings or any time you crave a flavorful, nutritious salad.
Ingredients
Fruit and Nuts
- 2 cups chopped apples (about 2 medium, cored and unpeeled)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (toasted if desired)
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For Serving (Optional)
- Lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: In a medium bowl, toss the chopped apples with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain their crisp texture.
- Add Remaining Fruit and Nuts: Add the halved grapes, thinly sliced celery, and chopped walnuts (toasted if desired) to the bowl with apples and gently mix to combine.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, honey, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
- Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the fruit and nut mixture, then gently stir to evenly coat all the ingredients without breaking the fruit.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill thoroughly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy Waldorf salad chilled on its own or arranged over fresh lettuce leaves if desired.
Notes
- For a sweeter salad, use all mayonnaise and omit the Greek yogurt.
- Add raisins or dried cranberries to incorporate extra flavor and texture.
- Toasting the walnuts enhances the salad’s depth of flavor and adds a pleasant crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
