Waldorf Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a fresh, crunchy, and slightly sweet salad with a rich, creamy dressing, I’ve got just the thing for you—my Waldorf Salad Recipe. This classic dish has been a beloved staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something light but satisfying. The balance of tart apples, nutty walnuts, and crisp celery, all wrapped up in a luscious mayo and whipped cream dressing, is just *chef’s kiss*. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this recipe handy for picnics, potlucks, or even a quick lunch at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Choosing the right ingredients really makes or breaks this Waldorf Salad Recipe. I always pick crisp apples and fresh celery, plus quality walnuts for the best texture and flavor. You don’t need fancy stuff, but fresh is key here!

• Apples: I prefer tart varieties like Granny Smith, but Gala or Fuji work great too for sweetness balance.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed if possible — it keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
• Celery ribs: Adds crunch and a little freshness that complements the apples.
• Walnuts: Toasted lightly for extra flavor if you like, but raw is fine too.
• Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the dressing, so go for a good-quality one.
• Sugar: Just a touch to sweeten the dressing and balance the tartness.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors without making the salad salty.
• Heavy whipping cream: Whipped to soft peaks, it makes the dressing light and fluffy.

Variations

One of the things I love about this Waldorf Salad Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over the years, I’ve played around with adding seasonal fruits or swapping up nuts to keep things exciting. Feel free to make it your own!

• Add grapes: My family goes crazy for halved red or green grapes for a juicy burst.
• Swap walnuts for pecans: Pecans add a buttery richness that’s fantastic if you like a softer crunch.
• Use Greek yogurt: For a lighter dressing, sometimes I mix in Greek yogurt with the mayo and cream.
• Include raisins or dried cranberries: I add these occasionally for a sweet chewiness that’s just perfect.

How to Make Waldorf Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Toss the Apples

Start by chopping your apples into bite-sized pieces. I like to leave the skin on for that extra color and fiber, but peel if you prefer. Toss them immediately with one tablespoon of lemon juice to keep them from browning. This little step helps the salad look fresh and taste bright.

Step 2: Add Celery and Walnuts

Next, mix in the chopped celery ribs and walnuts. Celery brings that crispness and freshness, while walnuts add great texture and a hint of earthiness. If you toast your walnuts beforehand, that nutty flavor really pops.

Step 3: Whip the Cream and Mix the Dressing

Whip your heavy cream until soft peaks form — if you’ve never whipped cream by hand, just go slow and steady. Meanwhile, whisk together the mayonnaise, sugar, salt, and the remaining lemon juice. Then gently fold the whipped cream into this mayo mixture. This creates a light, fluffy dressing that keeps the salad from getting too heavy.

Step 4: Combine and Chill

Gently fold the dressing into your apple, celery, and walnut mixture. Go easy—you want everything coated but still keep that texture. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving; this really brings all the flavors together.

How to Serve Waldorf Salad Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a few extra walnut halves on top right before serving—it adds a nice visual touch and a little extra crunch. Sometimes, I also add a little fresh parsley or mint for color and a pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

This Waldorf Salad Recipe pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or turkey, making it an easy and elegant meal. I’ve also enjoyed it alongside a simple green salad or warm baguette for a delicious lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve this salad in individual glass jars or lettuce cups. It looks festive and keeps portions neat. Another fun trick is layering it with a bit of smoked salmon or avocado for an upscale twist that guests always ask about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the fridge and recommend eating it within 1-2 days. The apples might soften a bit, but the salad still tastes great. Just give it a gentle stir before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t something I do with this salad because the texture changes too much—the apples and celery lose crunch when thawed. I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerating for short-term storage instead.

Reheating

Since Waldorf Salad is best served chilled, I don’t reheat it. If you want to serve it later, just make sure to give it a gentle toss straight from the fridge to refresh the flavors and textures.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Waldorf Salad Recipe turns out every time—it’s the perfect mix of creamy, crunchy, and fresh, with flavors that feel both nostalgic and timeless. When I first tried making it myself, I was surprised how simple the ingredients are, yet they come together to create such a classic dish that still impresses. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family lunch or a fancy gathering, I promise you’ll enjoy the delight it brings to the table. Give it a try soon—I’m betting this will become a new go-to recipe in your kitchen just like it is in mine!

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