Waldorf Salad Recipe
While in NYC recently, I had a strong craving for salad – and what better salad to order in the city that never sleeps than a Waldorf Salad, named after the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel.
I got it into my head that I wanted to trek over to the gorgeous white and gold building and enjoy one of their namesake salads in that gilded art deco dining room… and I was only slightly devastated to find out that the entire hotel was closed for refurbishment!
Unable to find a classic Waldorf Salad elsewhere, it was the first recipe on my list to perfect once we got home. So today, I’m sharing with you my best ever, classic Waldorf Salad recipe which will get us through the next three years until the Waldorf-Astoria opens it’s doors again.
There are some fun updates you can make on this salad, but for today, I wanted to go with a straight-up classic take. If you want a more hearty salad, you can add chopped chicken or turkey, stir in some lentils, or even add a chopped egg or two.
A chicken waldorf salad sandwich is also a favorite around here – using shredded chicken and a bit more mayonnaise for a fun take on chicken salad.
My daughter’s favorite way to enjoy her Waldorf salad is to roll up her lettuce like a wrap and eat it with her fingers. Who am I to judge how she eats salad? She’s eating salad. I’m happy.
If you want a lighter take on this classic, swap out the mayonnaise for yogurt – or half of the mayonnaise for yogurt – but really the amount of mayonnaise per serving is minimal so I personally wouldn’t sacrifice taste for a few saved calories or grams of fat.
Ingredients for a Classic Waldorf Salad
- 6 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, sliced in half
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 head Lettuce
Tip: I like using a mix of one granny smith apple and one sweet eating apple, like a Gala or Pink Lady. I also like butter lettuce when available.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Sharp kitchen knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Salad bowl
- Whisk
How to Make a Classic Waldorf Salad
In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
Stir in the chopped apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
Serve on a bed of fresh, cleaned lettuce.
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Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 apples, cored and chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, sliced in half
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 1 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 head Lettuce
Instructions
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Stir in the chopped apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
- Serve on a bed of fresh, cleaned lettuce.
What is your go-to favorite salad recipe? What are your best tips for getting kids to eat salad?
For more family-friendly salad recipes, check out our Hawaiian Macaroni Salad recipe or our Mayo-free Caesar salad recipe.
Check out our other Vegetable Recipes here:
