Waldorf Salad is a true classic that never goes out of style. This beloved dish unites crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and hearty walnuts in a tangy, creamy dressing for a symphony of flavors and textures. Every bite is light and refreshing, making Waldorf Salad a fabulous choice for everything from elegant brunches to casual family lunches. Its delightful balance of sweet and savory, plus the iconic crunch, make it a dish I turn to time and time again—especially when I want something fresh and satisfying in minutes!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Waldorf Salad is how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each component brings its own unique texture, color, or burst of flavor, ensuring that every forkful is a treat. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for each ingredient to make sure your salad truly shines.

Apples: Choose a mix of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for the perfect combination of sweet and tart, plus irresistible crunch.
Red seedless grapes: Slicing these in half makes them easier to eat and evenly distributes sweetness throughout the salad.
Celery: A classic Waldorf Salad staple, celery adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts brings out their rich nuttiness and gives the salad even more depth.
Plain yogurt (or mayonnaise): Yogurt keeps things lighter and tangy, while mayo gives a touch of richness—use what you love or even blend the two!
Golden raisins (optional): For a lovely chew and a hint of sweetness, don’t skip these if you like a more traditional touch.
Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a burst of color and freshness that takes the whole salad up a notch.
Lemon juice: A little squeeze brightens the flavors and helps keep the apples from browning.
Sea salt: Seasoning is key—salt enhances all the other flavors with just a pinch.
Black pepper: Freshly ground pepper gives the finished salad a gentle spicy note and depth.

How to Make Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Toast the Walnuts

Start by toasting the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir them frequently for 2 to 5 minutes until they’re beautifully fragrant and lightly golden. This simple step is completely worth it—the toasty aroma and deep flavor add so much personality to the Waldorf Salad. Once they’re ready, transfer them to a plate to cool while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Prep the Fruits and Veggies

Chop your apples into bite-sized pieces—no need to peel unless you prefer a softer salad. Slice those gorgeous grapes in half, and finely dice the celery for maximum crunch in every forkful. If you’re using golden raisins, have them ready along with a quick chop of fresh parsley.

Step 3: Mix the Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the chopped apples, grapes, celery, cooled walnuts, yogurt (or mayonnaise), lemon juice, and the optional raisins and parsley. Give everything a good toss, making sure every morsel gets lightly coated in that creamy dressing.

Step 4: Taste and Season

Pause and taste your Waldorf Salad—it’s the best part! Adjust the seasoning with a touch of sea salt and black pepper. If you want a bit more tang, add an extra splash of lemon juice. Stir again to blend the flavors together.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

If you have a few moments to spare, pop the salad in the fridge for 15–30 minutes so the flavors can mingle. When ready to serve, spoon the Waldorf Salad over a bed of crisp lettuce leaves for a classic, elegant presentation.

How to Serve Waldorf Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of extra toasted walnuts or a dusting of fresh parsley on top for a little flourish. For extra color and crunch, thinly sliced apples fanned over the top look beautiful, or add a few halved grapes for a pop of shine and sweetness. These finishing touches make the Waldorf Salad look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

Waldorf Salad pairs effortlessly with a variety of sides. It’s perfect alongside sandwiches, grilled chicken, or cold roasted turkey for a light and satisfying lunch. At brunch, I love serving it next to quiches, savory tarts, or a basket of flaky croissants for a crowd-pleasing spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Thinking outside the bowl? Try scooping the salad into endive leaves for a pretty appetizer, or pile it into hollowed-out apples for a whimsical, edible serving vessel. You can even make mini Waldorf Salad cups using lettuce leaves—perfect for picnics and parties!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Waldorf Salad stores beautifully! Just transfer it (without greens) to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh for 3–4 days. If the salad looks a bit dry after sitting, simply stir in a splash more yogurt or mayonnaise before serving to make it creamy again.

Freezing

While Waldorf Salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing (the fresh fruits and veggies lose their crunch and get watery), you can prepare the toasted walnuts ahead and freeze them until you’re ready to use. For best results, enjoy this salad fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat Waldorf Salad—it’s meant to be served cold, straight from the fridge. If anything, a brief chill in the refrigerator just before serving makes it even more refreshing.

FAQs

Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! Waldorf Salad can be made a few hours in advance. In fact, letting it sit in the fridge for a bit allows the flavors to meld. Just hold off on adding any lettuce or greens until serving to keep things crisp.

What are the best apples to use for Waldorf Salad?

I love using a mix of Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for tartness. You can experiment with your favorites—Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady all work beautifully and add their own twist to the salad.

Is there a dairy-free option for the dressing?

No problem! Swap in your favorite dairy-free yogurt or a vegan mayo. The salad stays just as creamy and delicious, and everyone gets to enjoy it.

Can I add chicken or protein to make it a meal?

Definitely! A scoop of diced rotisserie chicken or some cooked shrimp turns Waldorf Salad into a filling, well-rounded meal. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers and makes for a hearty lunch box addition.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

Pecans or almonds make tasty alternatives if you don’t have walnuts on hand, or try pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version with a nutty crunch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a salad that’s crisp, colorful, and delightfully satisfying, give Waldorf Salad a try. It’s quick to prepare, brimming with freshness, and always somehow both comforting and special. I can’t wait for you to discover just how irresistible this classic salad can be!