Waldorf Salad
A crisp, refreshing salad that balances sweet apples, crunchy celery, and juicy grapes in a creamy, tangy dressing. A timeless American classic from the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, ready in minutes and perfect as a light lunch or elegant side.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~4 min
Toast the walnuts.
Place walnuts in a small dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-4 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until fragrant and lightly golden. Remove from heat and let cool, then roughly chop.
TIPWatch the walnuts carefully — they burn quickly once they start toasting. - prep · ~7 min
Prepare the fruits and celery.
1.Core the apples and cut into small bite-sized cubes (no need to peel).2.Toss apple cubes immediately with 1 teaspoon lemon juice to prevent browning.3.Slice celery stalks thinly.4.Halve the grapes. - mix · ~1 min
Make the dressing.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, remaining lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- mix · ~2 min
Toss the salad together.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, and grapes. Pour the dressing over the top and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Sprinkle in most of the toasted walnuts, reserving a few for garnish, and fold once more.
TIPFold gently to keep the apples from breaking down and becoming mushy. - assemble · ~2 min
Plate and garnish the salad.
1.Arrange butter lettuce leaves on four serving plates.2.Spoon a generous cup of the salad mixture onto each bed of lettuce.3.Scatter the reserved toasted walnuts over the top of each serving. - serve
Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for a colder salad.
While best enjoyed fresh, the salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Stir gently before serving if made ahead.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Toss the diced apples immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning and add brightness.
- 2Toast the walnuts just until fragrant — they go from golden to burnt in seconds.
- 3Use a crisp apple variety like Gala or Fuji to ensure the salad stays crunchy, not mealy.
- 4Fold the dressing into the salad gently to keep the apple cubes intact and the grapes from breaking.
- 5For a make-ahead option, prepare all components separately and toss just before serving to maintain texture.
- 6If making ahead, store the salad and lettuce leaves separately to keep the leaves from wilting.
Adapt it for your goals.
High-protein
Add 1 cup of cubed cooked chicken or turkey to the salad for a more substantial, protein-rich main course. The savoury meat complements the sweet fruit and creamy dressing perfectly.
veganVegan
Substitute the mayonnaise with a plant-based vegan mayonnaise or a thick cashew cream. The dressing will remain creamy and tangy, making the salad fully plant-based.
low oilLow-oil
Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of thick plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat) for a lighter dressing with a tangy, creamy consistency and fewer calories.
nut freeNut-free
Omit the walnuts and replace them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a nut-free version with a similar crunchy texture. Toast the seeds lightly to enhance their flavour.
sweet savorySweet-savory
Add 2 tablespoons of crumbled blue cheese or shaved Parmesan to the finished salad for a sharp, salty contrast that elevates the sweetness of the grapes and apples.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Apples, celery, and walnuts provide a good amount of fiber, supporting healthy digestion and helping you feel full and satisfied after a light meal.
Heart-Healthy Fats
The walnuts and olive oil (if used) supply unsaturated fats, which are beneficial for maintaining healthy cholesterol levels and supporting cardiovascular health.
Source of Antioxidants
Red grapes contain resveratrol and other antioxidants, while apples provide quercetin, both of which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Low in Refined Sugar
This salad uses the natural sugars from fruit rather than added sweeteners, making it a smart choice for those monitoring their sugar intake.
Vitamin C Boost
Lemon juice and fresh apples contribute vitamin C, which supports the immune system and helps the body absorb iron from other foods.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can prepare the salad up to 2 days ahead, but store it in an airtight container and stir gently before serving. For maximum crunch, keep the apples and dressing separate and combine right before eating.
