This classic Waldorf Salad recipe has fresh grapes, apples, celery, walnuts, and raisins in a creamy homemade dressing. We serve it over Boston Bib lettuce, and it’s an easy salad you can whip up in 10 minutes.
A Waldorf Salad that’s worth the hype.
There are a few recipes that will always remind me of my mom, and this easy Waldorf Salad recipe is one she made often. Waldorf salad has actually been around since the late 1800’s, when it was created at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in NY, and although there are many variations of it they all contain the typical Waldorf Salad ingredients: apples, grapes, celery, nuts, and a mayonnaise-based dressing.
It’s quick to make and serve with any main dish, like Marinated Flank Steak, Braised Short Ribs, Prime Rib, or Baked Salmon.
And don’t miss my other salad recipes, like Broccoli Salad, Cold Noodle Salad, or Orzo Salad.
How to make Waldorf Salad:
Prep Ingredients and Make Dressing: Toss the apples in lemon juice then add celery, grapes, raisins, and walnuts. Combine mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar, and pepper in a smaller bowl. Taste and add more mayonnaise or vinegar to your liking.
Combine: Pour in some of the dressing and stir (you may not want to use all of it). Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy cold, on top of bib lettuce or a large lettuce leaf.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions:
To Make Ahead: prepare salad a few hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, but it is best enjoyed the first day.
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Waldorf Salad
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 red apple (honey crisp, gala or red delicious), unpeeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 green apple (golden delicious), unpeeled and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 rib celery , sliced
- 1 cup red seedless grapes , halved
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/3 cup walnut halves
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or half Greek yogurt)
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- freshly ground black pepper , to taste
- Boston Bib lettuce , or romaine lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Salad: In a large bowl, toss the apples in lemon juice. Add celery, grapes, raisins and walnuts.
- Dressing: In a separate bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar and pepper. Taste and adjust to your liking with a little extra mayonnaise or more vinegar.
- Combine: Coat apple mixture in desired amount of dressing (you may not want to use it all).
- Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve cold, on top of bib lettuce or large lettuce leaf.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
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I originally shared this recipe December 2016. Updated March 2020 and May 2022 and December 2024.
