Waldorf Salad Recipe (2024)

Waldorf Salad, originally served at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1896, is a fantastic fusion of diced apples, walnuts, celery, and grapes in a simple mayonnaise dressing. Enjoy this creamy delicious fruit-filled salad recipe on a bed of crisp lettuce for a light and easy lunch or dinner.

What is Waldorf Salad?

The Waldorf salad was first created in 1896 in New York City by the Waldorf-Astoria’smaître d’hôtel,Oscar Tschirky, who developed (or at the very least inspired) many of the hotel’s most popular signature dishes.

Originally, the dish came with just apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Now considered an integral part of this all-American salad, it wasn’t until later, sometime before 1928, that nuts (particularly walnuts) had been added.

You will most often find Waldorf salads served on a bed of lettuce or fresh greens and as an appetizer or light lunch.

What is in Waldorf Salad

• Apples
• Celery
• Grapes
• Walnuts
• Mayonnaise
• Sugar
• Lettuce

Variations

• Protein: The addition of chunks of chicken breast or turkey is extremely popular and an easy way to make this light lunch or appetizer a more filling meal.
• Dried fruit. You will sometimes find dates, raisins, or even dried cranberries for extra flavor and texture.
• The creamy dressing: Classic Waldorf salads come with a simple mayonnaise dressing. Feel free to play around with this and add some plain yogurt or Greek yogurt in place of part of the mayonnaise, or even some freshly whipped whipping cream.
• Mix up the fruit: This salad is also great with pears! The key is making sure that you use pears that are ripe, but still firm. You can also add mandarins or pineapple.
• Marshmallows – yes, some variations of this recipe even include mini marshmallows.

How to make Waldorf Salad

1. Combine the grapes, celery, apples, and walnuts in a large bowl. Toss to combine.
2. In a separate bowl combine the mayonnaise and sugar.
3. Add the mayonnaise and sugar mixture to the grape mixture and gently mix.
4. Best served immediately.

Can Waldorf Salad be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes, however, I wouldn’t recommend making it more than one, maybe two, hours ahead of time.

While it is most definitely best enjoyed the same day that it is made, it won’t go bad overnight, so feel free to enjoy the leftovers the next day if you’re up for it. Keep leftovers stored in the refrigerator in a sealed airtight container for best results.

I do not recommend freezing leftover Waldorf salad.

How to Serve Waldorf Salad

Firstly, Waldorf salad is best served chilled. A warm Waldorf salad won’t taste great and may not even be very safe to eat since the dressing is mayo-based.

I like to serve it on a bed of butter lettuce or peppery delicious arugula, but it’s also great with fresh-baked bread, dinner rolls, or even wrapped in a tortilla for an easy, on-the-go lunch or dinner recipe.

Sometimes I’ll add some protein like baked chicken, grilled chicken, salmon, or even pork chops.

Have you tried making this Waldorf Salad Recipe?

Tell me about it in the comments below! I always love to hear your thoughts. And tag me#theforkedspoononInstagramif you’ve made any of my recipes, I always love to see what you’re cooking in the kitchen.