Simple Waldorf Salad

There is something about a Waldorf salad that seems very posh, in no small part because it originates from New York’s Waldorf Astoria. It was first served in 1893 as part of the hotel’s opening celebrations, and you can channel that elegance (and sweetness) with this easy Waldorf salad.

This tangy-sweet salad has persisted throughout history, inviting numerous variations, but this one is pretty straightforward. It only requires some chopping and time chilling in the fridge before it’s ready to eat.

Easy Waldorf Salad Ingredients

• Gala or Honeycrisp apples: These types of apples are sweet and crisp, ideal for salads.
• Celery: Celery offers crunch and a mild bitterness that complements the fruit.
• Raisins: Sweet and chewy, raisins offer a nice contrast to the crunchier, more savory ingredients.
• Walnuts: You can buy them toasted or toast them yourself, but it adds a warmer, deeper taste.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, mayonnaise is essential to a Waldorf salad. If you’re skeptical, give it a chance; it will pair well with the sweetness of the fruit.
• Plain yogurt: This combines with the mayonnaise for a little tartness.

Directions

Step 1: Combine ingredients

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Combine the apples, celery, raisins and walnuts. Add the mayonnaise and yogurt, and toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.

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Easy Waldorf Salad Variations

• Sweeten it up: When you want the dish to be a little sweeter, use whipped cream instead of yogurt.
• Upgrade the dressing: Add a spritz of lemon juice and some honey to the yogurt and mayonnaise mixture for a sweeter, brighter dressing.
• Make it a meal: To make your Waldorf salad a little heartier, add some baked chicken or tofu.
• Go red: To lean more into dessert than dinner, add some chopped maraschino cherries and put some of the juice in the mayo mixture.

How to Store Easy Waldorf Salad

Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two or three days.

Can you make this easy Waldorf salad ahead of time?

The finished salad tastes great after chilling overnight. You can also do some of the prep, such as chopping the celery and nuts, ahead of time. Just wait to chop the apples, since they’ll brown.

Easy Waldorf Salad Tips

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Should I peel the apples in this recipe?

Keeping skin on is pretty traditional for a Waldorf salad. It adds a pop of color, the skin is rich in nutrients and it saves you prep work.

What should I pair with this easy Waldorf salad?

Easy Waldorf salad is delicious alongside roasted turkey or baked ham, complementing the salad’s sweetness. You can also bake some sourdough bread to serve with it.

How do I toast walnuts?

You can toast nuts easily in the microwave, oven, stovetop or even air fryer. It’s fast and easy, and this step will impart extra crunch and nutty flavor that can add more oomph to your salad.