Crisp Waldorf Salad with Grapes and Walnuts

A Salad from a Fancy Hotel

Let’s talk about the Classic Waldorf Salad. It started in a grand New York hotel. That was over a hundred years ago. I love that a fancy dish is so simple to make.

It was made for rich party-goers. But you just need a bowl and a spoon. This matters because good food doesn’t need to be complicated. The best recipes are often the simplest. What’s your favorite “fancy” food that’s actually easy?

The Heart of the Dish

The Waldorf salad ingredients are a happy crunch. You need crisp apples and celery. Sweet grapes and toasty walnuts join them. Doesn’t that sound like a perfect mix?

I always use tart apples, like Granny Smith. Their sharp taste is perfect. Toss them with lemon juice right away. This keeps them from turning brown. It’s a little trick I use every time.

The Special Dressing Secret

The Waldorf salad dressing is dreamy. It’s not just mayo. You whip cream until it’s fluffy. Then you fold it gently into the mayonnaise.

This makes it light and cloud-like. My grandson calls it “salad cream.” He loves to lick the spoon. *Fun fact: The original recipe just used mayo. The whipped cream came later to make it extra special.*

Why This Salad Still Shines

This is the best easy Waldorf salad for a crowd. It’s a perfect potluck salad recipe. You can make it the night before. The flavors get even friendlier in the fridge.

This matters because food should bring people together. A simple apple walnut salad can start a conversation. Do you have a go-to dish you bring to parties? I’d love to hear about it.

Making It Your Own

Learning how to make Waldorf salad is just the start. Try pecans instead of walnuts. Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries. Use what you have in your kitchen.

That’s the joy of classic salad recipes. They are like a friendly guide. You can follow them or add your own story. This Waldorf salad recipe is a wonderful place to begin. Will you try the classic way first, or add your own twist right away?

Ingredients:

Instructions

Step 1: Grab your apples and dice them up. Put them in a big bowl. Sprinkle on the sugar and lemon juice right away. This keeps them from turning brown. Toss it all together gently.

Step 2: Now, add your celery, grapes, and walnuts. I love the crunch they add. This is the heart of our classic Waldorf salad. Doesn’t that mix of colors look pretty already?

Step 3: Let’s make the Waldorf salad dressing. Whip the cream until it’s fluffy. Then, gently fold in the mayonnaise. (A gentle fold keeps it light and airy!) This creamy mix is what makes this salad so special.

Step 4: Pour your dressing over the apple mixture. Add the salt and fold everything together. Be gentle so you don’t squish the fruit. Do you think this easy Waldorf salad is better sweet or savory? Share below!

Step 5: Cover the bowl and chill your salad for one hour. This lets all the flavors become friends. I think it tastes even better the next day. Then, your classic salad recipe is ready to serve!

Creative Twists

Try using red grapes for a pop of color. Swap walnuts for toasted pecans for a different taste. Add a handful of dried cranberries for a sweet little chew. Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving & Pairing Ideas

Serve your Waldorf salad on crisp lettuce leaves. It’s perfect for potluck salad recipes. You can also pair it with a simple roasted chicken. This apple walnut salad makes any meal feel special. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Waldorf Salad Fresh

Let’s talk about keeping your salad crisp. Store it in a sealed container in the fridge. It will stay good for one to two days. The whipped cream dressing is best fresh. I remember my first Waldorf salad sat out too long. The apples got soft and sad. Now I always chill it right away.

You can batch-cook parts of this dish. Dice your apples and celery ahead of time. Keep them in separate containers with a little lemon juice. Toast your walnuts in advance, too. This makes putting the salad together so fast. Batch cooking matters because it saves your energy. It means a lovely, homemade meal is always close by.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Salad Troubles

Sometimes salads can be tricky. Here are three easy fixes. First, a soggy salad. Always whip your cream until it is stiff. Gently fold it into the mayo. This keeps the dressing light and airy. I once added runny cream. The whole salad was a wet mess.

Second, brown apples. Toss them right away with lemon juice and sugar. The acid in the lemon stops the browning. This matters for looks and taste. A bright apple is a fresh, tasty apple. Third, bland flavor. Do not skip the kosher salt. It makes all the other flavors pop. Seasoning matters more than you think.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

What is a Waldorf salad made of?

A Classic Waldorf Salad has crisp apples and crunchy celery. It includes sweet grapes and toasted walnuts. The dressing is a mix of whipped cream and mayonnaise. These Waldorf salad ingredients create a perfect mix of textures. It is a timeless, easy Waldorf salad that feels fancy. *Fun fact: It was created at the Waldorf Hotel in New York over a century ago!*

How do you keep apples from browning in Waldorf salad?

Toss your diced apples immediately. Use the lemon juice and sugar from the Waldorf salad recipe. The acid in the lemon juice coats the apple pieces. This stops the air from turning them brown. It is the first step in how to make Waldorf salad successfully. Your apples will stay pretty and white for hours.

What is the original Waldorf salad recipe?

The original was just apples, celery, and mayo. It was served on a lettuce leaf. Walnuts came later, and grapes later still. Our version is a more modern, classic salad recipe. It includes grapes and nuts for extra sweetness and crunch. The whipped cream lightens the Waldorf salad dressing beautifully.

Can I make Waldorf salad the night before?

Yes, you can assemble it the night before. Chill it in a sealed container. The flavors actually blend together nicely. This makes it a perfect potluck salad recipe. Just give it a gentle stir before you serve. It is one of those great retro salad recipes that gets better as it sits.

What is a good substitute for mayonnaise in Waldorf salad?

You can use plain Greek yogurt instead. It gives a similar creamy, tangy taste. You could also use all whipped cream for a lighter feel. Another option is a mild, store-bought creamy dressing. The goal is a creamy binder for your apple walnut salad ingredients.

What kind of grapes are best for Waldorf salad?

Red seedless grapes are my favorite. They add a lovely color and sweet pop. Green seedless grapes work very well too. Just make sure they are crisp and sweet. Halve them so they are easy to eat. They are a key part of this classic salad recipes charm.

Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love making this Classic Waldorf Salad. It is a true joy to share these classic recipes. They connect us to cooks from long ago. Every time I make it, I think of family gatherings. I imagine you creating your own happy memories with it.

I would love to hear about your cooking adventure. Tell me how it went for you and your family. Your stories are my favorite thing to read.

Have you tried this recipe? Let me know in the comments below!

Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington

Crisp Waldorf Salad with Grapes and Walnuts

Author: Danielle Monroe Cooking Method:No Cook Cuisine:American Courses:Lunch Side

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 15 minutesCook time: minutesRest time:1 hour Total time:1 hour 15 minutesServings:4 servingsCalories:245 kcal Best Season:Summer

Description

Classic Waldorf Salad

Ingredients

• 2 cups diced tart apples , or 2 apples
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup grapes , halved
• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans , roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup whipping cream , whipped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

1. Add the diced apples to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the sugar and lemon juice. Toss to coat.
2. Add the celery, grapes, and nuts to the bowl with the apples.
3. In another bowl, whip the whipping cream until peaks form, then gently fold in the mayonnaise.
4. Fold the cream mixture into the apple mixture and season with the kosher salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
5. Chill for 1 hour or overnight. Serve by itself or on a lettuce leaf.

Notes

For best flavor, use crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Keywords:Waldorf Salad, Apples, Grapes, Walnuts, Salad, Classic