Waldorf Salad

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This updated Waldorf Salad recipe has all the classic components (apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts) but a modern mayonnaise dressing that is lightened with whipped cream. It’s a tasty blast from the past that makes an excellent party salad.

A white, textured serving bowl with waldorf salad in it.


 

While the original Waldorf Salad originated in New York City at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, the salad smacks of Midwestern taste and sensibilities.

Nothing screams “Midwest!” like a salad dressing made with whipped cream and mayonnaise (except maybe one made with Miracle Whip). Waldorf Salad bears a striking resemblance to Creamy Cucumber Salad, Snickers Salad, Grape Salad, and 24-Hour Fruit Salad, and not just in the dressing.

Waldorf Salad is made with crunchy apples and celery, either grapes or raisins, and walnuts (although the walnuts weren’t in the original). The whole salad is typically served on a bed of lettuce, although I didn’t include that here. I imagine Waldorf Salad at a potluck, and a bed of lettuce leaves is just too fussy for this Midwesterner.

But if you’re enjoying it for a lunch, a bed of lettuce would be a nice, New York touch.

Recipe ingredients

Labeled ingredients for Waldorf Salad.

At a Glance: Here is a quick snapshot of what ingredients are in this recipe.
Please see the recipe card below for specific quantities.

Ingredient notes

  • Grapes: Some people prefer a Waldorf Salad with raisins instead of grapes. To substitute raisins, combine ¾ cup raisins and ¼ cup water in a small bowl. Cover and microwave until the water boils, about 1 minute. Remove from microwave and let stand until the raisins are plump and most of the water has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Drain any remaining water.
  • Walnuts: To toast the walnuts, in a dry skillet over medium heat, cook walnuts until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 2 to 5 minutes.

Step-by-step instructions

  1. To a large mixing bowl, add the diced apples and sprinkle with the sugar and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Add the celery, grapes, and nuts.
Ingredients for Waldorf salad in a bowl before adding dressing.
  1. In the mixing bowl of a standing mixer on medium speed, or by hand in a large bowl, whip the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Using a spatula, fold in the mayonnaise.
Dressing for waldorf salad in a silver mixing bowl.
  1. Gently fold into the apple mixture and season to taste with salt (I like ½ teaspoon).
Waldorf salad being after being mixed in a clear glass bowl.
  1. Chill at least 1 hour or overnight.
A white serving bowl with waldorf salad in it next to a plate of grapes.

Recipe tips and variations

  • Yield: This Waldorf Salad recipe makes about 6 cups of salad, enough for 6 (1-cup) servings.
  • Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Make ahead: The salad tastes better if you make it a day in advance so the flavors have more time to blend.
  • Freezer: Freezing is not recommended.
Three blue bowls with waldorf salad in them.

Recipe FAQs

What is Waldorf salad dressing made of?

Waldorf salad dressing is traditionally made with mayonnaise. Modern versions add another creamy component to the dressing such as whipped cream, sour cream, or yogurt.

What fruit does a Waldorf salad typically contain?

Waldorf salads are typically made with apples and grapes, along with celery, walnuts, and a mayonnaise dressing, all served on a bed of lettuce.

Is a Waldorf salad vegan?

Waldorf salad is traditionally dressed in a mayonnaise-based salad dressing, so it isn’t vegan.

More classic salads

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A white bowl with Waldorf salad in it.

Waldorf Salad

This updated Waldorf Salad recipe has all the classic components (apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts) but a modern mayonnaise dressing that is lightened with whipped cream. It's a tasty blast from the past that makes an excellent party salad.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Chill Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings 6 servings (1 cup each)
Course Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Calories 316
5 from 5 votes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • To a large mixing bowl, add the diced apples and sprinkle with the sugar and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Add the celery, grapes, and nuts.
  • In the mixing bowl of a standing mixer on medium speed, or by hand in a large bowl, whip the whipping cream until soft peaks form. Using a spatula, fold in the mayonnaise.
  • Gently fold into the apple mixture and season to taste with salt (I like ½ teaspoon). Chill at least 1 hour or overnight.

Notes

  1. Grapes: Some people prefer a Waldorf Salad with raisins instead of grapes. To substitute raisins, combine ¾ cup raisins and ¼ cup water in a small bowl. Cover and microwave until the water boils, about 1 minute. Remove from microwave and let stand until the raisins are plump and most of the water has been absorbed, about 5 minutes. Drain any remaining water.
  2. Walnuts: To toast the walnuts, in a dry skillet over medium heat, cook walnuts until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 2 to 5 minutes.
  3. Yield: This Waldorf Salad recipe makes about 6 cups of salad, enough for 6 (1-cup) servings.
  4. Storage: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  5. Make ahead: The salad tastes better if you make it a day in advance so the flavors have more time to blend.
  6. Freezer: Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 316kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 4gFat: 27gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 14gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 66mgPotassium: 223mgFiber: 3gSugar: 13gVitamin A: 353IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 39mgIron: 1mg
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Meggan Hill is a classically-trained chef and professional writer. Her meticulously-tested recipes and detailed tutorials bring confidence and success to home cooks everywhere. Meggan has been featured on NPR, HuffPost, FoxNews, LA Times, and more.

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Comments

    1. We just got them in at the store this summer here in Alaska. They are great!! Sweeter than most. And crunchy even when ripe. I haven’t noticed them browning-I have one on my desk from yesterday and no, it has not browned.5 stars