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Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad

The Waldorf Salad is a classic, refreshing salad that perfectly balances the crispness of fresh apples and celery with the creaminess of a mayonnaise-based dressing. Enhanced with toasted walnuts and a touch of lemon juice, this light yet indulgent dish offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors, making it an ideal side dish or light lunch that’s easy to prepare and customizable for various dietary needs.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Vegetables

  • 2 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
  • 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup raisins or 1 cup halved grapes (optional)

Nuts

  • 3/4 cup toasted walnuts

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Wash and dry the apples and celery. Core and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces, leaving the skin on. Slice the celery thinly. Rinse the grapes or raisins, and if using grapes, halve them.
  2. Toast the Walnuts: Spread walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently until golden and aromatic, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
  3. Mix the Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, and fresh lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Gently fold the apples, celery, toasted walnuts, and optional fruit into the dressing. Toss lightly to coat, avoiding overmixing to keep the crunch.
  5. Chill Before Serving: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and enhance freshness.

Notes

  • Choose firm, crisp apples to avoid a soggy salad.
  • Toast walnuts carefully to prevent burning.
  • Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter dressing.
  • Chop all ingredients uniformly for balanced texture.
  • Serve chilled to maximize flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Waldorf Salad, apple salad, creamy fruit salad, classic salad, easy salad, gluten-free salad