Waldorf Salad
Waldorf Salad is a timeless classic salad featuring crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts combined in a creamy dressing. This refreshing and light dish offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying crunch, making it ideal for summer meals, picnics, or barbecues.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-cook (toasting nuts on stovetop)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 2 crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), washed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 stalks celery, thinly chopped
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/4 cup grapes or raisins for added sweetness
- Prepare the Apples and Celery: Wash the apples thoroughly and cut them into bite-sized cubes, keeping the skin on to maintain texture and nutrients. Chop the celery thinly to ensure crispness in every bite.
- Toast the Walnuts: Lightly toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until they become fragrant and golden brown. Allow them to cool completely to retain maximum crunch.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise or yogurt with fresh lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a creamy, tangy dressing that complements the fresh ingredients.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the prepared apples, celery, and toasted walnuts into the dressing, ensuring all components are evenly coated without bruising the crisp ingredients.
- Chill Before Serving: Place the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and to keep it refreshingly cold when served.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples to ensure the salad stays crunchy and flavorful.
- Toast nuts lightly to enhance flavor but avoid over-toasting to prevent bitterness.
- Chop apples and celery just before serving to maintain their freshness and crunch.
- Add dressing gradually to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
- Keep the salad chilled for the best refreshing experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Waldorf Salad, apple salad, celery salad, summer salad, creamy salad, walnut salad, light meal, gluten free