Introduction

Best Waldorf Salad Recipe is crisp, creamy, and refreshingly sweet—juicy apples and grapes tossed with crunchy celery and walnuts in a lightly tangy dressing. First created in the late 1800s, this timeless salad remains a favorite for lunches, holidays, and potlucks thanks to its perfect balance of textures and flavors. Simple, elegant, and endlessly adaptable, Waldorf salad proves that classics endure for a reason.

Why you’ll love this recipe

Crisp, fresh, and lightly creamy
No cooking required
Ready in 15 minutes
Perfect for make-ahead meals
Great as a side or light main

Ingredients (serves 4–6)

2 crisp apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
1½ cups seedless grapes, halved
½ cup celery, thinly sliced
½ cup walnuts, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp honey or sugar (to taste)
Salt to taste
Optional: lettuce leaves for serving

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small bowl
Knife + cutting board
Spatula or spoon

Step-by-step process (detailed)

1. Prepare the fruit

Wash and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Immediately toss with lemon juice in a large bowl to prevent browning and add brightness.

2. Cut remaining ingredients

Halve the grapes, slice the celery thinly, and chop the walnuts. Uniform pieces ensure even texture in every bite.

3. Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, honey (or sugar), and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

4. Combine the salad

Add grapes, celery, and walnuts to the bowl with apples. Pour the dressing over the top.

5. Toss gently

Fold everything together gently until evenly coated. Take care not to crush the fruit.

6. Chill briefly

Cover and refrigerate 20–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the salad to crisp up.

7. Serve

Serve chilled on its own or spooned over crisp lettuce leaves for a classic presentation.

Mistakes to avoid

Skipping lemon juice — browned apples
Overmixing — bruised fruit
Too much dressing — heavy texture
Warm serving — muted flavor
Old apples — soft, bland salad

Variations of the Best Waldorf Salad Recipe

Lightened — replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt
Chicken Waldorf — add cooked, diced chicken breast
Vegan — use plant-based mayonnaise
Nut-Free — omit walnuts or use sunflower seeds
Extra Sweet — add dried cranberries

Tips for storage & make-ahead

Refrigerate up to 24 hours
Stir gently before serving
Best eaten fresh for crunch
Keep apples crisp with lemon

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples work best?
Crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes—best within one day.

Is Waldorf salad sweet or savory?
Balanced—lightly sweet with creamy tang.

Can I serve it as a main?
Yes—add chicken or extra nuts for protein.

Conclusion

Best Waldorf Salad Recipe is a timeless favorite—crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing in perfect harmony. Fresh, simple, and elegant, it’s a salad that fits just as beautifully on a holiday table as it does in an everyday lunch.