An updated, lively version of the classic Waldorf Salad recipe combining the crisp sweetness of apples and grapes with the crunch of celery and walnuts, all tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing. Video.
This version of the classic Waldorf Salad recipe is bursting with a lively and refreshing blend of crunchy, sweet, and savory elements. The salad incorporates the traditional ingredients of crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and buttery toasted walnuts. What sets this salad apart is the healthier twist on the dressing, using creamy Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
The dressing, with hints of tangy lemon, rich olive oil, and aromatic coriander, adds a creamy and refreshing element to the salad without overwhelming the natural flavors. Whether you prefer to keep it simple or customize it with additional ingredients like chickpeas, cooked chicken, or dried fruits, Waldorf Salad offers endless possibilities to suit your taste. It’s perfect for any occasion, from holiday feasts to light and refreshing meals.
Love celery? Try this popular soup Simple Celery Soup and this Celery Salad with Lentils, Dates and Almonds!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Waldorf Salad!
- Lively and Refreshing: This updated version of the classic Waldorf Salad is a healthy twist on the original.
- Versatile and Customizable: Whether you prefer to keep it simple or want to make it more elaborate, this salad provides endless possibilities for customization. You can experiment with different ingredients, such as cooked chicken, chickpeas, dried cherries, raisins, dates, or even pomegranate seeds, to add your own unique twist to the salad. We like serving over salad greens and sometimes throwing in a grain like quinoa or wild rice.
- Healthier and Lighter: Unlike traditional Waldorf Salad recipes, often using mayonnaise or whipped cream, this version features a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Greek yogurt adds a tangy and creamy element to the salad while providing a healthier alternative. The dressing also incorporates olive oil, which adds a subtle richness without overwhelming the flavors.
Ingredients In Waldorf Salad
Ingredient Notes:
- Apples: Choose crisp and slightly tart apples. The best apples are varieties such as Fuji, Honey Crisp, Gala or Granny Smith apples, Pink lady.
- Celery: Look for celery stalks that are fresh and crunchy.
- Grapes: Red or green seedless grapes work well in this salad.
- Walnuts: Maple-roasted walnuts add a crunchy caramelized texture. Try other nuts like pecans, hazelnuts or almonds.
- Lemon juice & Zest: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tangy taste to the salad.
- Salt & pepper: Season the salad to taste.
- Greek yogurt: The base of the dressing is made with Greek yogurt, which adds a creamy and tangy element to the salad. It also provides a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. Feel free to use vegan yogurt.
- Olive oil: Olive oil gives the dressing a smooth texture and adds a subtle richness to the salad. Replace with mayo if you prefer for a thicker texture.
- Honey: A small amount of honey is used to sweeten the dressing slightly, complementing the flavors of the fruits. An alternative sweetener may be used if going vegan.
- Ground coriander: Coriander adds a fresh and aromatic touch to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor profile of the salad.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped fresh parsley adds a herbaceous and vibrant flavor to the salad. It also adds a pop of green color.
- Green onion (optional): Minced green onion can be added to the salad for an extra savory layer of flavor.
See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.
Ways to Enhance:
Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to create your own unique Waldorf salad!
- Chickpeas- Complementary texture and plant protein.
- Chicken- Grilled or roasted chicken can be added for an extra protein boost.
- Raisins, cranberries, dates, or other dried fruit.
- Pomegranate seeds: Sprinkle some pomegranate seeds on top for an extra burst of color and juiciness.
How To Make Waldorf Salad:
Roast the walnuts- Preheat oven to 325F. Toss walnuts with maple syrup, salt, and pepper. Spread on a tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through. If needed, bake a little longer until caramelized and golden.
Mix the dressing- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, coriander, salt, pepper, parsley and green onion.
Combine the salad- Toss together the celery, grapes, apples with the dressing. Add walnuts to serve.
The Waldorf salad is at its best when served right away.
Waldorf Salad FAQS
In 1893, Oscar Tschirky, the maître d’hôtel at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, created the original Waldorf Salad recipe. It was first served at a special supper to celebrate the opening of the hotel, which was known as the Waldorf Hotel at the time. The supper was attended by 1,500 guests from Boston, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York.
There are many variations of this vintage classic recipe. Many contain mayonnaise, whipped cream, sour cream, and even mini marshmallows. Our Waldorf salad dressing base is made with yogurt.
The original recipe consists of mayonnaise, salt and pepper. We lighten and brighten this up with Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon zest, fresh parsley, and a touch of honey.
This salad is best made and served within a few hours of making. The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple of days and tastes fine- but the textures and flavors are at their best served immediately.
We haven’t tried this yet, but feel free to use vegan yogurt and an alternative sweetener to make this vegan.
What to Serve with Waldorf Salad
More Salads You May Enjoy
- Endive Apple Salad
- Purple Cauliflower Salad (Sicilian Style!)
- Winter Happiness Salad
- Brussels Sprout Salad
This is a perfect salad to enjoy with the upcoming holiday meals. Hope you enjoy!
Love this recipe? Please let us know in the comments and leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating below the recipe card.
Waldorf Salad Video
Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups 1x
- Category: salad
- Method: tossed
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Waldorf Salad recipe combines crisp apples and grapes with crunchy celery, walnuts and greens, all tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing. Vegan-Adaptable.
Ingredients
Roasted Walnuts
- 1 cup raw walnuts
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 –1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dressing
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt (we use organic whole milk yogurt) or use vegan yogurt
- 1 tablespoons olive oil (or use mayo)
- 2 teaspoons honey (or sub maple or agave)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon coriander
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon green onion, minced (optional but adds a nice balance to the sweet.)
Salad
- 1 cup celery, sliced 1/4 inch thick
- 1 cup grapes, sliced in half
- 1 cup apples (tart crisp varieties like Fuji, Honey Crisp, Gala or Granny Smith apples, Pink lady), cubed or sliced in small strips
- Optional additions- greens, chickpeas, chicken breast, dried cherries, raisins or dried cranberries, dates, or pomegranate seeds.
Instructions
- Roast the walnuts– Preheat oven to 325F. Toss walnuts with maple syrup, salt and pepper. Spread on a tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring half way through. If needed, bake a little longer until caramelized and golden.
- Mix the dressing- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, coriander, salt, pepper, parsley and green onion.
- Combine the salad- Add celery, grapes, and apples to the bowl with the dressing an toss well to combine. Top with walnuts and serve as is or over a bed of greens.
Notes
Optional greens: baby kale, endive, arugula, romaine lettuce leaves, microgreens or sprouts (spicy greens are a nice compliment to the sweet elements).
The leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for a couple days and taste fine- but the textures and flavors are at their best served immediately.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 264
- Sugar: 16.2 g
- Sodium: 258.3 mg
- Fat: 19.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 21.6 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Protein: 5.8 g
- Cholesterol: 2.5 mg
Whoa Nelly! This salad is beyond fabulous. My husband and I had two bowls a piece at dinner and that never happens with salad around here!
So happy to hear this Kathy, really appreciate the review!
I only got as far as making just the dressing. I didn’t have all the ingredients – I made it vegan, don’t use oil, did not have zest, nor fresh parsley (used dried), and didn’t even measure the seasonings. And with all that, the dressing was still delicious!! I look forward to making the whole salad again with missing ingredients and full measurements.
I was hoping with your background that I had finally found a site where recipes would be simple enough for me to make yet company worthy and delicious. You have not disappointed. Thank you so much.
Great to hear Paul. Glad you are finding inspiration!
Excellent!
This yogurt dressing, along with the maple roasted walnuts, makes the salad very special! Thank you.
Great to hear Jude!
Just made this and ate most of it…totally irresistible.
Awesome Julia! Glad you enjoyed.