Classic Waldorf Salad – the most popular salad is so easy to make at home. Fresh lettuce, crisp apples, juicy grapes and crunchy walnuts and celery make this classic a favorite.
This delicious salad is perfect with my Easy Grilled Chicken, Parmesan Crusted Salmon or Garlic Herb Chicken and Potatoes.
First served in Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896, this salad is a classic. Originally made with lettuce, apples, celery and grapes mixed in a creamy mayo dressing. Walnuts were added later on and bring a nice nutty taste (especially if you toast them first) and crunchy texture. The combination of juicy grapes and sweet crunchy apples is perfect with celery and lettuce. This Waldorf Salad is a must-try and since it’s so easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time. It’s delicious with grilled chicken, salmon or served as a sandwich salad with chopped chicken.
Ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce
- apples
- grapes
- walnuts
- celery
- dressing
Instructions:
- Start by chopping lettuce, celery, and apples.
- Slice grapes in half.
- Make the dressing in a small bowl.
- Combine all ingredients in a salad bowl. Cover and chill for 1 hour.
The dressing:
This Waldorf Salad is made with fresh vegetables, fruit and nuts, tossed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt and pepper. It’s a simple dressing and pairs well with all the textures in this salad.
Variations:
- add chicken or ham to turn this salad into a healthy and light lunch in croissants, buns or wraps.
- use pears in place of apples
- use pecans in place of walnuts
- use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise
More delicious salad recipes:
- Mediterranean Couscous Salad
- Perfect Caesar Salad
- Chicken Cobb Salad
- Grilled Chicken Salad
- Creamy Cucumber Salad
For more fresh salad recipes, feel free to browse our Salad Category.
If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 😀
Classic Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
for salad:
- 2 cups chopped Romaine lettuce
- 2 apples
- 1 cup grapes
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup walnuts
for dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Place lettuce in large salad bowl.
- Core and chop apples. Slice grapes in half.
- Add apples, celery and grapes to lettuce. Top with walnuts. Toss gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice. Add salt and pepper. Pour dressing over salad. Toss to coat.
Sherry fisher says
Didn’t have grapes so used raisins. My husband loved it.
Jan Fusco says
I’m making this tomorrow night for my bunco group. I noted that you are to refrigerate it for an hour after adding the dressing. Does that not make the lettuce soggy?
Anna says
Hi Jan! I didn’t have a problem with soggy lettuce because my Romaine lettuce was quite crisp. If you are worried about that, store the lettuce separately and add to the salad just before serving. I hope this helps! Have fun at the bunco party!
Fran says
Thanks for posting this classic. I’m serving my vegetarian grand children this with another classic, carrot soufflé. The first course is cream of broccoli soup. Chocolate cake fore desert. Thanks again!
Anna says
Sounds wonderful, Fran! Thank you!
Debbie Tofflemire says
This was one of grandmas Sunday salads. One of my family favourites.
Anna says
Thank you so much, Debbie!
Tanya Schroeder says
This is my favorite salad!
Cheryl S says
One of my favorite salads! Thanks for the recipe
Becky Hardin says
I love everything about this waldorf salad!! Reminds me of summertime cookouts with family.
Natasha says
My grandma used to make a salad like this – I hope this one is just as delicious as hers!!
Sara Welch says
I love the combo of the walnuts with the grapes; so delicious!