How To Make A Waldorf Salad (With Apples And Nuts)
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Learn how to make a delicious Waldorf salad recipe with crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and a creamy dressing in just a few simple steps!
Classic Waldorf Salad Ingredients
I bring you a blast from the past, and this is a recipe worth reviving if you haven’t had it for a hot second. Waldorf Salad from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City was made famous over a hundred years ago, but it’s time to bring it back to your dinner table.
With just a few ingredients, you can toss together this easy apple salad with celery and nuts. I honestly had all the ingredients on hand. Make the light and creamy dressing with either mayo or Miracle Whip, milk and lemon juice. The base of the salad is just diced apples, celery and nuts (either walnuts or pecans).
- Mayonnaise
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Milk
- Diced Apples (red apples)
- Diced Celery
- Chopped Nuts (pecans or walnuts)
Apple Salad with Mayonnaise
I discovered this recipe in a Betty Crocker Cook Book of Forgotten Recipes. Honestly, I don’t think this is a recipe that I had ever had personally even though I had heard of it. It looked so easy to make, and since I always keep apples, celery and lemons on hand, I decided it was time to add it to my repertoire.
I tend to share dishes with my parents so that nothing goes to waste. It’s safe to say that this apple salad with mayonnaise recipe was a hit. Mom even added this to her list of favorites along side of my Deviled Eggs. It looks like I’ll be bringing it to every Thanksgiving, Easter and Christmas from now on. It would also be perfect for a bridal shower or baby shower.
How to Make a Waldorf Salad
Step by Step Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, lemon juice, and milk.
- In a large bowl, combine diced apples, celery and chopped nuts.
- Pour the dressing over top of the apple mixture, and gently stir to coat all the pieces in the dressing.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve on it’s own or over a bed of lettuce.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
For the full ingredient amounts and recipe steps for apple waldorf salad, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Recipe FAQs
- Any type of apples work such as Honey crisp, Gala or Fuji apples; traditionally a red apple is used; however, Granny Smith apples would taste great too.
- Refrigerate for a couple hours in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together.
- Walnuts or pecans work perfectly; they both have great texture and crunch.
Recipe Variations
- Use Miracle Whip instead of mayo, or use a combination of the two. Miracle Whip makes a sweeter salad.
- Add diced chicken to make it a main course.
- Diced or halved grapes (red grapes or green grapes) are also a tasty addition, or go with the dried version, and add raisins.
- For a texture more like an ambrosia, add some mini marshmallows.
- Use sour cream or Plain Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
- Want a no-bake dessert recipe featuring apples? Try our no bake apple cheesecake trifle.
Why is it called a Waldorf salad?
The Waldorf salad is named after the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, where it was first created in the 1890s.
What is Waldorf dressing made of?
The creamy dressing that coats the apples, celery, and pecans is made with mayonnaise, freshly-squeezed lemon juice and milk.
What salad is made of apples grapes celery and walnuts?
If you’ve been served a delicious salad containing diced apples, celery, grapes and nuts, then you’ve had a Waldorf salad, named for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel where it originated. This salad has a creamy mayo-based dressing that lightly coats every bite.
Kitchen Tools
Classic Salad Recipes
The word “salad” can mean so many different things when it comes to recipes. We love the classic lettuce/spinach-based salads but we also love a good vintage salad featuring Cool Whip, canned fruit and miniature marshmallows! Here are some of our favorite salad recipes.
- Spinach Salad with Homemade Dressing
- Cornbread Salad
- Cold Dill Seafood Salad
- 5 Cup Ambrosia
- Glorified Rice Salad
- Old Fashioned Bologna Salad
How To Make A Waldorf Salad (With Apples And Pecans)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon milk
- 2 cups unpeeled red apples
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice and milk.
- Dice unpeeled apples and celery. Add to a large bowl with the nuts.
- Add the creamy dressing, and stir to coat all the pieces.
- Refrigerate until ready to eat.
- Eat as a side or over salad greens. Try it served inside a sandwich as a filling
Notes
-
- Any type of apples will work such as Honey crisp, Gala or Fuji apples ; traditionally a red apple is used; however, Granny Smith apples would taste great too. Â
- Walnuts or pecans work perfectly; they both have great texture and crunch.
- Refrigerate for a couple hours in the refrigerator to let the flavors meld together.
- Love apples? Try these easy Caramel Apple Bars.Â
- The nutritional information is auto-calculated and can vary depending on the products used.
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Nutrition
