Classic Waldorf Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Fresh Fruits Recipe

Introduction

The classic Waldorf salad is a refreshing blend of sweet and crisp flavors, combining apples, grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts. Creamy and tangy, it’s a perfect side dish or light lunch that’s quick to prepare and full of texture.

Ingredients

• 50g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
• 2 apples (we used Granny Smith), roughly chopped
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 100g mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek-style yogurt
• ½ tbsp Dijon mustard
• 150g red grapes, halved
• 3 celery sticks, finely sliced
• 1 romaine or Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated and torn if large

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a dry frying pan over medium-high heat and toast the walnuts for 3-4 minutes until lightly golden and aromatic. Transfer them to a bowl and let cool.
2. Step 2: Toss the chopped apples with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek-style yogurt, Dijon mustard, and the remaining lemon juice. Season well with salt and pepper.
4. Step 4: Add the apples, halved grapes, and sliced celery to the dressing. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Step 5: Arrange the lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the apple mixture over the lettuce along with any leftover dressing.
6. Step 6: Scatter the toasted walnuts on top just before serving for added crunch.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter dressing, swap half the mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt.
• Try adding diced celery root for a different crunch and flavor.
• Use green grapes if you prefer a milder sweetness.
• Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor—don’t skip this step!

Storage

Store the dressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one day. To maintain the best texture, keep the walnuts separate and add them just before serving. If the salad separates slightly, give it a gentle toss before eating. Avoid storing for longer to prevent the apples from browning and the lettuce from wilting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Waldorf salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients in advance. However, it’s best to combine everything and add the walnuts shortly before serving to keep the salad fresh and crunchy.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

You can replace mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt or a combination of yogurt and a little olive oil for a lighter, tangier dressing.

Classic Waldorf Salad with Toasted Walnuts and Fresh Fruits Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.9 from 679 reviews

• Author: Ben
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This classic Waldorf salad offers a refreshing combination of crisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and toasted walnuts, all mixed in a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard. Served on a bed of fresh romaine or Little Gem lettuce, it’s a perfect light and flavorful salad for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nuts

• 50g walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped

Fruit

• 2 apples (Granny Smith recommended), roughly chopped
• 150g red grapes, halved
• 1 lemon, juiced

Vegetables

• 3 celery sticks, finely sliced
• 1 romaine or Little Gem lettuce, leaves separated and torn if large

Dressing

• 100g mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Greek-style yogurt
• ½ tbsp Dijon mustard

---

Instructions

1. Toast the Walnuts: Heat a dry frying pan over medium-high heat and toast the walnuts for 3 to 4 minutes until they become lightly golden and aromatic. Transfer them to a bowl and leave to cool completely.
2. Toss Apples with Lemon Juice: To prevent browning, toss the roughly chopped apples with a splash of the lemon juice. This keeps the fruit fresh and vibrant.
3. Prepare the Dressing: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and the remaining lemon juice. Season the dressing well with salt and pepper to your taste. This dressing can be refrigerated for up to two days if needed.
4. Combine Fruits and Vegetables with Dressing: Add the apples, halved grapes, and finely sliced celery into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together thoroughly in a large bowl to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Assemble the Salad: Arrange the separated lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Spoon the apple mixture along with any remaining dressing over the lettuce.
6. Garnish and Serve: Scatter the toasted walnuts on top of the salad just before serving to maintain their crunch and flavor.

Notes

• For extra freshness, chill the salad for 15 minutes before serving.
• To make it vegan, substitute mayonnaise with vegan mayo and yogurt with a plant-based alternative.
• The salad dressing keeps well refrigerated for up to two days.
• Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firm texture which balances the sweetness of grapes.
• Can be served as a light lunch or as a side dish for main meals.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Waldorf salad, apple salad, walnut salad, classic salad, healthy salad, creamy dressing, fruit and nut salad