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Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe

Close-up of a creamy Waldorf salad mixture, featuring grapes and walnuts, served inside a crisp lettuce cup.

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Make the traditional Waldorf salad featuring crisp apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing, served on lettuce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups crisp apple, diced (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji)
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
  • 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Pinch of salt
  • Pinch of black pepper
  • 4 large crisp lettuce leaves (such as butter or romaine) for serving

Instructions

  1. Place the chopped walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apple, chopped celery, and halved grapes.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt or sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
  4. Add the dressing mixture to the apple, celery, and grape mixture. Gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly.
  5. Stir in the cooled, toasted walnuts, salt, and pepper.
  6. Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  7. To serve, place one large lettuce leaf on each plate. Spoon a portion of the Waldorf salad onto the lettuce bed.

Notes

  • Use a crisp, slightly sweet apple variety for the best texture.
  • Toasting the walnuts deepens their flavor.
  • Add a tablespoon of raisins or a small amount of shredded cooked chicken for variation.
  • If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of yogurt or sour cream slightly.

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