There are lots of posts about who has the best Waldorf salad recipe. Since most of them are very similar I have a few more ideas to make yours the best Waldorf salad recipe ever.
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With Thanksgiving approaching and this being the first time in ions that I will be celebrating with my brother, I decided to recreate what I remember of my mother's Thanksgiving dinner.
Something she always made was a Waldorf salad. And my brother requested it this year.
So Waldorf salad, here I come.
I used to make this simple riff for my children which is really an apple yogurt salad.
But this year I'll try to stay true to the classic.
Why This is the Best Waldorf Salad Recipe
Own up to your handiwork. It is the best because you made it!
Truthfully though, I love this Waldorf salad recipe becuase it is so un-complicated.
There are a million ways to make it your own.
Plus this salad is easily made with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
And the original Waldorf salad recipe contains just 3 ingredients!
Apples, celery, and mayonnaise. You can remember that, can't you?
But keep reading for new ideas for this beloved salad.
Main Ingredients in Waldorf Salad
In my version of this apple salad I used:
Apples-both red and green and unpeeled. A combination of sweet and tart works well.
Walnuts-are traditional but pecans are great and most any other nut will be perfect. Be sure to toast the nuts for the best flavor. Glazed nuts help make this the best Waldorf salad recipe ever.
Celery-Use about 1 chopped stalk per apple
Mayonnaise-not Miracle Whip
Honey-Though the Waldorf salad recipe doesn't call for much, you will know it's there. Be sure to use your favorite flavor of honey. Maple syrup also works.
Lemon juice-This helps with flavor and also keeps the apples from turning color. A dash of sherry vinegar also works.
Creative Ideas for Waldorf Salad
As Waldorf salad evolved so did the ingredients involved.
As this Waldorf salad recipe became popular so did the many variations.
Many Waldorf salads contain red grapes sliced in half vertically. Be my guest.
Some contain marshmallows.
Raisins can be added or in this case I added dried cranberries.
Sliced dates or dried cherries would work, too.
Others contain blue cheese.
Nuts can be simply toasted or glazed.
I am loving the TraderJoes maple pecan spiced nuts. Just rough chop and stir in for a flavor burst.
And my favorite is using leftover Waldorf salad to make turkey or chicken Waldorf salad.
Yes, just stir in some chicken or turkey and perhaps a pinch of curry powder and you have lunch.
If you have never tried celeriac, now is the time. This veggie may be ugly but it packs a flavor punch.
I love using it in chicken soup but it can also be used raw.
Peel and slice into rounds and then dice up or julienne and add to this salad for a mild celery flavor.
Waldorf Salad Dressing
Waldorf salad dressing is traditionally mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and salt and pepper.
But I know not everyone likes mayonnaise.
In which case yogurt can be subbed in, as can sour cream.
Use a combination of all three if you like, or just use yogurt.
I would not use just sour cream either.
I've also seen many a recipe that adds whipped cream.
Not that I've tried it but if that's your jam, go for it.
And speaking of jam. Want some extra flavor? Stir in just a spoonful of your favorite jam or chutney and add a hint of your personality.
I zhuzh mine up with a spoonful of Dijon mustard.
That's my fave and when I use the leftovers for turkey salad I often add a pinch of dried tarragon.
Any seasonings can be added to Waldorf salad dressing.
Salt and pepper is standard but if you want spice don't be afraid to add some extra black pepper.
And of course there is also cinnamon.
If you have a favorite spice mix try stirring a bit into the mayo and if you think that would be a good dressing then go for it.
FAQ's
Who invented Waldorf Salad?
Can Waldorf Salad be made ahead?
What is Waldorf Salad dressing made of?
What to Serve the Best Waldorf Salad Recipe With
Well, you do know this goes great with turkey. With roast chicken. With pork tenderloin and fried chicken.
Of course it is also awesome as turkey or chicken salad.
Try it on a bed of lettuce and add some sliced roast chicken or even some fried chicken tenders.
This easy apple salad makes a great change from coleslaw and is perfect served as a side to most any sandwich.
Even peanut butter and jelly!
This traditional Waldorf salad can be adapted so many ways and seems to be popular with everyone.
Tell me what you'd serve this best Waldorf salad recipe with. I'd love to hear!
Other Apple Salads
Chopped Apple Kale Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
I'd love to hear if you make this recipe!
Please share a review or rate the recipe,
and be sure to tag me on social!
Recipe
Best Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 Minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 Servings 1x
- Category: Side dish/Salads
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Waldorf Salad is a tradition at Thanksgiving but the truth is this crunchy apple, celery, walnut salad is good any time!
Ingredients
⅓ cup mayonnaise, yogurt, sour cream or whipped cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1-2 t Dijon mustard (optional)
½ teaspoon kosher salt (such as Diamond Crystal)
¼ teaspoon black pepper, plus more for serving
2 crisp red or green apples, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, or one of each (peeled or not), I slice into rounds and then stack and cut into cubes, leaving the center behind.
1 cup thinly sliced celery (2 to 3 ribs), plus optional leaves for serving (I slice thinly on the diagonal.)
¼ c dried cranberries, ooarsely chopped
½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted or glazed nuts, coarsely chopped with a few whole ones for the top.
Instructions
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt and pepper and Dijon, if using.
Core and dice the apples into ¾-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl, with the celery, nuts and cranberries.
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Garnish with celery leaves, if using, along with a pinch of black pepper. Store, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
Notes
Tip
To toast the walnuts or pecans, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the walnuts on a sheet pan and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until toasted. Set aside until cool, then coarsely chop.
See above posts for more substitutions or creative ideas.
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Adding cranberries and nuts adds additional sweet tart flavors and crunch. As does your dressing.