The Original Waldorf Salad Recipe
According to the American Century Cookbook, the first Waldorf salad was created in New York City in 1893, by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d’hôtel of the Waldorf Astoria. The original recipe consisted only of diced red-skinned apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts were added later to this now American classic.
Mayo or Yogurt for Waldorf Salad?
Some prefer their Waldorf salad made with yogurt, instead of mayo. I usually stay in the mayonnaise camp (which is what we are using in this recipe), but feel free to substitute yogurt for the mayo if you prefer. In which case you may need to add some honey to offset the added tartness of the yogurt. Seems like everyone has their favorite version of Waldorf salad! If you have one you would like to share, please tell us about it in the comments.
Ways to Serve Waldorf Salad
You can serve the whole salad on a bed of fresh lettuce, but if you want to serve individual portions of Waldorf Salad, try these presentations.
In martini or coupe glassesOn lettuce cupsIn a large, hollowed out apple
Great Picnic Dishes to Serve with Waldorf Salad
Pan Bagnat (French Tuna Sandwich) Buttermilk Fried Chicken Tomato Galette with Parmesan Whole Wheat Crust Watermelon Gazpacho Apple Pie Bars with Crumble Topping
Some of our longtime readers prefer to omit the salt, but we like the way it offsets the sweetness of the apples and grapes. Stir the apple, celery, grapes, and walnuts into the bowl with the dressing.
