This salad is also great to have on hand when you’re on the go, you can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. My family has been making Waldorf salad for holidays and special occasions for years. It is one of the most favorite recipes I have ever tried because it’s so healthy and tasty. This recipe is so unique because you can use almost any kind of fruit or veggie that you have on hand or in season. It’s great as a main dish or with simple sandwiches. Sometimes I make this salad to go with our lunch or dinner as a meal on hot summer days or nights. It is a great addition at Thanksgiving and Christmas because it’s colorful and light, a perfect complement to turkey or ham dinners. Are you looking for more Delicious Salad Recipes? Try our uniquely delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make salad recipes: Nuts About Berries Salad, Layered Cold Pasta Salad, Strawberry Spinach Salad, and Mandarin Spinach Salad.
Waldorf Salad Ingredients
The original Waldorf Salad recipe contained only apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Dress it up with any of the following:
Grapes: I always add red or green grapes to my salad. If they are large grapes, cut them in half.Turkey or Chicken: For a main course salad, add turkey or chicken. Cut it into cubed, bite-size pieces. This is a great way to incorporate leftovers into a meal.Pomegranate Seeds: These seeds add a fresh splash of color and taste to the salad.Pineapple Tidbits: Fresh or canned pineapple gives the salad a more tropical taste.Raisins, dried cranberries, or dates: Add some sweetness and chewy texture to this salad by adding raisins, dried cranberries or dates. If grapes are not in season, this is the next best option.Walnuts: Walnuts have become a traditional ingredient in Waldorf salad. I love the added crunch in addition to the crunchiness of the apples. Pecans: Many people have allergy issues with walnuts, making pecans the next best option.Broccoli or Cauliflower: Either of these vegetables are great choices because of their mild flavor and health benefits.Optional ingredients: blue cheese crumbles or feta cheese.Lemon zest: also optional but brings the flavors to life.
Waldorf Salad Dressing
This recipe uses the same creamy dressing as the original Waldorf salad recipe – mayonnaise. The sweetness of the apples and raisins complements the mayonnaise without it overpowering their flavor. Variations have been added to this dressing over the years. For a sweeter dressing, mix 2 teaspoons of sugar or 1 teaspoon of honey into the mayonnaise before it is added to the salad. Stir in a little lemon juice for a fresh, citrus flavor. Substitutions for the mayonnaise can be made as well. For example, use non-fat yogurt, Miracle Whip, Greek yogurt, sour cream, or light mayonnaise for a lighter dressing.
Crunchy Apples are a Must
The best apples for a Waldorf salad are crisp and crunchy! I like using two different varieties of apples when I make it. I prefer a Granny Smith apple and a red-skinned apple, but if they aren’t in season I will use whatever tart apples I can find that are crisp. Honey Crisp, Gala, Fuji, Sweet Tango and Pink Lady apples are some of my favorite, but you can use any apples you have on hand.
Frequently Asked Questions about Waldorf Salad
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More Delicious Salad Recipes
Salads are a fresh and delicious way to get vegetables and fruits into your diet. It doesn’t take a lot to give a salad a little extra flavor and color. These salad recipes are unique, healthy, and easy to make.
Nuts About Berries Salad – This salad is loaded with (you guessed it!) nuts and berries. It is fruity and refreshing.Mandarin Spinach Salad with Candied Pecans – My favorite part of this salad is the pomegranate seeds mixed in with the fruit and pecans. It is so flavorful!Kona Grill’s Red Pepper Coleslaw – Gorgonzola cheese and roasted red peppers give this traditional coleslaw a delicious twist.Asian Cucumber Salad – This low calorie salad is loaded with healthy vegetables and is lightly tossed in a rice vinegar based dressing.Fresh Mango Avocado Coleslaw – If you are lucky enough to find ripe mangoes and ripe avocados at the same time, you have to try this coleslaw! It is so colorful. The textures and flavors go so well together.Greek Side Salad with Greek Dressing – This flavor packed salad will not disappoint. Colorful vegetables, olives, and beans are dressed in an olive oil and vinegar dressing.
Nuts About Berries Salad
Layered Cold Pasta Salad
Strawberry Spinach Salad
Mandarin Spinach Salad
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