Creamy Waldorf Salad with Green Apples, Grapes, and Toasted Nuts Recipe
Waldorf Salad is a classic, refreshing dish combining crisp green apples, celery, juicy grapes, and toasted walnuts or pecans, all tossed in a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and honey. Perfect as a light lunch or a vibrant side dish, this salad delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and crunchy textures.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (dairy or dairy-free)
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Salad
- 2 green apples, diced
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup whole walnuts or pecans, toasted and roughly chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Optional
- Butter lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and honey until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy dressing that balances tartness and sweetness.
- Toast the nuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat, add the whole walnuts or pecans, and toast for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and roughly chop the nuts once cooled.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the diced green apples, diced celery, halved grapes, toasted nuts, and finely chopped parsley. Sprinkle kosher salt over the mixture.
- Toss with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
- Serve: For an elegant presentation, serve the Waldorf salad over butter lettuce leaves if desired, or simply transfer to a serving bowl and enjoy immediately or chilled.
Notes
- Use dairy-free yogurt and mayonnaise alternatives to make this salad vegan.
- To prevent apples from browning, toss them quickly in lemon juice before mixing.
- Chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors and crispness.
- Walnuts or pecans can be substituted based on personal preference or allergy considerations.
- Adjust honey quantity to taste for desired sweetness.
