A Waldorf Salad Recipe is one of my all-time favorites. It has the crunchy goodness from Granny Smith apples, walnuts, celery, and grapes. Yes, grapes can be crunchy, too!! In the fall, we get what I believe is an Autumn Crisp grape that is as crunchy as an apple and so deliciously sweet. All year round, though, you can get gorgeous green grapes.
Want more classic salads? Then try our Classic Caesar Salad Recipe or a delicious best-ever Wedge Salad.
A Waldorf Salad consists of celery, apples, walnuts and grapes in a mayonnaise dressing. It sometimes includes turkey or chicken. It first made it onto the scene in 1893 at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City and, from there, grew in popularity.
Why I Love This Recipe
- So easy to make
- Great for lunch
- I love the crunchy, sweet ingredients
- Great for a lunchbox
- A classic that I have had for years
Helpful Items for This Recipe
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Chef Knife, 7.5 Inch High Carbon Stainless Steel
Waldorf Salad Ingredients
Nothing could be easier than this simple salad. I have made it for years when I have grapes in the house, and just absolutely love it for a quick, easy lunch.
Recipe Ingredients
Grapes halved – Try to find the best big green grapes. You can use red grapes, but I find they are never as crunchy as the green and often not as sweet.
Granny Smith apple diced – This apple is nice and crunchy and stays that way even in the dressing.
Walnut pieces – You can toast these ahead of time for added flavor, but if you want this done quickly, omit that and get them in the salad.
Mayonnaise – Some recipes call for the addition of Greek yogurt, but I am not a fan of the added tang in this recipe.
Celery stalks chopped – An inexpensive ingredient to again add in more freshness and crunch.
Pinch of salt – This livens up all the ingredients.
How to Make traditional Waldorf salad
Mix all ingredients together, tossing lightly with the mayo, serve immediately.
Such an easy dish that can be made in no time.
Recipe Pro Tips!
FAQS
Use fresh, quality ingredients for this recipe, as you taste every ingredient.
I like to keep this dish simple, quick and easy with the ingredients shown in the recipe. But you can add the following ingredients, especially if you have them on hand.
- Dried cranberries
- Dried cherries
- Raisins
- Chopped turkey or chicken
- Seeds like pepitas, sunflower
- Change the nuts to pistachio or pecans
- Flaked coconut
- Diced pineapple
- Red or sweet onion
DO YOU LOVE FRESH SALADS AND WANT MORE?
Here are some of our favorite salads to enjoy year-round, just like this wonderful Waldorf Salad.
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup grapes halved
- 1 Granny Smith apple diced
- 1/2 cup walnut pieces
- 1/3 cup mayo
- 2 celery stalks chopped
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together, tossing lightly with the mayo, serve immediately.
Comments & Reviews
Camlle says
Looks delicious! I’ve never made Waldorf – I need to keep it in mind!
Noshing with the Nolands says
It is such a simple and fast lunch. I make it quite often when I think of it.
kathia Rodriguez says
A good classic!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks for coming over Kathia!!
Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips says
Love this classic salad!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Brianne!
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen (@BobbisKozyKtchn) says
I haven’t had a Waldorf salad in forever!! OK this is going on my must make soon list!
Noshing with the Nolands says
It is so darn easy and so darn good!!
Anne @ Webicurean says
There’s nothing like a classic Waldorf salad! I haven’t had that in ages–this looks great!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Anne!
Cheryl King says
Looks like a yummy Waldorf. Glad we were on #Sunday Supper together!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Cheryl!!
Shaina says
The Waldorf salad is such a classic, I’m glad it was included in this week’s crunchy #SundaySupper!! Nice choice 🙂
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Shaina!!
Stacy says
This was one of my grandmother’s favorite things to make but I haven’t thought of it in YEARS. Funny how things become popular and then folks just don’t make them as much anymore. This is a classic for sure, Tara!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Stacy, I have loved this one forever. Great quick lunch!!
Alice // Hip Foodie Mom says
I love a good Waldorf salad . . and this one looks perfect with the crisp apples and walnuts!! yum! Love this!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Alice!
Faye Leong says
Wow…I love the combination of apples and celery….can imagine how crunchy it is!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Your jaw gets a good workout with all that crunch!!
Family Foodie says
Love this salad and you made it look amazing!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank you so much Isabel!!
Dorothy at Shockingly Delicious says
A classic! Great #SS recipe!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Dorothy!!
Renee says
Such a classic salad and with that wonderful crunch!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Renee!
Susan says
Grapes are definitely crunchy! The red grapes I’ve been buying lately have been incredible and crunchy, just the way I like them!
Noshing with the Nolands says
I love crunchy grapes, can’t wait to find them soon!!
Hezzi-D says
This recipe looks crispy, refreshing, and delicious.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much for coming over!!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
Love waldorf salad, its one of my favorites!! I don’t make it nearly enough! 🙁 Your recipe looks delish!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thank you Jennifer!
Bobbi's Kozy Kitchen (@BobbisKozyKtchn) says
I haven’t had a Waldorf salad in forever!! OK this is going on my must make soon list!
Helene D'Souza says
Grapes can’t miss in a perfect waldorf salad. =D
Looks fantastic!
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks so much Helene!
Liz says
Such a delicious classic! And I love my Waldorf with grapes, too.
Noshing with the Nolands says
Thanks Liz!
Helene D'Souza says
Grapes can’t miss in a perfect waldorf salad. =D
Looks fantastic!