Waldorf Salad – A oft forgotten classic

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of diced apples (use sweet apples like honeycrisp or fuji)
  • 1 cup of chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
  • 1/2 cup of raisins
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup of plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of honey
  • 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Mixed salad greens for serving

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, chopped celery, chopped walnuts, and raisins. Mix well.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. When ready to serve, place a handful of mixed salad greens on each plate and spoon the Waldorf salad on top.
  6. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Waldorf salad!

This recipe makes about 4-6 servings.

In Praise of Waldorf Salad

I have always loved Waldorf Salad, but it wasn’t until a recent neighbor’s get-together that I realized I hadn’t had it in a long time. I was reminded of how much I loved it, so I decided to try and make it at home. I wasn’t sure where to start, but I remembered my Aunt used to make a recipe that was similar to this one (although the real recipe has been lost to time). She would always serve it on Sundays when people came over, and it was always a hit.

One thing I love about Waldorf Salad is that it’s light and refreshing, but still has a satisfying crunch to it. It’s perfect for warmer weather, and I’ve been looking for new salads to add to my summer rotation. This recipe includes all of the classic ingredients, like apples, celery, and walnuts, but I also added some grapes for a little extra sweetness. The dressing is light and tangy, with just a touch of sweetness.

I think this salad is a great addition to any meal, whether it’s a casual barbecue or a more formal dinner party. It’s also a great make-ahead option since it can be stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving. I like to serve it alongside grilled chicken or fish, but it’s also great on its own as a light lunch.

In a world where so many salads are loaded with heavy dressings and toppings, it’s nice to have a simple and refreshing option like this. It’s a classic recipe that never goes out of style, and I’m glad I rediscovered it after all these years.

Some light reading to go with your light fruit salad!

  1. Food Network’s Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/classic-waldorf-salad-recipe-1916127
  2. Epicurious’ Waldorf Salad with Grilled Chicken Recipe: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/waldorf-salad-with-grilled-chicken-232362
  3. The Spruce Eats’ History of Waldorf Salad: https://www.thespruceeats.com/history-of-waldorf-salad-1807699

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