This classic Waldorf salad hits every mark! You can serve it for Thanksgiving dinner, a backyard cookout, a potluck contribution, or a random weeknight when you want something fresh alongside takeout pizza. Crisp apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and sweet grapes come together with a creamy dressing that has been winning people over for decades.
You will love the balance in this version of the classic recipe. Each bite gives you sweet, tart, creamy, and crunchy all at once. It’s one of those rare recipes where the sum really is greater than its parts.
If you think Waldorf salad is old-fashioned or too mayo-heavy, then you need to try this lighter version. I use just enough dressing to coat everything without drowning the ingredients. The result tastes fresh, not like you’re eating a bowl of mayonnaise with fruit mixed in!
All that makes this one of my favorite Thanksgiving side dishes! While the turkey might stress me out and the stuffing needs attention, this Waldorf salad sits there looking perfect, getting better as the flavors blend.
Let me show you the simple steps to make this salad, along with all my best tips for making it turn out perfectly every time. You’ll see why this fabulous salad has been winning people over for decades!
Looking for more vintage side dishes? Try ambrosia salad, ratatouille, or creamy cucumber salad.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Read my disclosure policy.
Ingredient Notes
For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below
- Apples: Green apples like Granny Smith are perfect here since their tartness balances the sweet dressing.
- Grapes: Make sure these are seedless!
- Nuts: I like using a mix of pecans and walnuts for varied texture and flavor.
- Celery
- Mayonnaise
- Yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Salt
How to Make Waldorf Salad
- Toast the nuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 3-4 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and stir constantly. Let them cool before chopping.
- In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped celery, halved grapes, and the toasted nuts you just prepared.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and salt until smooth and well combined.
- Save the apples for last. Core them and cut into small, bite-sized cubes, then add them to your bowl with the other ingredients.
- Pour the creamy dressing over your salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. If you have time, pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes.
Serving Ideas
This classic Waldorf salad is easy to dress up or down depending on the occasion! When I’m serving it for a casual family lunch, I scoop it onto a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. But it also makes an elegant addition to any holiday spread or special occasion.
Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this crispy, creamy salad:
- Alongside roasted turkey or chicken
- As a light lunch paired with crusty bread
- Spooned into lettuce cups for a low-carb option
- At picnics or potlucks (make sure to keep it chilled)
If you’re taking this to a gathering, pack the dressing separately and toss it just before serving. This keeps everything nice and crisp.
How to Store
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, when the apples and celery are at their crunchiest. But if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
The apples may brown slightly and release juice over time, so give the salad a quick stir before serving.
Tips & Tricks
Be sure to check out the step by step instructions
- My favorite apple for this salad is Granny Smith, because they’re crisp and tart. But any firm apple, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, works great too. Just avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, because they tend to get mushy too quickly.
- I always make this salad right before serving. While it’s still good the next day, nothing beats the fresh crunch of just-made Waldorf salad!
- If you need to prep this in advance, you can chop the celery and toast the nuts the day before. Just wait to cut the apples until you’re ready to serve – they’re the most time-sensitive ingredient.
- Toasting the nuts does make a difference in the flavor.
- If you are serving this around Thanksgiving, add some dried cranberries to make it even more seasonal.
Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 apples firm apples like Granny Smith
- 1 small bunch of seedless grapes
- 1/2 cup celery stalks finely chopped
- 1/3 cup pecans and walnuts chopped
- 2 pinches salt
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons plain yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Toast the pecans and walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring constantly. Let cool slightly, then chop finely.1/3 cup pecans and walnuts
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped celery, halved grapes, and toasted nuts.1/2 cup celery stalks, 1 small bunch of seedless grapes
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, and salt until smooth.3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 pinches salt
- Wash and core the apples, then cut them into small cubes. Add to the bowl with the celery and grapes. Pour the dressing over the salad.2 apples
- Gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving if desired.
Notes
- My favorite apple for this salad is Granny Smith, because they’re crisp and tart. But any firm apple, like Honeycrisp or Fuji, works great too. Just avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, because they tend to get mushy too quickly.
- I always make this salad right before serving. While it’s still good the next day, nothing beats the fresh crunch of just-made Waldorf salad!
- If you need to prep this in advance, you can chop the celery and toast the nuts the day before. Just wait to cut the apples until you’re ready to serve – they’re the most time-sensitive ingredient.
- Toasting the nuts does make a difference in the flavor.
- If you are serving this around Thanksgiving, add some dried cranberries to make it even more seasonal.
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition facts are estimates.
