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- 2 cups Granny Smith apples, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup celery, finely sliced - 1 cup red grapes, halved - 1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped for texture - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, for creaminess - 1/4 cup mayonnaise, to enhance richness - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, to brighten flavors - 1 teaspoon honey, to balance tartness - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste This classic Waldorf salad features fresh produce that bursts with flavor. I love using Granny Smith apples because they add a nice crunch and tartness. They pair perfectly with the sweet red grapes. Celery provides a refreshing crunch, making every bite enjoyable. You also need walnuts for a rich nutty flavor and a great texture. I like to coarsely chop them to keep some larger pieces for crunch. The creamy dressing comes from a mix of plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. This blend adds richness and keeps the salad light. Add fresh lemon juice to keep the apples bright and tasty. A touch of honey balances the tartness of the apples and grapes. Seasoning with salt and black pepper enhances the overall taste. This mix of ingredients creates a delightful and colorful salad that is perfect for any meal. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions to create this refreshing Waldorf salad. Start by dicing the Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. This makes them easy to eat. To keep the apples fresh and bright, toss them in lemon juice right away. The juice helps stop browning. Next, slice the celery into thin pieces. You want them crunchy and fresh. Then, halve the red grapes. This adds a sweet and juicy burst to the salad. For the dressing, take a bowl and combine plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. This mix brings creaminess and smoothness to your salad. Add honey, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until you have a smooth, even texture. This dressing is key to making your salad flavorful. In a large bowl, fold the diced apples, sliced celery, halved grapes, and chopped walnuts together. Be gentle to keep all the pieces intact. Then, pour the creamy dressing over the salad. Carefully mix everything to coat the ingredients evenly. Taste the salad and adjust flavors if needed. Add more salt, pepper, or honey for balance. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes so the flavors blend well. Serve it on crisp lettuce leaves for a bright and tasty dish. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. To keep your apples fresh, start by using lemon juice. After dicing Granny Smith apples, toss them in lemon juice right away. This helps prevent browning. You can also use a mix of water and lemon juice. Soak the diced apples for a few minutes. Drain and dry them before adding to your salad. This step keeps your salad looking vibrant. You can adjust the sweetness and tanginess of your Waldorf salad. If you want more sweetness, add extra honey. For a tangier taste, increase the lemon juice. You can also try different dressings. A bit of apple cider vinegar can give a nice twist. Experiment with your flavors until you find what you love. For a beautiful presentation, serve your salad on crisp lettuce leaves. Use romaine or butter lettuce for a nice touch. You can also add fresh herbs as a garnish. Chopped mint or parsley can add color. Serve the salad in a clear bowl to show off the bright colors. This makes your dish not only tasty but also eye-catching. For more details, refer to the Full Recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fruits in Waldorf salad. Try using ripe pears or sweet strawberries. Each fruit gives a new flavor twist. You can also use different nuts. Pecans or almonds add a nice crunch. Each change can make the salad feel fresh and new. If you want a vegan version, swap Greek yogurt with plant-based yogurt. Use a vegan mayo for creaminess. For gluten-free diets, ensure your mayonnaise is gluten-free. You can also make a low-fat dressing. Use low-fat yogurt and reduce the mayo. These options keep the salad tasty while meeting dietary needs. Waldorf salad shines as both a side dish and a main course. Serve it alongside grilled chicken for a hearty meal. You can also pair it with other salads for a light lunch. Mixing flavors and textures makes it exciting. For a fun twist, serve it in endive leaves or on a bed of spinach. This adds a lovely presentation and taste. For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. To store leftover Waldorf salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly. This keeps the salad fresh and prevents any unwanted smells. Keep it in the fridge right after serving. If you have any extra lettuce, store it separately to keep it crisp. Waldorf salad tastes best when eaten within three days. After that, the apples may start to brown and lose their crunch. The salad will still be safe to eat for up to five days, but the texture might change. Waldorf salad is best served cold. If you need to serve it after refrigeration, just give it a gentle stir. If the salad seems a bit too thick, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of yogurt to loosen it up. Avoid reheating, as it can change the texture and taste. Enjoy it fresh for the best flavor! Waldorf Salad dates back to the late 1800s. It first appeared at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. Chef Oscar Tschirky created this dish for a charity ball. The original recipe included only apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Over time, people added nuts, grapes, and yogurt for extra flavor. Today, we enjoy many versions of this classic salad. Yes, you can prepare Waldorf Salad ahead of time. Make the salad and store it in the fridge. Keep it covered to keep it fresh. I recommend waiting to add nuts until serving. This keeps them crunchy. If you want to serve it later, mix all the ingredients except the dressing. Add the dressing just before serving for the best taste. You can easily swap out some ingredients in Waldorf Salad. Use different fruits like pears or strawberries if you like. If you prefer a vegan option, replace yogurt and mayo with avocado or a plant-based yogurt. For nuts, use almonds or pecans instead of walnuts. These options let you customize the salad to your taste. This blog post covered the making of a Waldorf Salad. You learned about fresh ingredients like apples, celery, and grapes. We discussed how to prepare them, make a tasty dressing, and mix everything together. I shared tips for keeping your apples crisp and customizing flavor. You can also try different fruits and nuts or adapt the recipe for dietary needs. Enjoy your Waldorf Salad, and remember to store it correctly for the best taste. Happy eating!

Classic Waldorf Salad

Experience a burst of flavor with this refreshing Waldorf Medley Salad! Packed with crunchy Granny Smith apples, crisp celery, sweet red grapes, and rich walnuts, this vibrant dish is drizzled with a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish for gatherings, this salad will impress your guests. Click through to discover the recipe and elevate your meal today!

Ingredients
  

2 cups Granny Smith apples, diced into bite-sized pieces

1 cup celery, finely sliced

1 cup red grapes, halved

1 cup walnuts, coarsely chopped for texture

1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, for creaminess

1/4 cup mayonnaise, to enhance richness

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, to brighten flavors

1 teaspoon honey, to balance tartness

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Crisp lettuce leaves (such as romaine or butter lettuce) for serving

Instructions
 

Start by dicing the Granny Smith apples into bite-sized pieces. To keep them vibrant and prevent browning, immediately toss the diced apples in fresh lemon juice, ensuring they are evenly coated.

    In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the lemon-coated apples, finely sliced celery, halved red grapes, and coarsely chopped walnuts. Stir carefully to maintain the integrity of the ingredients.

      In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, a pinch of salt, and a few cracks of black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This dressing will add a creamy yet tangy flavor profile to the salad.

        Pour the creamy dressing over the apple and vegetable mixture. With a gentle hand, fold the dressing into the ingredients until everything is evenly coated and luscious.

          Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or honey to achieve the perfect flavor balance according to your preference.

            Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step allows all the flavors to meld beautifully together, enhancing the overall taste.

              To serve, line a platter or individual plates with crisp lettuce leaves, creating a refreshing bed for the Waldorf salad. Spoon the chilled salad on top of the lettuce for an inviting presentation.

                - Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 45 min | Servings: 4