Looking for more salads? Try my Broccoli Salad, Watermelon Salad, or Asian Chicken Salad!
Why I love this salad:
Classic – This recipe has been around since the late 1800’s in New York City at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel. There are different variations, but they all contain the typical Waldorf salad ingredients of apples, celery, grapes, and nuts in a mayonnaise based dressing. My Childhood – My mom introduced me to this salad long before I knew it’s NY history. She made all kinds of different salads growing up, and I always loved this one. It goes great alongside any many dish, like Braised Short Ribs, Rack of Lamb, or Air Fryer Steak!Quick – All you need is 10 minutes, and it is easy to make ahead!
Best Apples for Waldorf Salad:
I love having one red apple (Honey Crisp or Red Delicious), and one green apple or golden delicious. The different colors make this salad bright, and the the two different flavors give the salad variety and taste great. Make Waldorf Salad Dressing: In a separate bowl stir together the mayonnaise, sugar, red wine vinegar and pepper. Taste and adjust to your liking with a little extra mayonnaise or more vinegar. Toss Together: Coat apple mixture in desired amount of dressing (you may not want to use it all). Serve: Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve cold, on top of bib lettuce or large lettuce leaf.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions:
To Make Ahead: You can make Waldorf Salad few hours in advance, storing it in the fridge until ready to serve. To Store: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
Recipe Variations:
Mix-Ins: Make it your own by adding carrots, berries, pecans, or other nuts! Waldorf Salad without Mayo: You can substitute greek yogurt, but I would recommend still using half mayo. Waldorf Chicken Salad: Top with some fresh Grilled Chicken, or add meatless protein, like my Air Fryer Tofu.
I originally shared this recipe December 2016. Updated March 2020 and May 2022.
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