Crisp apples, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing
Classic Waldorf Salad
Classic Waldorf Salad
15 minEasy
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
0 min
Total Time
15 min
Servings
4
4 cups
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Classic Waldorf Salad
Crisp apples, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing
A timeless Waldorf salad with crisp apples, seedless grapes, crunchy walnuts, and celery in a light mayonnaise dressing.
15m
Prep Time
0m
Cook Time
15m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
The Waldorf salad was born at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City in the 1890s and has barely changed since — because perfection needs no improvement. Crisp apple, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts are bound in a light creamy dressing.
It is elegant in its simplicity and strikes a perfect balance of sweet, crunchy, and creamy. Serve it as a refreshing side or over a bed of greens for a light lunch.
Ingredients
- 2 crisp apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), diced
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
PrepDaily Use
Test Kitchen Pick
Chef Knife
Helpful Tool
Why a sharp knife helps here
When the recipe is mostly prep, the tool that matters most is the one doing the cutting. A sharp chef’s knife makes the whole process faster and cleaner.
This recipe is won or lost in prep speed and cleaner cuts.
- Speeds up chopping and slicing
- Makes prep more consistent and less frustrating
A good chef’s knife is still the single most useful kitchen upgrade for prep-heavy cooking.
Shop chef knife options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Dice apples and toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- 2
Combine apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, and toasted walnuts in a large bowl.
- 3
Whisk together mayonnaise, a splash of lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- 4
Pour dressing over the salad and fold gently to coat without crushing the fruit.
- 5
Serve immediately on a bed of butter lettuce or in individual cups.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Best enjoyed fresh -- prepare the dressing separately if making ahead
Substitutions
MayonnaiseGreek yogurt
Lighter and tangier.
WalnutsPecans or almonds
Both add a similar crunch.
GrapesDried cranberries
A drier texture with a tart sweetness.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Use the crispest, freshest apples you can find — mealy apples ruin the texture.
Dried cranberries make a lovely addition in the fall.
Toast walnuts in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes for the best flavor.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 1 day. The apples may soften slightly.
Reheating
Not applicable — serve cold.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 cup) · 4 servings
Calories240
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein16g
Carbohydrates22g
Fat4g
Fiber2g
Sugar3g
Sodium200mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Which apples are best?
- Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady — anything crisp and firm.
- Can I make it lighter?
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier version.
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
View all recipes →Some product links on this page may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate RecipePool earns from qualifying purchases.
Featured in: 15-Minute Meals
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