Crispy apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery and toasted walnuts are enveloped in a creamy sauce in this Waldorf Salad recipe. Originally made for New York City’s rich and elite, this famous salad soon became a staple in every American home.
What is Waldorf Salad?
This famous salad has become embedded in American culture as a timeless culinary classic. This Waldorf Salad recipe features apples, grapes, celery, nuts and raisins and is traditionally served on a bed of green leaf lettuce.  Simple to make, this salad is a fitting dish for both the most casual and formal settings.
Where Did the Waldorf Salad Originate?
As the name suggests, Waldorf Salad originated in none other than the iconic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The day after it’s grand opening on March 13, 1893 a charity ball was held honoring St. Mary’s Hospital for Children. The menu was created by Edouard Beauchamp, the hotel’s original executive chef, and featured a salad created by the hotel’s dining room manager (maitre d’hotel), Oscar Tschirky.
The salad originally consisted of just three ingredients: Red apples, celery and mayonnaise. The salad became an instant success and it wasn’t long thereafter that walnuts also became an integral part of the salad along with other additions like grapes and lemon juice.
Oscar Tschirky (creator of the Waldorf Salad), the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel Dining Room & Kitchen
Whereas several of today’s famous “gourmet” dishes started out as peasant food (e.g., lobster, beef bourguignon, coq au vin), the reverse is the case of the Waldorf Salad:Â It was a dish made exclusively for the “who’s who” rich and elite of New York City but soon became a staple of every American home.
Whereas Waldorf Salad is practically an American icon, it is not well-known outside the U.S.. This fact is showcased in my all-time favorite British sitcom, Fawlty Towers:
An ornery and impatient American guest is seated in the hotel dining room and barks out his order:
“Would you make me a Waldorf Salad?”
A confused Basil replies:Â “A wal….?”
“A WALDORF SALAD!”
[Pausing in confusion]Â “Well, I think we’re just out of Waldorf.”
Waldorf Salad Recipe
The original dressing that was made purely of mayonnaise but we’re going to freshen up the flavor by adding some tangy yogurt and some freshly squeezed lemon juice. In contrast to the crunchy texture of the apples, walnuts and celery we’re also adding a few raisins for a delightful bit of chewiness and some added sweetness. You can add dried cherries if you prefer and during the holidays you can use dried cranberries. Everything is stirred together and served on a bed of green leaf lettuce.
Let’s get started!
Add the apples, celery, grapes, walnuts and raisins (if using) to a large mixing bowl.
In a separate bowl stir together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper.
Pour the dressing over the salad.
Stir to thoroughly combine and coat the salad.
Serve immediately on a bed of green leaf lettuce or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Enjoy!
For more delicious salads be sure to try our:
- Crunchy Broccoli Salad
- Greek-style Grilled Asparagus Salad with Tomatoes and Feta
- Sauerkraut Salad
- Mexican Corn Salad
- Creamy German Cucumber Salad
- Watermelon Salad with Mint and Feta
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain full fat yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- For the Salad:
- 2 cups firm red skinned apples , cored and diced
- 1 cup red seedless grapes , halved
- 1 cup sliced celery
- 3/4 cup toasted chopped walnuts (toast them on a lined baking sheet in the oven at 375F until their color slightly darkens, then let cool completely)
- 3 tablespoons raisins (can also use dried cherries or cranberries)
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients. In a large mixing bowl add all of the salad ingredients. Pour over the dressing and stir to thoroughly combine. Serve immediately, otherwise cover and refrigerate.
Notes
- For a lightened up version you can use light mayonnaise, low fat yogurt, and stevia.
Nutrition
Originally published on The Daring Gourmet January 1, 2020
Susan says
I’ve been enjoying this salad since my mother first made it fifty years ago. Since then, I have tweaked the recipe to create a curried chicken Waldorf salad. I add curry powder to the dressing (to ensure even distribution in the salad) then shredded chicken from a store-bought rotisserie chicken. My family loves this salad and the addition of protein makes this a great lunch.
Mary Sportegan says
The salad was just excellent, thank you very much for the recipe, I’ll put it in my piggy bank
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much, Mary, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Tisha says
Delicious salad with a history lesson! Love it! Waldorf salad is amazing!
Erin says
I know for sure this would be a huge hit in my house!
Sara Welch says
Such a delicious recipe! Perfectly balanced and crunchy; made a perfect lunch!
Kimberly @ The Daring Gourmet says
Thanks so much, Sara, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Nancy says
The best salad around! Love the added fruit and yogurt!
Demeter says
This is always a must have when we have our friends over for brunch. Everyone loves it!
Beth says
We grew up eating this! Always a big hit for family get togethers! Love the yogurt in the dressing!
Erin says
This is such a classic. I love to make a batch and have for lunches during the week.
April says
I love Waldorf salad, it’s one of my favorites! The history lesson was a nice touch. ;)