The Waldorf salad, a timeless classic that never goes out of style. With its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, crunchy textures, and fresh ingredients, it’s no wonder this salad has been a staple at picnics, potlucks, and dinner parties for generations. But what makes the Waldorf salad truly special is its versatility – whether you’re looking for a traditional recipe or something new and exciting, there’s a version out there to suit every taste and occasion.
In this article, we’ll be exploring 17 classic Waldorf salad recipes that are sure to impress your friends and family. From the original recipe featuring apples and walnuts to creative twists like vegan and gluten-free versions, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead, get inspired, and start cooking up a storm with these delicious and easy-to-make Waldorf salads!
Traditional Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts
A classic salad that’s perfect for any occasion, this Traditional Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts is a timeless favorite. Crunchy apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy dressing come together in a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple, walnuts, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: None required!
Vegan Waldorf Salad with Dairy-Free Yogurt Dressing
This classic salad gets a vegan twist by substituting traditional ingredients like mayonnaise and honey with dairy-free alternatives. The result is a creamy, crunchy, and refreshing side dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (such as arugula, spinach, and lettuce)
– 1 cup diced apples
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup dairy-free yogurt
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, apples, celery, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dairy-free yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None
Grilled Chicken Waldorf Salad
Experience the perfect combination of flavors with this Grilled Chicken Waldorf Salad recipe! Juicy grilled chicken, crisp greens, and sweet apples come together to create a refreshing and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Gala)
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp vinaigrette (apple cider or balsamic)
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
3. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, blue cheese (if using), and walnuts.
5. Slice grilled chicken into strips and add to the salad.
6. Drizzle with vinaigrette and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Grapes and Celery
This refreshing salad combines the sweetness of grapes and celery with the crunch of walnuts, all tied together with a tangy dressing. A perfect side dish or light lunch option.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced red grape
– 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced grapes, and sliced celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the salad and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Avocado Waldorf Salad with a Creamy Dressing
This refreshing twist on the classic Waldorf salad adds creamy avocado and a tangy dressing, making it perfect for a light lunch or dinner. With its mix of crunchy apples and celery, soft avocado, and creamy dressing, this salad is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 2 ripe avocados, diced
– 1 head of lettuce, chopped
– 1/2 cup of grapes, halved
– 1/2 cup of apple, diced
– 1 stalk of celery, diced
– 1/4 cup of Creamy Dressing (see below)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Creamy Dressing:
– 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, grapes, apple, and celery.
2. Add the diced avocado on top of the greens mixture.
3. Drizzle the Creamy Dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cook Time: None necessary. Prepare just before serving.
Waldorf-Inspired Quinoa Salad
This refreshing quinoa salad combines the flavors of a classic Waldorf salad with the nutritious benefits of quinoa, perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner. With its mix of crunchy apples, tangy walnuts, and creamy avocado, this salad is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 avocado, diced
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, apple, parsley, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste.
3. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture and toss to combine.
4. Top with diced avocado and serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (including cooking time for quinoa)
Kale Waldorf Salad with Maple Vinaigrette
This refreshing salad combines the earthy flavor of kale with the sweetness of maple syrup, perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner. With its crunchy texture and tangy dressing, it’s a twist on the classic Waldorf salad.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups curly kale, stems removed and discarded, leaves torn into bite-sized pieces
– 1/2 cup chopped apple (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/4 cup toasted walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
– 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, massage the kale leaves with your hands for about 2-3 minutes until they become tender.
2. Add the chopped apple, toasted walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese (if using) to the bowl. Toss to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour the dressing over the kale mixture and toss until well coated.
5. Serve immediately, garnished with additional walnuts or blue cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Cranberries and Pecans
Elevate the classic Waldorf Salad by adding sweet cranberries and crunchy pecans to this refreshing mix of greens, fruits, and nuts. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced apple
– 1/2 cup dried cranberries
– 1/2 cup chopped pecans
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apple, and cranberries.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the chopped pecans on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: None (assembly only)
Greek Yogurt Waldorf Salad with Honey Drizzle
This refreshing salad combines the creaminess of Greek yogurt with the crunch of fresh fruit and nuts, finished with a drizzle of warm honey. Perfect for a light and satisfying snack or lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1/4 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, diced apples, and chopped celery.
2. Stir in the chopped walnuts.
3. Drizzle with warm honey (microwave for 10-15 seconds to soften).
4. Season with salt to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: None!
Asian-Inspired Waldorf Salad with Soy Dressing
Elevate your salad game with this unique fusion of Asian flavors and the classic Waldorf recipe, all tied together with a savory soy dressing. This refreshing twist is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as a show-stopping side dish for your next gathering.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup diced apple
– 1 cup diced pineapple
– 1/2 cup toasted pecans
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, pineapple, pecans, and goat cheese.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and ginger until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Walnut-Free Waldorf Salad with Sunflower Seeds
A creative twist on the classic Waldorf salad, this recipe replaces traditional walnuts with crunchy sunflower seeds and keeps all the signature flavors of a delicious and refreshing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced apples
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apples, and chopped celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and apple cider vinegar until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle sunflower seeds on top and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 5 minutes
Waldorf Slaw with Red Cabbage and Carrots
This refreshing slaw combines the sweetness of carrots and red cabbage with the tanginess of apple cider vinegar, making it a perfect side dish for grilled meats or as a topping for sandwiches.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups shredded red cabbage
• 1 cup grated carrots
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chopped fresh parsley or dill (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the shredded red cabbage and grated carrots.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
Gluten-Free Waldorf Salad with Tahini Dressing
This classic salad gets a creamy twist with the addition of tahini dressing, making it perfect for those with gluten intolerance. This recipe is quick, easy, and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup of diced apple (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup of diced celery
– 1/2 cup of diced red grapes
– 1/4 cup of toasted walnuts
– 2 tablespoons of tahini
– 2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, diced apple, celery, and grapes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together tahini and lemon juice until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle toasted walnuts on top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Waldorf Salad Wraps with Turkey
This twist on a classic salad wraps turkey breast, crisp greens, and creamy dressing in a convenient and delicious package perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked turkey breast, sliced
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced apples
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Whole wheat tortilla wraps (6-8)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine turkey, greens, apples, blue cheese, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
3. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
4. Spoon about 1/2 cup of the salad onto the center of each tortilla wrap.
5. Fold the bottom half up, then fold in the sides and roll up tightly.
6. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for up to 24 hours.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Autumn Waldorf Salad with Pears and Cinnamon
Celebrate the flavors of autumn with this refreshing salad, featuring crisp greens, sweet pears, crunchy walnuts, and a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy dinner party or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 ripe pear, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced pear, chopped walnuts, and crumbled blue cheese.
2. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with cinnamon.
3. Toss gently to combine.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Seafood Waldorf Salad with Shrimp and Crab
This refreshing salad combines succulent shrimp and crab with crisp greens and creamy dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a decadent appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup jumbo lump crab meat
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup diced apple
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook shrimp according to package instructions until pink and tender.
2. In a medium bowl, combine crab meat, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. Mix well.
3. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, and chopped walnuts.
4. Add cooked shrimp and crab mixture on top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Deconstructed Waldorf Salad Parfait
This refreshing dessert takes a classic Waldorf salad and turns it into a visually stunning parfait. Layers of creamy yogurt, sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy grapefruit create a delightful treat.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 cups diced Granny Smith apple (about 1/2 inch)
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, honey, and grapefruit juice until well combined.
2. In a separate bowl, combine diced apple and chopped parsley.
3. Layer the ingredients in a glass or parfait dish:
– Bottom layer: Yogurt mixture
– Middle layer: Apple-parsley mixture
– Top layer: Chopped walnuts
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
Cooking Time: None
Summary
Get ready to fall in love with the classic Waldorf salad! This iconic recipe has been a staple at picnics and potlucks for decades. But why settle for just one version when you can try 17 different takes on this timeless treat? From traditional recipes featuring apples and walnuts to vegan and gluten-free variations, there’s something for everyone in this collection of Waldorf salad recipes. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a satisfying main course, these innovative twists will inspire you to get creative with your favorite ingredients.
