There’s something magical about biting into a Waldorf salad—the crunch of apples and celery, the sweetness of grapes, the earthy hint of walnuts. It’s like autumn on a plate, and honestly, who doesn’t need a little more of that these days? Whether you’re a salad lover or just salad-curious, get ready to fall head over heels for this easy and healthy twist on a classic.
Steps
- Begin by adding diced tart apples to a large mixing bowl, then sprinkle them with sugar and lemon juice, ensuring they are well coated. Next, incorporate the diced celery, halved grapes, and toasted nuts into the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whip the whipping cream until peaks form. Gently fold in the mayonnaise to create a creamy dressing.
- Combine the creamy dressing with the apple mixture, folding it in gently. Season the salad with kosher salt to taste, and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight for the best flavor. Serve the salad on its own or on a bed of lettuce for a refreshing dish.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced tart apples (or 2 apples)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- ½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
- ½ cup whipping cream, whipped
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1470kcal | Carbohydrates: 90g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 126g | Saturated Fat: 36g | Cholesterol: 186mg | Sodium: 1650mg | Potassium: 1164mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 66g | Vitamin A: 2436IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 6mg
FAQ
- What is the origin of the Waldorf Salad?
- The Waldorf Salad originated over a century ago at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City. It started as a simple combination of apples, celery, and mayonnaise, with grapes and nuts added later for enhanced flavor.
- What are the essential ingredients in a classic Waldorf Salad?
- The basic ingredients include tart apples, celery, walnuts or pecans, grapes, lemon juice, sugar, salt, mayonnaise, and a special touch of whipped cream.
- How can you prevent apples from browning in the Waldorf Salad?
- To keep apples from turning brown, sprinkle them with lemon juice. This helps slow down the oxidation process, maintaining the fruit’s fresh appearance.
- Can I substitute the whipped cream in the Waldorf Salad dressing?
- Yes, you can replace the whipped cream with 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- What additional ingredients can I add to customize my Waldorf Salad?
- You can enhance the salad by adding mini marshmallows, raisins, dried cranberries, diced pineapple, dates, chicken or turkey, red onion, broccoli or cauliflower, and various nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds, pecans, or pistachios.
Tips
- Opt for the freshest, crispest apple varieties, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, to ensure a satisfying crunch in every bite. Mixing different apple colors can also add a visual appeal to the salad.
- Keep the ingredients uniformly sized by chopping apples, celery, and grapes to the same dimensions. This ensures a balanced taste and texture in each mouthful.
- Enhance the flavor of the nuts by toasting them before adding them to the salad. This step brings out their natural oils, providing a deeper, more robust nutty flavor.
- Experiment with the dressing by substituting the whipped cream with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier option. Try both variants to determine which one suits your palate best.
Equipment
- Whisk – For mixing the mayonnaise and whipped cream together.
- Mixing Bowls – A set of large and medium mixing bowls for combining the salad ingredients.
- Nut Toaster or Baking Sheet – For toasting the nuts to enhance their flavor.
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer – For whipping the cream until peaks form.
