Waldorf Salad: A Classic Thanksgiving Delight with Apples, Celery, Walnuts, and Grapes
The Waldorf Salad – a timeless classic that’s graced tables for over a century! This iconic dish, bursting with crisp apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and juicy grapes, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy dressing, is more than just a salad; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. And it’s especially perfect for Thanksgiving! As we gear up for the season of gratitude and feasting, finding dishes that balance indulgence with freshness is key. This Waldorf Salad is the answer! It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a stellar addition to your holiday spread. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen newbie, this recipe is straightforward enough for anyone to master. It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate some lighter fare amidst the richer, heavier dishes often associated with Thanksgiving dinner. Plus, its vibrant colors make it a beautiful and inviting addition to your Thanksgiving food table.
For years, I’ve tweaked and perfected my version of this beloved salad, ensuring it strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and creamy. I love serving this alongside my Thanksgiving turkey for a refreshing contrast, or even as a light lunch on a chilly autumn day. It’s especially great when you are looking for healthy Thanksgiving recipes. This recipe is also perfect for those who want thanksgiving menu ideas. What I love most about the Waldorf Salad is its adaptability. Feel free to customize it to your liking! Want it sweeter? Add more grapes. Prefer a tangier flavour? Increase the lemon juice. Are you looking for a creative thanksgiving charcuterie board. No problem! This salad can be easily adaptable to that.
It pairs beautifully with the traditional Thanksgiving sides dishes. And speaking of traditions, the Waldorf Salad is a staple for many families celebrating Thanksgiving dinner. Its simplicity and vibrant flavors make it a welcome addition to any Thanksgiving menu. So, gather your ingredients, put on some festive music, and let’s create a Waldorf Salad that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to impress your guests with this timeless classic. And don’t forget, it’s also fantastic as a light and refreshing option amidst all the other thanksgiving food ideas at your celebration!
Why You’ll Love This Waldorf Salad apples, celery, walnuts, grapes
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy schedules, especially during the Thanksgiving rush.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of sweet apples, crunchy celery, toasty walnuts, and juicy grapes creates a symphony of taste and texture.
- Versatile and Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe to your dietary needs or personal preferences. Add cranberries, swap yogurt for mayo, or use different nuts.
- Kid-Friendly: Even picky eaters will enjoy the sweet and fruity flavors of this salad. It’s a great way to sneak in some fruits and vegetables.
- Festive and Beautiful: The bright colors of the apples, grapes, and walnuts make it a visually appealing dish, perfect for your Thanksgiving dinner table.
- A Lighter Option for Thanksgiving Feast: Amidst all the heavier dishes, this offers a refreshing and palate-cleansing alternative on your Thanksgiving spread.
Ingredients for Waldorf Salad apples, celery, walnuts, grapes
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup seedless grapes (red or green), halved or quartered if large
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Substitutions: You can substitute pecans or almonds for walnuts. If you’re looking for a vegan thanksgiving recipe, use vegan mayonnaise. Agave nectar can be used instead of honey. For a lower-fat option, use all Greek yogurt and omit the mayonnaise.
How to Make Waldorf Salad apples, celery, walnuts, grapes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apples and Celery: Wash and dry your apples and celery. Core the apples and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery finely. Placing them in a bowl separately.
- Toast the Walnuts: While the apples are drying, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast them for 8-10 minutes, or until fragrant and lightly golden. Keep close watch so they won’t burn. Let them cool slightly, then coarsely chop them.
- Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, chopped celery, toasted walnuts, and halved grapes.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and honey (or maple syrup). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or tanginess to your liking.
- Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be careful not to overmix to avoid bruising the apples.
- Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Although this is a great idea, you can enjoy it right away!
- Garnish and Serve: Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy! This is excellent as a side to Thanksgiving turkey recipes if you’re celebrating Thanksgiving.
Pro Tips & Variations
- Prevent Browning: To prevent the apples from browning, toss them with a little extra lemon juice immediately after dicing.
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting the walnuts (or your nut of choice) enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch. Don’t skip this step!
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the salad before serving and adjust the sweetness by adding more honey or maple syrup, if needed.
- Vegan Waldorf Salad: Use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup to make this salad vegan-friendly.
- Add Cranberries: For a festive twist, add dried cranberries or fresh cranberries to the salad for extra sweetness and tartness. This is especially great for Thanksgiving!
Serving Suggestions
This Waldorf Salad is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Alongside Grilled Chicken or Pork: The refreshing salad provides a nice contrast to grilled meats.
- As a Side Dish for Thanksgiving Ham: A light and flavorful addition to your Thanksgiving feast.
- In Sandwiches or Wraps: Add a scoop of Waldorf Salad to your favorite sandwich or wrap for a creamy and crunchy filling.
- On Top of Crackers: Waldorf salad appetizers can be a creative idea for your guests!
- As part of a Light Lunch: Enjoy a bowl of Waldorf Salad with some crackers or whole-wheat bread for a quick and nutritious lunch. Perhaps add some thanksgiving breakfast items too!
Storage & Reheating
Storage: Store leftover Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The apples may soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy it as soon as possible.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold and doesn’t require reheating. However, if you prefer it slightly warmer, you can let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving.
FAQ about Waldorf Salad apples, celery, walnuts, grapes
Q: Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time for my Thanksgiving feast?
A: Yes, you can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time. Store the diced apples in lemon juice to prevent browning, toast the walnuts, and prepare the dressing. Combine everything just before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy. You can store for up to 2 days.
Q: Is it okay to use different kinds of apples for salad?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well. A mixture of apple types adds a more complex flavor.
Q: Can I freeze Waldorf Salad for later enjoyment on my Thanksgiving day?
A: Freezing this salad is not recommended, as the mayonnaise-based dressing can separate and become watery when thawed, affecting the texture and flavor. It’s best to enjoy it fresh.
Q: Can I make this recipe vegan or gluten-free?
A: Yes! To make it vegan, use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey. The salad is naturally gluten-free as long as you ensure your ingredients do not contain any gluten additives. If you’re looking for more vegan thanksgiving recipes this is perfect!
Q: What can I add to make Waldorf salad better?
A: There are many different ingredients you can add to improve the taste of Waldorf salad. Some common ingredients include greek yogurt, pineapple chunks, and fresh parsley. Adding a hint of lime or lime zest enhances the flavors of all the ingredients.
Final Thoughts on Waldorf Salad apples, celery, walnuts, grapes
And there you have it – a classic Waldorf Salad recipe that’s sure to impress! This delightful combination of textures and flavors is perfect for any occasion, especially your Thanksgiving meal. It’s one of those simple pleasures that truly makes the holiday special. Whether you’re looking for a refreshing side dish, a light lunch, or a customizable recipe to make your own, this Waldorf Salad is a winner. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients and adjust the dressing to your liking.
Now that you’ve mastered this timeless recipe, don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board for future reference! Share your creations on social media and let us know how you made it your own. And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to leave a comment below – we love hearing from you! Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more delicious and easy-to-follow recipes, cooking tips, and holiday inspiration. Happy cooking, and Happy Thanksgiving! We wish you a wonderful day filled with delicious food, cherished moments, and plenty of gratitude.
Waldorf Salad: A Classic Thanksgiving Delight
Equipment
- oven
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowl
- – Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), cored and diced
- 2 cups celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup seedless grapes (red or green), halved or quartered if large
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and dry apples and celery. Core apples and dice into bite-sized pieces. Finely chop celery. Place in a bowl separately.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread walnuts on a baking sheet in a single layer. Toast for 8-10 minutes or until fragrant and lightly golden. Let cool, then coarsely chop.
- In a large bowl, combine diced apples, chopped celery, toasted walnuts, and halved grapes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), lemon juice, and honey (or maple syrup). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust sweetness or tanginess as desired.
- Pour dressing over apple mixture and gently toss to coat evenly, being careful not to bruise the apples.
- Optional: Cover bowl and refrigerate salad for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Salad can be served immediately if preferred.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve chilled and enjoy!
