There’s something irresistibly nostalgic and delightfully refreshing about Creamy Waldorf Salad. Crisp apples and grapes, crunchy celery and walnuts, all enveloped in a luscious, tangy-sweet dressing, make this salad the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re gathering with friends for a picnic, setting the holiday table, or adding sparkle to a regular weekday lunch, Creamy Waldorf Salad brings cheer, color, and a symphony of flavors to every bite.

Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients transform into something truly special. Each component plays its own delicious part, adding just the right flavor, crunch, or creaminess that makes this salad shine.

Red apples: Choose your favorite crisp variety for lovely color and sweet-tart balance in every bite.
Green apples: These lend an extra pop of tartness and a fresh, juicy crunch.
Seedless red grapes: Halved grapes bring natural sweetness and a juicy burst to the mix.
Celery: Finely diced celery is the secret to that classic Waldorf crunch.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts add hearty texture and a rustic, nutty depth.
Mayonnaise: The creamy backbone of the dressing, making every forkful silky and satisfying.
Plain Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing with tanginess and protein, keeping things fresh without losing creaminess.
Honey: Just a tablespoon gives subtle, floral sweetness that ties all flavors together.
Lemon juice: Brightens everything up and keeps the apples fresh and vibrant.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and brings harmony to the dish.
Black pepper: Adds the tiniest kick of warmth to balance the sweetness and creaminess.
Fresh lettuce leaves (optional): For a gorgeous presentation and a crisp bed to scoop up all that luscious salad.

How to Make Creamy Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Make the Creamy Dressing

Start with a large mixing bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. The goal is a smooth, velvety dressing with a hint of sweetness and zing that will hug every chunky ingredient without being heavy.

Step 2: Add the Crisp and Crunchy Elements

Gently stir in your diced red apples, green apples, halved grapes, diced celery, and chopped walnuts right into the bowl of dressing. Mixing everything together at once keeps the apples from browning and ensures they soak up flavors from the get-go.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

With a large spoon or spatula, gently fold all the ingredients until every piece is coated in that creamy, dreamy dressing. Go slow here—you don’t want to mash the fruit, just evenly coat it in the luscious sauce.

Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and tuck it into your refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This little rest time is key—it melds the flavors together and lets the dressing thicken to the perfect consistency so every bite is incredible.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the Creamy Waldorf Salad onto a bed of cold, crisp lettuce leaves for a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation. Enjoy it straight from the bowl, or add a sprinkle of extra walnuts or a few fresh herb leaves to finish.

How to Serve Creamy Waldorf Salad

Garnishes

A generous scattering of extra walnuts, a handful of dried cranberries, or even a light dusting of freshly chopped parsley bring festive color and textural contrast. For an effortless upgrade, serve this Creamy Waldorf Salad atop buttery Bibb lettuce cups or add a few edible flowers for special occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair your Creamy Waldorf Salad with grilled chicken, roast turkey, or a savory quiche for a satisfying meal. For a vegetarian spread, it shines alongside whole grain breads, savory muffins, or a robust lentil soup. The medley of sweet and savory flavors makes it an amazing partner for almost anything.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, try spooning the salad into mini phyllo cups or endive leaves for a bite-sized appetizer. Layer it in mason jars for picnic-perfect lunches, or pile it onto a big platter adorned with colorful fruit for a showstopping centerpiece. However you present it, Creamy Waldorf Salad steals the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Creamy Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors mellow beautifully overnight, making it just as tasty the next day. Give it a gentle toss before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well because the creamy dressing and fruit textures change once thawed. If you need to prep ahead, simply prepare the dressing and store it separately, then mix with the fruit and nuts right before serving.

Reheating

No reheating needed for Creamy Waldorf Salad since it’s a chilled dish! If it’s been in the fridge a while and the dressing seems a bit thick, let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes and stir before enjoying.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Waldorf Salad without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Swap out the mayonnaise for extra Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing. The result is still creamy and flavorful, but with lower fat and a bit more zip.

How can I keep the apples from browning?

Tossing the apples with lemon juice before adding them to the salad keeps them fresh and vibrant. The dressing itself, with its acidity, also helps prevent discoloration as it coats the fruit.

What are some nut substitutions for walnuts?

If you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies, try pecans for a buttery crunch or even sliced almonds for a lighter, delicate texture. Sunflower seeds work as a great nut-free option as well.

Can I prepare Creamy Waldorf Salad ahead of time?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors meld even better when the salad rests in the refrigerator. Just be sure to give it a new toss before serving, and refresh with a splash of lemon juice if needed.

Is Creamy Waldorf Salad gluten-free and vegetarian?

Yes! This classic dish is naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a fantastic addition to any gathering, potluck, or lunch that embraces a variety of dietary needs.

Final Thoughts

There’s real magic in the crunch and creaminess of a homemade Creamy Waldorf Salad—it’s easy, endlessly adaptable, and sure to win hearts wherever it goes. I hope you give it a try and let its joyful flavors brighten up your table soon!

Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

Indulge in the creamy goodness of this delightful Creamy Waldorf Salad. Packed with a mix of apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts coated in a luscious dressing, it’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Salad:

2 cups diced red apples
1 cup diced green apples
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
1 cup celery, diced
1 cup walnuts, chopped

Creamy Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Serving:

Fresh lettuce leaves for serving (optional)

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Instructions

Prepare Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combine Ingredients: Add diced apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts to the bowl. Gently toss until evenly coated.
Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Optionally, serve on fresh lettuce leaves.