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Fresh Waldorf Salad Recipe with Apples and Crunchy Walnuts

Fresh Waldorf Salad - featured image

A quick and easy Waldorf salad featuring crisp apples, toasted walnuts, celery, and a creamy dressing, perfect for summer and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large apples, cored and chopped (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
  • 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved (optional)
  • 1 cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (can substitute dairy-free coconut yogurt)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (optional)

Instructions

  1. Toast the walnuts: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast, stirring frequently, for 4-5 minutes until nutty and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let cool. Alternatively, toast in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway.
  2. Prepare the apples: Core and chop apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss immediately with 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
  3. Slice the celery thinly and add to a large mixing bowl with the apples.
  4. If using, halve the seedless red grapes and add to the bowl.
  5. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
  6. Pour the dressing over the apple, celery, and grape mixture. Add the cooled toasted walnuts and gently toss to coat evenly.
  7. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld. Stir gently before serving.

Notes

Toast walnuts carefully to avoid burning; use lemon juice immediately on apples to prevent browning; dressing can be made ahead; pat apples and grapes dry if salad seems watery; for vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and yogurt with plant-based alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Waldorf salad, apples, walnuts, summer salad, easy salad, healthy salad, creamy dressing, quick recipe