Waldorf Salad Recipe
This Waldorf Salad recipe combines crisp apples and grapes with crunchy celery, walnuts and greens, all tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing. Vegan-Adaptable.
How to Make the Best Waldorf Salad
The Waldorf Salad is a timeless classic that has graced tables since its creation at New York’s Waldorf-Astoria hotel in the late 1800s. This refreshed version stays true to the original spirit while swapping the traditional mayo-based dressing for a lighter, tangier yogurt dressing that lets the fresh ingredients truly shine.
What makes this salad so satisfying is the perfect balance of textures and flavors—crisp apples and celery, sweet juicy grapes, and those irresistible maple-candied walnuts. The yogurt dressing adds a creamy element with bright notes of lemon and a subtle warmth from the coriander. It’s a dish that works beautifully as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as a healthy snack.
This recipe is easily adaptable for various dietary needs. Go fully vegan by using plant-based yogurt and swapping honey for maple syrup. Want to make it more filling? Add some chickpeas or grilled chicken breast. However you serve it, this Waldorf Salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Waldorf Salad
This Waldorf Salad recipe combines crisp apples and grapes with crunchy celery, walnuts and greens, all tossed in a creamy yogurt dressing. Vegan-Adaptable.
Ingredients
Candied Walnuts
Yogurt Dressing
Salad
Instructions
Candied Walnuts
- Preheat oven to 325°F. Toss walnuts with maple syrup, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a tray lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- If needed, bake a little longer until caramelized and golden. Set aside to cool.
Dressing and Assembly
- In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, honey, lemon juice, lemon zest, coriander, salt, pepper, parsley, and green onion.
- Add celery, grapes, and apples to the bowl with the dressing and toss well to combine.
- Top with candied walnuts and serve as is or over a bed of greens.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use vegan yogurt and swap honey for maple syrup or agave.
- Optional additions include chickpeas, chicken breast, dried cherries, raisins, dried cranberries, dates, or pomegranate seeds.
- Use tart, crisp apple varieties for the best texture and flavor contrast.
