The Waldorf salad – a classic combination of fresh greens, juicy fruit, crunchy nuts, and tangy dressing that never goes out of style. This beloved salad has been a staple at picnics, potlucks, and dinner parties for generations, and its enduring popularity is easy to understand. With its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, the Waldorf salad is a crowd-pleaser like no other.
But while the traditional recipe remains a timeless favorite, modern twists and creative variations have also emerged to keep things fresh and exciting. In this article, we’ll be exploring 18 different takes on the classic Waldorf salad, each with its own unique spin and flavor profile. Whether you’re looking for a light and refreshing side dish or a satisfying main course, there’s something on this list for everyone.
Stay tuned for our delicious collection of Waldorf salad recipes – from traditional to innovative, we’ve got you covered!
Traditional Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts
A classic salad that combines fresh greens, crunchy apples, toasted walnuts, and creamy dressing, perfect for a light and satisfying meal or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and white wine vinegar.
3. Add diced apple and chopped walnuts to the dressing mixture; stir until well combined.
4. Pour the dressing mixture over the greens; toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Creamy Waldorf Salad with Grapes and Celery
A classic salad gets a refreshing twist with the addition of juicy grapes and crunchy celery, all wrapped up in a creamy dressing. This Waldorf-inspired recipe is perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 cup diced celery
– 1 cup halved red grapes
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced celery, and halved grapes.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to combine.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Healthy Waldorf Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing
This refreshing salad combines the classic flavors of waldorf with a creamy and healthy twist, featuring Greek yogurt as the base for its tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this recipe is quick to prepare and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced apple
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, celery, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle feta cheese on top (if using).
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Waldorf Chicken Salad with Cranberries
Elevate your chicken salad game with this festive twist on the classic Waldorf recipe, featuring sweet and tangy cranberries. This refreshing salad is perfect for a holiday party or a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
– 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon honey
– 1/2 cup fresh cranberries
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, celery, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Fold in cranberries.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! Just assemble and chill.
Vegan Waldorf Salad with Coconut Yogurt
A refreshing twist on a classic salad, this Vegan Waldorf Salad with Coconut Yogurt combines crunchy apples and celery with creamy coconut yogurt, all nestled among a bed of crisp greens.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, etc.)
– 1 large apple, diced
– 2 stalks celery, diced
– 1/2 cup coconut yogurt
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon maple syrup
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped walnuts or pecans for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together coconut yogurt, apple cider vinegar, and maple syrup until smooth.
3. Pour the yogurt dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Garnish with chopped nuts, if desired.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: None needed! This salad is ready in just a few minutes.
Waldorf Salad with Candied Pecans and Honey
A classic salad gets a sweet and crunchy twist with the addition of candied pecans and honey. This recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1 cup diced apples
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup candied pecans (see below for recipe)
– 2 tbsp honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
Candied Pecans Recipe:
– 1/2 cup pecan halves
– 1 tsp water
– 1 tsp brown sugar
– Pinch of salt
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, whisk together water, brown sugar, and salt. Add pecans and toss until coated.
3. Spread pecans on a baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes or until caramelized.
4. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apples, celery, blue cheese, and chopped walnuts.
5. Drizzle with honey and sprinkle with candied pecans.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach Waldorf Salad with Blue Cheese
This Spinach Waldorf Salad with Blue Cheese combines the classic flavors of a Waldorf salad with the added nutritional boost of spinach and the pungency of blue cheese. Perfect for a light and satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
– 1 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Gala)
– 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach leaves, diced apple, and chopped walnuts.
2. Crumble the blue cheese over the top of the salad and toss gently to combine.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Grilled Chicken and Avocado
Elevate the classic Waldorf salad by adding grilled chicken and creamy avocado for a satisfying and healthy meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup diced grapes
– 1/2 cup diced apple
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked and shredded grilled chicken
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest before shredding.
3. In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, grapes, apple, blue cheese, and grilled chicken.
4. Cut avocado in half, remove pit, and dice into small pieces.
5. Add diced avocado to the salad mixture and toss gently to combine.
6. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Autumn Waldorf Salad with Pomegranate Seeds
As the seasons change, this Autumn Waldorf Salad with Pomegranate Seeds is a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the harvest season. A twist on the classic salad, this recipe adds a pop of color and sweetness from the pomegranate seeds.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, kale)
– 1 cup diced apples (Granny Smith or other sweet variety)
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Pomegranate seeds (about 1/4 cup)
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced apples, and chopped celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar and honey until well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Sprinkle the crumbled blue cheese and chopped walnuts over the top of the salad.
5. Garnish with pomegranate seeds and serve.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Toasted Almonds and Raisins
A classic salad that combines the sweetness of apples and raisins with the crunch of toasted almonds, all tied together with a tangy dressing.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (lettuce, arugula, spinach)
– 1 large apple, diced
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup toasted almonds
– 1/4 cup raisins
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, apple, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Sprinkle toasted almonds and raisins over the top of the salad.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Light Waldorf Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
A refreshing twist on the classic Waldorf salad, this light version combines crisp greens, juicy grapes, and crunchy apple slices with a zesty lemon vinaigrette.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup red grapes, halved
– 1/2 cup diced Granny Smith apple
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, grapes, apple, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil until well combined.
3. Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Quinoa and Fresh Herbs
This refreshing salad combines the creamy flavors of traditional Waldorf salad with the nutty goodness of quinoa, all tied together with fresh herbs. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cooked quinoa
– 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1/2 cup diced red apple
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, apple, feta cheese, parsley, and dill.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Dijon mustard.
4. Pour dressing over salad and toss to combine.
5. Add cooked quinoa and toss again to distribute evenly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Turkey and Dried Cherries
A twist on the classic Waldorf salad, this recipe adds savory turkey and sweet dried cherries to create a delicious and refreshing side dish or light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1 cup cooked turkey breast, diced
– 1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
– 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, diced turkey, dried cherries, blue cheese, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
A classic salad gets a sweet twist with this recipe featuring crunchy apples and grapes, creamy avocado, and tangy maple dijon dressing. This refreshing side dish is perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach)
• 1 cup diced apple
• 1/2 cup diced red grapes
• 1 ripe avocado, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
• 2 tbsp maple dijon dressing (see below)
• Salt and pepper to taste
Maple Dijon Dressing:
• 2 tbsp dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, grapes, and avocado.
2. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top.
3. Drizzle Maple Dijon Dressing over the salad, tossing gently to coat.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Endive and Goat Cheese
A refreshing twist on the classic Waldorf salad, this recipe adds a crisper texture and tangier flavor with the addition of endive and goat cheese.
Ingredients:
– 2 heads of endive, separated into leaves
– 1 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
– 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine the endive leaves, apple, and walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Dijon mustard until smooth.
3. Add the goat cheese crumbles to the mayonnaise mixture and stir until well combined.
4. Pour the cheese-mayonnaise mixture over the endive mixture and toss gently to coat.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Cooking Time: None! This salad is best served chilled, so keep it in the fridge until ready to serve.
Waldorf Salad with Bacon and Smoked Paprika
This recipe adds a smoky depth to the traditional Waldorf salad by incorporating crispy bacon and smoked paprika. The result is a refreshing mix of flavors and textures that’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens (arugula, spinach, lettuce)
– 1 cup diced apple
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 6 slices cooked bacon, crispy
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, and celery.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
4. Top with crumbled blue cheese and crispy bacon.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Mandarin Oranges and Cashews
This refreshing salad is a twist on the classic Waldorf recipe, featuring sweet mandarin oranges and crunchy cashews. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this flavorful combination is sure to please.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups mixed greens
– 1/2 cup diced apple (Granny Smith)
– 1/2 cup mandarin orange segments
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh celery
– 1/4 cup toasted cashews
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, diced apple, mandarin orange segments, and chopped celery.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, salt, and pepper.
3. Add toasted cashews and crumbled blue cheese to the dressing mixture; stir until combined.
4. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
5. Serve immediately.
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Waldorf Salad with Arugula and Balsamic Glaze
A classic Waldorf salad gets a fresh twist with the addition of peppery arugula and a drizzle of rich balsamic glaze. This refreshing salad is perfect for warm weather or as a light lunch.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups arugula
– 1 cup diced apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1/2 cup diced celery
– 1/2 cup diced red grapes, halved
– 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
– 2 tbsp. balsamic glaze
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine arugula, apple, celery, grapes, and blue cheese.
2. Sprinkle chopped walnuts over the top of the salad.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Summary
Get ready to elevate your salad game with these classic Waldorf Salad recipes! From traditional combinations like apples and walnuts to creative twists featuring grapes, celery, and even grilled chicken and avocado, there’s something for everyone. Discover how easy it is to make a healthy Waldorf Salad with Greek yogurt dressing or indulge in richer versions with creamy dressings and crunchy toppings. Whether you’re looking for vegan, gluten-free, or simply delicious options, this article has got you covered with 18 mouthwatering recipes to try.
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