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Classic & Crunchy Waldorf Salad Recipe

A timeless, elegant, and crisp combination of fresh apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts blanketed in a velvety cream dressing.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 210
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 large Apples 1 Honeycrisp for sweetness, 1 Granny Smith for tartness, cored and diced2 stalks Celery, thinly sliced$1/2$ cup Walnuts, halves or chopped$1/2$ cup Grapes (red or green), cut in half$1/2$ cup Mayonnaise (high-quality, full-fat)1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)1 pinch Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)Fresh Romaine or Bibb lettuce leaves (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
  2. Place the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3–4 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and let them cool completely to lock in the crunch.
  3. Step 2: Prep the Fruit
  4. In a large mixing bowl, toss your diced sweet and tart apples immediately with the fresh lemon juice. This enhances the flavor profile and stops the apples from oxidizing or turning brown.
  5. Step 3: Combine the Salad Base
  6. Add the crisply sliced celery, halved grapes, and the cooled, toasted walnuts directly into the large bowl with your prepped apples.
  7. Step 4: Dress and Toss
  8. Gently fold in the mayonnaise using a rubber spatula until all ingredients are beautifully and evenly coated. Season with a tiny pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  9. Step 5: Chill and Serve
  10. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, arrange a fresh bed of Romaine or Bibb lettuce on a platter, spoon the chilled salad over the top, and enjoy immediately.