Waldorf Salad

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Although delicious anytime of the year, Waldorf salad has been a holiday side dish in my family for as long as I can remember. Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for this “must have” holiday dish.

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Waldorf Salad

2 What is in Waldorf salad?

3 Why is it called “Waldorf salad”?

4 How do you make Waldorf salad?

5 Tastes of the Season Christmas Side Dishes:

6 Waldorf Salad Recipe:

Yes my friends, we’re taking it old school today with this classic side dish recipe that dates back over 100 years. It has become a holiday staple in my family and is served every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m thrilled that I get to share it with you today.

I’m also joined once again by my Tastes of the Seasons blogger friends. This week, we’re all sharing a Christmas side dish. So, if you’re looking to shake up you holiday menu or just want to try something new, be sure to check out all of the recipes I’ve linked up at the end of this post.

What is in Waldorf salad?

The recipe below is the one that my family has been using for years. I did a little online research, and while some recipes vary, the standard ingredients for Waldorf salad include:

apples
grapes
celery
walnuts
marshmallows
mayonnaise-based dressing

If you’ve never had Waldorf salad before, this might seem like a really strange combination of ingredients, but it’s really a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.

Why is it called “Waldorf salad”?

I’m sure many of you have heard of the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City. Well, that’s where it gets it’s name. The recipe originated there back in 1896 when it was created and served at a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary’s Hospital for Children.

How do you make Waldorf salad?

You’re in luck because today’s recipe is beyond easy. Essentially, you just toss everything into a bowl, give it a big stir and then refrigerate for a few hours. That’s it.

However, let me break it down for you. (Full ingredient list and instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)

In a large bowl, add the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and mini marshmallows.

In a small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise and heavy whipping cream.

Pour the dressing onto the apple mixture and stir to evenly combine. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

Tastes of the Season Christmas Side Dishes:

Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes by Ella Claire & Co. | Savory Herb and Cheese Breadby French Country Cottage | Oven Baked Corn by Anderson + Grant

Loaded Mashed Potatoes by Handmade Farmhouse | Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries by Freutcake | Waldorf Salad by Inspired by Charm

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Waldorf Salad Recipe:

Waldorf salad

Although delicious anytime of the year, Waldorf salad has been a holiday side dish in my family for as long as I can remember. Today, I'm sharing my family's recipe for this "must have" holiday dish.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas, holiday, salad, thanksgiving, waldorf

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Chilling Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 190kcal

Ingredients

3 cups cored and chopped apples (I used McIntosh)
1 cup halved grapes (I used purple grapes)
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

In a large bowl, add the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and mini marshmallows.
In a small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise and heavy whipping cream.
Pour the dressing onto the apple mixture and stir to evenly combine. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What's the difference between Waldorf salad and ambrosia salad? ›

And Waldorf salads traditionally have apples, walnuts, celery, and grapes, served on a bed of iceberg lettuce, whereas ambrosia combines oranges, pineapple, and coconut.

Get More Info Here ›

What fruit does a Waldorf salad typically contain? ›

There are different variations, but they all contain the typical Waldorf salad ingredients of apples, celery, grapes, and nuts in a mayonnaise based dressing.

Get More Info Here ›

Does Waldorf salad contain celery? ›

A Waldorf salad is a fruit and nut salad generally made of celery, fresh apples, walnuts, and grapes, dressed in mayonnaise, and traditionally served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer or a light meal. The apples, celery, and grapes can all be green, which harmonizes the color palette of the dish.

Why is it called Waldorf salad? ›

The Waldorf salad, originally a simple apple-celery-mayo combo, was introduced on March 14, 1893, at a charity ball honoring St. Mary's Hospital for Children. Its debut coincided with that of the Waldorf hotel, which opened the previous day. The charity ball was the very first event held at the hotel.

Get More Info ›

What nut does Waldorf salad contain? ›

There's a reason why this Waldorf salad belongs on every holiday dinner table. It's a symphony of crisp apples, celery, grapes, and crunchy walnuts, tossed in a tangy-sweet, creamy dressing that adds the perfect refreshing touch.

See Details ›

What is the Bella Hadid salad? ›

Here's how to make the viral Bella Hadid salad with arugula, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado and parmesan all drizzled with lemon juice, olive oil and a balsamic glaze. It's light, refreshing and so easy to whip up!

What's in Costco Mediterranean salad? ›

Product Details

Mediterranean Crunch Chopped Salad Kit.
Chopped vegetables: romaine, chicory, broccoli stalk, cauliflower, red cabbage and carrots.
Toppings: flat bread strips and creamy crumbled feta cheese.
Basil balsamic vinaigrette dressing.
12 oz salad kit.
2 ct.

Can celery be eaten raw in salad? ›

Celery can be eaten raw in salads or chopped up and cooked with vegetables such as onions, carrots and leeks as a base for soups, sauces and casseroles. The larger outer stalks are best for cooking, while the inner stalks are more tender, so ideal for eating raw.

Learn More ›

What do you eat mayo with? ›

8 Surprising Ways To Use Mayonnaise For Better Dishes

Use it on grilled cheese.
Mix it in chocolate cake.
Mix mayo in quiche.
Use it to coat chicken.
Add it to a cake mix.
Put it on corn.
Mix it into mashed potatoes.
Bake muffins with it.

Oct 2, 2022

Learn More ›

What is a salad made of apple walnuts celery and mayonnaise? ›

The Waldorf Salad is a fresh fall salad made with celery, apples, red grapes and walnuts, dressed up with mayonnaise and sour cream dressing, and served over a bed of fresh salad. It is very flavorful and makes a great side dish for lunch or dinner and a perfect choice for holiday tables.

Find Out More ›

What is the history of the Waldorf salad? ›

The salad has quite a long history that dates way back 1893, when it was introduced at a charity ball honoring St. Mary's Hospital for Children, the first event ever held at the newly opened Waldorf Hotel in New York.

Show Me More ›