The original Waldorf Salad was created in 1896 at the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The Waldorf Salad was created by the restaurant manager and became an instant success.

The popularity of the Waldorf Salad spread quickly and it is still a traditional favorite today. The ingredients were really simple in that original version consisting of apples, celery, salt, pepper and mayonnaise.

The Waldorf Salad remains an easy recipe but you’ll typically find a few more ingredients in most versions, such as grapes and nuts. This salad is crisp and refreshing. The natural sweetness in the fruit and the tangy flavor of the mayonnaise are a perfect pairing.

The apple is one of the most loved fruits and I love recipes that you can incorporate apple, besides the classic pie. Autumn is my favorite time of year and when the local mountain apples are in season.

Luckily, there are apples to be found all year long however so we can enjoy dishes made with them whenever we want.

“Surely the apple is the noblest of fruits.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Waldorf Salad Recipe

Here’s What You’ll Need:

Apples (medium to large), cored and chopped
Red Grapes, sliced in half
Chopped Celery
Chopped Pecans
Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper
Mayonnaise, preferably Duke’s
Pecan Halves for garnish, if desired

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Step 1: To begin, add the chopped apples, celery, grapes and chopped pecans to a mixing bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Next, add the mayonnaise to the apple mixture. Gently stir to combine all of the ingredients. Serve the salad on top a bed of fresh lettuce if desired and garnish with pecan halves.

Other Delicious Variations for Waldorf Salad

With raisins or dried cranberries
Add chicken or turkey to make it a main meal
Substitute yogurt for mayonnaise
Walnuts can be used in place of pecans

Let’s make the Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe!

4.20 from 5 votes

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Classic Waldorf Salad Recipe

A classic Waldorf Salad is a beloved recipe and perfect for fall when fresh apples are in season.

Prep Time10

Total Time10

Servings: Salad

Calories: 579kcal

Author: Julia Jordan | Julia’s Simply Southern

Ingredients

3 Apples cored and chopped
1 c Red Grapes sliced in half
1 c Chopped Celery
1/2 c Chopped Pecans
Pinch of Salt and Black Pepper
1 c Mayonnaise preferably Duke’s
Pecan Halves for garnish if desired
Fresh Lettuce for serving

Instructions

To begin, add the chopped apples, celery, grapes and chopped pecans to a mixing bowl and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Next, add the mayonnaise to the apple mixture. Gently stir to combine all of the ingredients. Serve the salad on top a bed of fresh lettuce if desired and garnish with pecan halves.

Nutrition

Shared at the Weekend Potluck and Meal Plan Monday

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