Classic Waldorf Salad

One of the most classic side dishes, the Waldorf Salad, is both sweet and tangy. With its roots dating back to the late 1800s when it was first served at the renowned Waldorf Astoria hotel in New York City, this salad has become a timeless favorite. While the original recipe included just apples, celery, and mayonnaise, it has evolved over the years to include a variety of other ingredients. However, the version we have for you today stays true to the classic, and once you taste it, you’ll understand why it has stood the test of time.

Simplicity is one of the key selling points of this salad. The creamy dressing is made with just four main components: mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, and a touch of sugar, along with salt and pepper. The combination of mayo and sour cream creates a rich and creamy base for the dressing, while the lemon juice adds a fresh tanginess. The dressing is then poured over a mixture of apples, grapes, celery, and romaine lettuce, creating a perfect balance of flavors and textures. To add an extra dimension, top the salad with some toasted walnuts.

One of the great things about this salad is that it can be made ahead of time, making it an ideal option for entertaining. In fact, it tastes even better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. You can also personalize it by adding dried cranberries for a tart pop of sweetness, or even shredded chicken to turn it into a satisfying meal. No matter how you choose to adapt the recipe, this timeless salad will always be a crowd-pleaser. We hope you enjoy it as much as all the generations before!

Classic Waldorf Salad: A Recipe Worth Passing Down

Serves 6 | Prep Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients:
  • 2 ½ cups roughly chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 large apple, diced
  • 1 cup grapes, halved
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • ½ cup toasted walnuts
Dressing:
  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ tablespoon sugar
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • Pepper to taste
Preparation:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, apple, grapes, and celery.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the dressing ingredients until fully combined.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Top with toasted walnuts.