Description
This Easy Homemade Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and creamy fruit and nut salad that combines crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts with a tangy mayo-yogurt dressing, making it a cozy family favorite perfect for light lunches or as a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 medium Apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Gala and Granny Smith)
- 1 cup Grapes (halved seedless grapes)
Vegetables & Nuts
- 1 cup Celery (finely chopped)
- 1 cup Walnuts (chopped)
Dressing
- ½ cup Mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- ½ cup Plain Yogurt (for added tanginess)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt (to taste)
- Black Pepper (freshly ground, to taste)
Instructions
- Wash Fruits: Wash the apples and grapes thoroughly under running water. Pat them dry to remove any moisture.
- Prepare Apples: Core the apples and chop them into bite-sized pieces, keeping the skin on for texture and nutrients. Place the chopped apples in a large mixing bowl.
- Prepare Celery: Trim and wash the celery stalks, then slice them into small pieces. Add the chopped celery to the mixing bowl with the apples.
- Halve Grapes: Cut the seedless grapes in half and add them to the mixing bowl to combine with the other fruits and celery.
- Add Walnuts: Chop the walnuts into small pieces and gently add them to the bowl, mixing carefully to distribute evenly without crushing.
- Make Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise and plain yogurt, stirring until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Season Dressing: Add freshly squeezed lemon juice to the dressing mixture. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and gently fold everything together to coat evenly without mashing the fruits and nuts.
- Refrigerate: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the salad to chill.
Notes
- For the best texture, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Gala and Granny Smith.
- Seedless grapes are preferable for ease of eating and taste.
- Chop walnuts to your preferred size but avoid making them too fine to maintain the crunch.
- If desired, the walnuts can be lightly toasted to enhance their flavor.
- The salad can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 day for maximum freshness.
- Adjust salt and pepper seasoning according to taste.
- This salad is great served chilled and pairs well with grilled chicken or as a light standalone dish.
