Crisp & Tangy Waldorf Salad Recipe: A Classic Refreshed

Crafting a delightful waldorf salad promises a refreshing culinary adventure that combines crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Apples, celery, and walnuts dance together in a creamy dressing, creating a classic dish with modern charm.

Light and elegant, this recipe feels like a delicate symphony of fresh ingredients.

We’ll transform simple components into something extraordinary that feels both nostalgic and contemporary.

Crisp apple chunks provide a sweet crunch while mayonnaise and yogurt bind everything beautifully.

Nutty walnuts add depth and richness to each delectable bite.

Unexpected and delightful, this salad will surprise you with its perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Prepare to be amazed by how these simple ingredients create such a memorable experience.

Reasons To Try Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

• Craft a Sweet and Tangy Delight: This Waldorf salad brings together crisp apples, crunchy celery, and juicy grapes in a creamy dressing that dances with flavor.
• Minimal Prep, Maximum Enjoyment: Chop a few ingredients, mix them together, and let the refrigerator do the rest – perfect for busy cooks looking for a quick and impressive side dish.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Great for picnics, potlucks, or a refreshing lunch, this salad appeals to both kids and adults with its mix of textures and sweet-savory profile.
• Nutritious and Satisfying: Packed with fresh fruits, nuts, and a light dressing, this recipe offers a healthy alternative to heavy side dishes while keeping taste buds excited.

What Goes Into Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

• Apples: Crisp and sweet base that provides a fresh foundation for the salad.
• Celery: Adds a crunchy texture and light, refreshing flavor.
• Grapes: Sweet and juicy elements that complement the other ingredients.

• Walnuts: Provide a rich, nutty crunch and depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise: Creamy binding agent that adds richness to the salad.
• Heavy Cream: Whipped to create a light and airy texture in the dressing.

• Sugar: Balances the tartness of the apples and adds sweetness.
• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds a bright, tangy note.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall flavor of the salad.

Making Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Step By Step

Step 1: Prepare Fresh Ingredients

Wash and dry crisp apples. Slice them into neat, bite-sized cubes. Sprinkle with fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and add a zesty tang. Set aside the apple chunks in a spacious mixing bowl.

Step 2: Chop and Combine Crunchy Elements

Select plump, juicy grapes and slice them in half. Dice crisp celery stalks into thin, elegant pieces. Roughly chop walnuts or pecans for a delightful nutty crunch. Gently toss these ingredients with the apple cubes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Dreamy Dressing

In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream until it forms soft, billowy peaks. Fold in creamy mayonnaise, creating a luscious, smooth mixture. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and bring out the subtle sweetness.

Step 4: Blend and Marry Flavors

Pour the silky dressing over the fruit and nut mixture. Carefully fold everything together, ensuring each ingredient gets coated with the creamy goodness. Be gentle to maintain the delicate texture of the fruits.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to mingle and develop a harmonious taste. Before serving, give the salad a light stir and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.

Tips To Improve Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

• Prevent Browning: Toss apple chunks quickly in lemon juice to stop oxidation and maintain fresh, crisp appearance.
• Choose Crisp Fruit: Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor contrast.
• Customize Crunch: Replace walnuts with toasted almonds or pecans for different nutty undertones and added nutrition.
• Lighten the Dressing: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, tangier version with reduced calories.
• Serve Creatively: Serve in lettuce cups or on a bed of mixed greens for an elegant, light presentation.

Tasty Options For Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

• Vegan Wellness Bowl: Replace mayonnaise with cashew cream, swap nuts for roasted chickpeas, use coconut yogurt instead of whipped cream.
• Tropical Fruit Remix: Substitute apples with mango chunks, add pineapple pieces, use macadamia nuts, mix with light coconut dressing.
• Mediterranean Herb Salad: Replace grapes with cucumber, add feta cheese, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, sprinkle fresh herbs like mint and parsley.
• Low-Carb Green Edition: Use green apple, add spinach leaves, replace grapes with sliced bell peppers, mix with Greek yogurt and fresh dill.

Good Pairings For Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

• Pair Sweet Sparkling Wine: Select a light, crisp Moscato or Prosecco to complement the salad's fruity and creamy notes, enhancing the refreshing apple and grape flavors.
• Serve with Roasted Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breast provides a lean protein that balances the salad's richness, creating a harmonious and satisfying meal combination.
• Match Soft Goat Cheese: Crumble tangy goat cheese over the Waldorf salad to add a creamy, slightly sharp element that contrasts with the sweet fruits and crunchy nuts.
• Select Chilled White Wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio with bright acidity to cut through the mayonnaise dressing and refresh the palate between bites.

How To Chill Mary Berry Waldorf Salad The Right Way

• Store leftovers in a sealed container for up to 2 days, keeping it cool and crisp in the refrigerator.
• Drizzle extra lemon juice over the salad to maintain apple freshness and prevent discoloration.
• Before serving leftovers, use a slotted spoon to remove any accumulated liquid, ensuring the salad remains creamy and appetizing.
• Skip freezing this salad, as cream and fresh fruits will separate and lose their original texture and taste.

Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Questions Answered

• What are the key ingredients in a Waldorf salad?

The key ingredients are diced apples, celery, grapes, chopped nuts (usually walnuts), mayonnaise, and whipped cream.

• Can I make Waldorf salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it up to a day in advance. Just keep it refrigerated and add the nuts right before serving to maintain their crunch.

• Is Waldorf salad a healthy dish?

It’s a mix of healthy and indulgent. Apples, celery, and grapes provide nutrients, while mayonnaise and whipped cream add calories.

• What type of apples work best for this salad?

Crisp, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith are ideal for maintaining texture and flavor balance.

Waldorf Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Waldorf salad elegantly combines crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and creamy dressing for a classic American side dish. Refreshing ingredients dance together, creating a perfect balance of textures that delights you with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 2 cups diced tart apples
• 1 cup diced celery
• 1 cup grapes, halved

Proteins and Nuts:

• 1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup whipping cream, whipped
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Cut crisp apples into uniform cubes, immediately tossing with citrus juice to prevent browning and enhance tangy flavor.
2. Slice fresh celery into thin, delicate crescents and halve ripe grapes, creating textural variety in the salad base.
3. Roughly chop toasted walnuts or pecans to introduce a rich, nutty crunch to the mixture.
4. Whip heavy cream until it forms stiff, billowy peaks, creating a light and airy foundation for the creamy dressing.
5. Gently fold mayonnaise into the whipped cream, creating a smooth, velvety consistency that will bind the ingredients.
6. Carefully integrate the cream-based dressing with the apple mixture, ensuring each ingredient is evenly coated.
7. Season with a delicate sprinkle of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile and balance the sweetness.
8. Refrigerate the salad for 60-90 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the ingredients to chill thoroughly.
9. Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing and restore its vibrant texture.

Notes

• Select crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity in the salad.
• Toast walnuts or pecans briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier dressing that cuts down on calories and adds protein.
• Prepare ingredients just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of apples and nuts, preventing sogginess in the salad.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 270 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 180 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 15 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg