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