Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

Try Mary Berry’s Waldorf Salad, a tasty and healthy dish perfect for a light meal or side. This classic salad mixes apples, celery, walnuts, and a creamy dressing. In this article, we’ll teach you how to make it, share helpful tips, and answer common questions. Let’s start making this delicious salad!

Brief For The Origin Waldorf Salad

The Waldorf Salad was created in 1893 by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d’hôtel at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The original recipe consisted of apples, celery, and mayonnaise, and it quickly gained popularity among hotel guests. Over time, the recipe evolved to include walnuts and other ingredients.

Why Is Waldorf Salad Called Waldorf?

The salad is named after the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where it was first created and served to its guests.

What Is The Main Ingredient Which Forms The Foundation Of The Waldorf Salad?

The main ingredients that form the foundation of the Waldorf Salad are apples and celery, which provide the salad with its signature crunch and refreshing flavor.

What Are The Benefits Of Waldorf Salad?

Waldorf Salad offers several health benefits, thanks to its nutrient-rich ingredients. Apples are high in fiber and antioxidants, celery is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals, and walnuts provide healthy fats and protein. Combined, these ingredients create a nutritious and satisfying dish.

What Is Waldorf Dressing Made Of?

Waldorf dressing is typically made of mayonnaise, but Mary Berry’s recipe consists of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice for a lighter, tangier flavor.

Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Ingredients

• 2 large apples, cored and chopped
• 2 cups celery, sliced
• 1 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lettuce leaves, for serving

How To Make Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, sliced celery, chopped walnuts, and raisins or dried cranberries (if using).
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
5. To serve, arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter or individual plates and spoon the Waldorf Salad on top.

Recipe Tips

• To prevent apples from browning after chopping, toss them with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.
• Use crisp, firm apples that hold their shape well, such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp.
• Change the amount of dressing to suit your tastes. You can add more or less dressing to achieve your desired creaminess.

Variations and Substitutions

• Fruit substitutions: Try using pears or a combination of fruits like oranges, pineapple chunks, or sliced strawberries.
• Nut substitutions: Swap out walnuts for pecans, almonds, or cashews.
• Protein additions: Add cooked chicken, turkey, or plant-based protein options like chickpeas or tofu.
• Cheese additions: Include crumbled blue cheese, goat cheese, or feta for an extra layer of flavor.
• Dressing variations: Experiment with different dressings like honey mustard, light vinaigrette, or poppy seed dressing.

How Long Can You Keep Waldorf Salad in The Fridge?

You can keep Waldorf salad in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it with plastic wrap or put it in a container that won’t let air in to keep it fresh.

Can I Freeze Waldorf Salad?

Freezing Waldorf Salad is not recommended due to the texture changes in apples and celery when thawed. However, if you want to freeze the dressing separately, you can do so.

To freeze the dressing, pour it into an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. To thaw the dressing, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it sit for several hours or overnight. Once thawed, give it a good stir before using it to dress your fresh Waldorf Salad. 

Note: Keep in mind that the dressing may separate after freezing, so it might not have the same consistency as when it was fresh.

More Ingredients to Add to Waldorf Salad

• Grapes, halved
• Cooked chicken or turkey, diced
• Blue cheese or goat cheese crumbles
• Sliced red onion

Best Fruits To Use In Waldorf Salad

Apart from apples, you can also use the following fruits to add more variety and flavor to your Waldorf Salad:

• Pears
• Oranges
• Pineapple chunks
• Sliced strawberries

What to Serve With Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, such as:

• Grilled or roasted chicken, turkey, or pork
• A variety of sandwiches, like club sandwiches or wraps
• Quiche or frittata for a light brunch
• A selection of other salads for a summer picnic or potluck

Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 250
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Cholesterol: 5mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g

FAQs

1. Can I make Waldorf Salad ahead of time? Yes, you can make Waldorf Salad ahead of time. Prepare the salad and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld together, enhancing the taste of the salad.
2. Can I use a different dressing for Waldorf Salad?  Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different dressings, like a honey mustard dressing, a light vinaigrette, or a poppy seed dressing. 
3. Can I add Meats to my Waldorf Salad? Yes, you can add Meats to your Waldorf Salad by including cooked chicken or turkey, diced. This will make the salad more filling and suitable as a main dish.
4. Can I make a vegan Waldorf Salad? To create a vegan version of Waldorf Salad, replace the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt. You can also add plant-based protein options like chickpeas or tofu to make the salad more filling.

Try Other Mary Berry Recipes:

• Mary Berry Pear Cake
• Pork Casserole Mary Berry
• Mary Berry Chicken Tagine