Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Waldorf Salad Recipe is a crisp and creamy recipe, which is made with fresh apples and toasted walnuts. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 15 minutes.
Pioneer Woman Waldorf Salad Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp. plain yogurt
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice, plus more to taste
- 1 tsp. honey
- 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
- 1 medium Granny Smith apple, diced
- 1 medium Honeycrisp apple, diced
- 3 ribs celery, sliced
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, cut in half
- 3/4 cup coarsely chopped toasted walnuts
- 1/4 cup golden raisins (optional)
- Boston bibb lettuce or butter lettuce leaves, for serving
How To Make Pioneer Woman Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Make the dressing: In a large serving bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the salad: To the bowl with the dressing, add the diced apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, and optional raisins.
- Fold and season: Gently fold all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more lemon juice or salt if necessary.
- Serve: Serve the salad chilled, spooned over lettuce leaves if desired.
Recipe Tips
- How to keep the apples from browning? The lemon juice in the dressing is key. Tossing the freshly diced apples in the dressing immediately will coat them and prevent them from oxidizing and turning brown.
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? This salad is best made shortly before serving to keep the apples and walnuts crisp. You can, however, mix the dressing and chop the celery and grapes a few hours in advance. Combine everything just before you plan to serve it.
- What’s the best way to toast walnuts? To toast the walnuts, spread them on a dry baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 5-8 minutes, or until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Let them cool completely before chopping and adding them to the salad.
- Can I add chicken to this salad? Absolutely! Adding 1-2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken or diced, cooked chicken breast is a classic variation that turns this side dish into a hearty main course.
What To Serve With Waldorf Salad
This classic salad is versatile and can be served in many ways.
- As a light lunch on its own, served in lettuce cups
- As a side dish with roasted chicken or pork loin
- As a sandwich filling in a croissant or soft roll
- Alongside a simple quiche for a brunch gathering
How To Store Waldorf Salad
- Refrigerate: Store leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 2 days, as the apples and walnuts will soften over time.
Waldorf Salad Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 15g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What is a Waldorf salad?
A Waldorf salad is a classic American fruit and nut salad that traditionally consists of fresh apples, celery, and walnuts, all tossed in a mayonnaise-based dressing and served on a bed of lettuce.
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Yes, the recipe calls for a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) apples for balance, but you can use any crisp, firm apple variety you like, such as Gala, Fuji, or Pink Lady.
Can I make this dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, you would need to use a dairy-free mayonnaise and a dairy-free plain yogurt alternative (like one made from almond or soy).
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Greek Pasta Salad Recipe
- Pioneer Woman Creamy Cucumber Salad Recipe
Pioneer Woman Waldorf Salad Recipe
Description
A classic, crisp, and creamy Waldorf salad with a perfect mix of sweet and tart apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and juicy grapes.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper.
- Add the diced apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, and optional raisins to the bowl.
- Fold everything together gently until coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve chilled, spooned over lettuce leaves.
Notes
- u003cliu003eTossing the apples in the dressing immediately after dicing will prevent them from browning.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eFor the best texture, serve this salad on the day it is made.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eToasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad is a key step that greatly enhances their flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eUsing a mix of a tart and a sweet apple provides the best, most balanced flavor.u003c/liu003e
