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Recipe

Zesty Waldorf Salad Recipe

Crisp apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and cozy Greek yogurt dressing with lemon and Dijon. Bright, creamy, and surprisingly comforting.

Author By Matt Campbell
4.8 (214)
A bowl of Waldorf salad with red and green apples, celery, toasted walnuts, and grapes in a creamy dressing on a wooden table with a lemon half nearby
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Waldorf salad is one of those old school dishes that somehow still works, especially when you give it a little zing. This version is my cozy, craveable take: crisp apples and celery for snap, grapes for juicy sweetness, toasted walnuts for that buttery crunch, and a creamy dressing that tastes bright and alive thanks to lemon and Dijon.

It is the kind of salad that feels right next to roasted chicken on a chilly night, but it also shows up strong at lunch in a container. No fussy ingredients, no complicated steps. Just good textures, bold seasoning, and a gentle reminder that tasting as you go is not only allowed, it is encouraged.

A close-up of toasted walnuts in a small skillet on a stovetop, just starting to turn golden

Why It Works

  • Bright but cozy: Lemon zest and Dijon keep the creamy dressing from feeling heavy, while yogurt brings a comfort-food vibe.
  • Texture for days: Crisp apples and celery plus toasted walnuts means every bite has crunch.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Mix the dressing in advance and keep the apples crisp with a quick lemon toss.
  • Flexible sweetness: Grapes add natural sugar, but you can dial it up or down with honey or more lemon.

Pairs Well With

  • A platter of roasted chicken thighs with crispy skin and herbs

    Herb Roasted Chicken Thighs

  • A bowl of creamy butternut squash soup with black pepper and a swirl of yogurt

    Cozy Butternut Squash Soup

  • A stack of warm buttery dinner rolls on a linen napkin

    Soft Butter Dinner Rolls

  • A grilled turkey and cheese sandwich cut in half with melted cheese

    Weeknight Turkey Melt

Storage Tips

Best-quality window: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It will still taste great on day two, but the apples will soften a bit. (Food-safety wise, a well-chilled, properly handled dairy-based salad can often last longer, but the texture is at its best in that 48 hour zone.)

  • Keep it extra crisp: If you are prepping ahead, store the dressing separately and toss right before serving.
  • Prevent browning: Toss chopped apples with 1 to 2 teaspoons lemon juice before mixing them in.
  • Walnut strategy: Add walnuts right before serving if you want them super crunchy.
  • Do not freeze: The yogurt dressing and fresh apples get weird after thawing.

Common Questions

Can I make this Waldorf salad without mayonnaise?

Yes. This recipe is already mayo-light and can be totally mayo-free. Use all Greek yogurt and add an extra teaspoon of olive oil for a smoother mouthfeel if you want.

What apples are best?

I like a mix of one sweet-crisp apple and one tart-crisp apple. Think Honeycrisp plus Granny Smith. The combo keeps the salad interesting instead of flatly sweet.

How do I keep apples from turning brown?

Chop them last, then toss with lemon juice right away. The acid slows browning and also boosts the zesty vibe.

Is Waldorf salad supposed to have grapes?

The classic version is usually described as apples and celery in a creamy dressing, with walnuts showing up in many later takes. Grapes are a popular modern add-in, and I am firmly pro-grape. They add juicy sweetness that plays well with the tangy dressing. If you are not into grapes, use chopped pear or dried cranberries.

Can I add chicken to make it a meal?

Absolutely. Stir in chopped rotisserie chicken or leftover roasted chicken. It turns into a very legit lunch situation.

The first time I made Waldorf salad at home, I expected it to taste like a fancy cafeteria throwback. Instead, I got hooked on the texture. Crunchy apples, snappy celery, creamy dressing, and walnuts that taste like they were toasted by someone who cares. Over time I kept nudging it toward my comfort zone: more lemon, a little Dijon, a pinch of salt that actually shows up. Now it is my go-to for dinners that need something fresh but still feel cozy, like you put on a clean hoodie and suddenly your whole life is better.