Best 4 Chef Johns Waldorf Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a culinary journey with Chef John's Waldorf Salad, a timeless classic that blends crisp apples, crunchy celery, and walnuts with a creamy mayonnaise dressing. This iconic salad, named after the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, has captivated taste buds for over a century.

In this comprehensive guide, we present not just one, but three enticing variations of Chef John's Waldorf Salad. From the traditional recipe that stays true to its original form to the modern twist of a tangy yogurt-based dressing, each variation offers a unique flavor experience.

1. **Classic Waldorf Salad**: Experience the authentic taste of Waldorf Salad with this recipe. Featuring crisp Granny Smith apples, tender celery, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing.

2. **Creamy Waldorf Salad with Grapes**: Elevate the classic Waldorf Salad with the addition of juicy grapes, adding a burst of sweetness and texture. This variation also incorporates a creamy mayonnaise dressing, ensuring a smooth and flavorful bite.

3. **Waldorf Salad with Yogurt Dressing**: For a lighter and tangier take on the classic, try this Waldorf Salad with Yogurt Dressing. Greek yogurt replaces mayonnaise, creating a healthier and more refreshing dressing that complements the crisp apples, celery, and walnuts perfectly.

Each recipe is presented with clear instructions, helpful tips, and stunning images to guide you through the process of creating a delicious and visually appealing Waldorf Salad. So, whether you're seeking a nostalgic taste of tradition or embracing a modern twist, these recipes will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more.

Let's cook with our recipes!

CLASSIC WALDORF SALAD



Classic Waldorf Salad image

Crunchy with crisp apples, celery and toasted nuts, this easy Waldorf salad is a classic recipe perfect for a crowd any time of year.

Provided by Heidi

Categories     Salad

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups diced tart apples (, or 2 apples)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 cup diced celery
1 cup grapes (, halved)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts or pecans (, roughly chopped)
1/2 cup whipping cream (, whipped)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Steps:

  • Add the diced apples to a large mixing bowl and sprinkle with the sugar and lemon juice. Toss to coat. Add the celery, grapes, and nuts.
  • In another bowl, whip the whipping cream until peaks form, then gently fold in the mayonnaise. Fold into the apple mixture and season with the kosher salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Chill for 1 hour or overnight. Serve by itself or on a lettuce leaf.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 245 kcal, Carbohydrate 15 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 21 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 31 mg, Sodium 275 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 11 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CRUNCHY WALDORF SALAD



Crunchy Waldorf Salad image

The lemon juice gives this easy Waldorf salad quite a zip and the apples and nuts offer a nice crunch. It's light, refreshing and effortless to assemble. -Chuck Hinz, Parma, Ohio

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 30m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 medium Red Delicious apples, chopped
2 medium Golden Delicious apples, chopped
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 celery ribs, chopped
3/4 cup chopped walnuts
1/2 cup raisins
1 cup mayonnaise
Optional: Ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg and lettuce leaves

Steps:

  • In a large bowl, toss apples with lemon juice. Gently stir in the celery, walnuts, raisins and mayonnaise. Refrigerate until serving. If desired, sprinkle with cinnamon and nutmeg and serve on lettuce leaves.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 284 calories, Fat 24g fat (3g saturated fat), Cholesterol 2mg cholesterol, Sodium 133mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 2g protein.

CHEF JOHN'S WALDORF SALAD



Chef John's Waldorf Salad image

A fruit salad has to be pretty darn good to actually get a name, and the venerable Waldorf salad is certainly worthy. Embellish this as you see fit, but I really like it best with just the four ingredients seen here. Things like dried cranberries can add a nice seasonal touch but, for me, the chewy fruit gets in the way of that addictive crunchy/crisp texture.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Apple Salad

Time 20m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 12

¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup creme fraiche
½ lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
½ teaspoon white sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
1 pinch cayenne pepper
2 large crisp, sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 cup cubed (1/4 inch) celery root, soaked briefly in cold water, drained well
1 cup quartered seedless green grapes
½ cup toasted walnut pieces

Steps:

  • Whisk mayonnaise, creme fraiche, lemon juice, tarragon, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl.
  • Place apples, celery root, grapes, and walnut pieces in a large bowl. Toss with about 1/2 cup of dressing. Add more dressing until salad components are well coated but not swimming in dressing. You might not need all the dressing.
  • Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 546.8 calories, Carbohydrate 30.9 g, Cholesterol 36 mg, Fat 48.5 g, Fiber 5.3 g, Protein 4.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.5 g, Sodium 426.5 mg, Sugar 19.7 g

CHEF JOHN'S BOSTON CREAM PIE



Chef John's Boston Cream Pie image

This is my quick and easy version of Boston's Parker House Hotel's famous cake.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Desserts     Chocolate Dessert Recipes     Dark Chocolate

Time 5h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

cooking spray
1 (18.25 ounce) package yellow cake mix
3 eggs
1 ¼ cups water
⅓ cup vegetable oil
3 eggs
2 tablespoons cornstarch
6 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup whole milk
½ tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or to taste
1 pinch salt
4 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
1 teaspoon butter
½ cup heavy whipping cream

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  • Spray 2 (8-inch) cake pans with cooking spray.
  • Stir yellow cake mix, 3 eggs, water, and vegetable oil in a bowl until moistened. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes, scraping bowl occasionally.
  • Divide cake batter between the two prepared cake pans.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cakes have risen and are lightly golden brown, 33 to 38 minutes. Check for doneness after 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the cakes should come out clean. Allow cakes to cool for about 10 minutes before removing from the pans. Cool cakes completely, about 40 minutes.
  • Whisk 3 eggs, cornstarch, and sugar in a large bowl until well mixed and lemon colored, 2 to 3 minutes. Set aside.
  • Heat 1 cup heavy whipping cream, whole milk, and 1/2 tablespoon butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it just begins to boil.
  • Reduce heat to low; pour egg mixture into cream mixture and whisk until thick, about 1 minute.
  • Pour egg and cream mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large bowl; discard any chunks.
  • Whisk vanilla and salt into the egg and cream mixture until combined. Cover with a layer of plastic wrap pressed against the surface. Chill in refrigerator to form a pastry cream texture, 3 to 4 hours.
  • Place chocolate in a large bowl. Heat 1 teaspoon butter and 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream in a saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Pour cream mixture over chocolate and whisk until smooth. Set aside until cooled, but still pourable, about 20 minutes.
  • Place one cake layer on a plate, flat side up. Spread pastry cream to within 1-inch of the edge of cake. Place second cake layer on top, rounded side up. Press gently to push pastry cream to the edge. Pour chocolate mixture over top of the cake and spread so it drips over the edge.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 694.7 calories, Carbohydrate 72.4 g, Cholesterol 198.7 mg, Fat 41 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 10.3 g, SaturatedFat 16.5 g, Sodium 514.2 mg, Sugar 45.5 g

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
  • Make sure the apples are crisp and tart, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Use good-quality walnuts or pecans for a nutty flavor.
  • If you don't have celery, you can use jicama or water chestnuts for a similar crunch.
  • For a sweeter salad, add a tablespoon or two of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
  • If you want a tangier salad, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to the dressing.
  • Serve the salad immediately after making it, or the apples will start to brown.

Conclusion:

Chef John's Waldorf salad is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. With its sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors, this salad is sure to be a hit with everyone at your table.

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