Best 7 Gourmet Waldorf Salad Recipes

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Indulge in the symphony of flavors and textures that is the Waldorf salad, a timeless classic that has graced dining tables for over a century. This iconic dish, originating from New York's Waldorf Astoria Hotel, boasts a harmonious blend of crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts, all enveloped in a creamy, tangy mayonnaise dressing. While the traditional Waldorf salad stands as a testament to culinary simplicity, this article presents a collection of inspired variations that elevate this classic to new heights of gourmet delight. From the sophisticated Waldorf salad with grapes and blue cheese to the vibrant Waldorf salad with roasted butternut squash and pomegranate seeds, each recipe offers a unique twist on the original, promising a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds.

**Waldorf Salad with Grapes and Blue Cheese**: This variation introduces a delightful interplay of flavors and textures. Sweet grapes and tangy blue cheese add an unexpected dimension to the classic Waldorf, creating a salad that is both refreshing and indulgent.

**Waldorf Salad with Roasted Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Seeds**: This autumn-inspired recipe adds a touch of warmth and color to the traditional Waldorf salad. Roasted butternut squash provides a subtle sweetness, while pomegranate seeds lend a vibrant pop of color and a burst of tartness.

**Waldorf Salad with Smoked Salmon and Avocado**: This recipe combines the richness of smoked salmon with the creamy? avocado, resulting in a luxurious and satisfying salad that is perfect for a special occasion.

**Waldorf Salad with Quinoa and Dried Cherries**: This modern take on the Waldorf salad incorporates quinoa for added protein and texture, while dried cherries provide a sweet and chewy contrast to the crisp apples and celery.

**Waldorf Salad with Goat Cheese and Honey Roasted Walnuts**: This variation elevates the classic Waldorf salad with creamy goat cheese and honey roasted walnuts, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

THE ORIGINAL WALDORF SALAD



The Original Waldorf Salad image

"Millions who never visited the Waldorf owe him a debt," The New York Times wrote in 1950, upon Oscar Tschirky's death. Mr. Tschirky, a Swiss immigrant who became known as "Oscar of the Waldorf," is credited with creating this piece of Americana in 1893, a timeless dish whose popularity has spread far past the Waldorf's exclusive doors and into home kitchens. Over time, variations would include blue cheese, raisins and chopped walnuts, which can be added here alongside the celery and apples. But the original is an exercise in simplicity: four ingredients that have lived on for over a century.

Provided by The New York Times

Categories     dinner, easy, lunch, quick, weekday, salads and dressings, appetizer, main course, side dish

Time 10m

Yield 1 serving (as a main course)

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 medium ripe apple
1 stalk celery, chopped
1/4 cup mayonnaise
Salt and pepper
2 cups lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces

Steps:

  • Peel apple and cut into halves. Remove core and slice halves 1/4-inch thick. Reserve 4 slices. Cut remaining slices into thin strips.
  • In a medium bowl, mix celery, mayonnaise and apple strips; season with salt and pepper to taste. Arrange on lettuce and top with apple slices.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 517, UnsaturatedFat 38 grams, Carbohydrate 30 grams, Fat 45 grams, Fiber 7 grams, Protein 2 grams, SaturatedFat 7 grams, Sodium 909 milligrams, Sugar 20 grams

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

SIMPLE WALDORF SALAD



Simple Waldorf Salad image

This is my go-to salad when I need a quick little meal. When I want a sweeter taste, I use whipped cream instead of yogurt. -Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Lunch     Side Dishes

Time 10m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 large Gala or Honeycrisp apples, unpeeled and chopped (about 3 cups)
2 cups chopped celery
1/4 cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
1/3 cup reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/3 cup plain yogurt

Steps:

  • Combine apples, celery, raisins and walnuts. Add mayonnaise and yogurt; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, until serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 140 calories, Fat 8g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 6mg cholesterol, Sodium 119mg sodium, Carbohydrate 17g carbohydrate (12g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 2g protein. Diabetic Exchanges

SIMPLY THE BEST CHICKEN WALDORF SALAD



Simply The Best Chicken Waldorf Salad image

This is an easy and delicious recipe, sure to be a favorite for any occasion. The recipe is for 3 to 4 servings (double the ingredients if you want to serve more people). Enjoy.

Provided by Jackie

Categories     Salad     Waldorf Salad Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 9

½ cup chopped walnuts
2 cooked rotisserie chicken breasts, cubed
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
½ cup dried cranberries
½ Granny Smith apple, cored and cubed
¼ cup chopped red onion
½ cup mayonnaise
½ cup vanilla yogurt
2 teaspoons lemon juice

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
  • Spread chopped walnuts onto a baking sheet.
  • Roast walnuts in the preheated oven until they are fragrant and browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove and let cool.
  • Lightly toss chicken with grape halves, cranberries, apple, walnuts, and onion in a salad bowl. Whisk mayonnaise, vanilla yogurt, and lemon juice in a separate bowl. Pour dressing over salad and toss again to coat.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 475.9 calories, Carbohydrate 29.9 g, Cholesterol 48.5 mg, Fat 33.5 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 17.8 g, SaturatedFat 4.9 g, Sodium 209.9 mg, Sugar 23.6 g

WHEAT BERRY WALDORF SALAD



Wheat Berry Waldorf Salad image

Categories     Gourmet

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 cups water
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup wheat berries (whole-grain wheat)*
2 tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped
1 Gala or McIntosh apple
1 Granny Smith apple
1 celery rib, sliced thin
2/3 cup packed fresh mint leaves, washed well, spun dry, and chopped
1/2 cup dried sour cherries**
1/4 cup golden raisins
2 scallions, chopped
3 tablespoons seasoned rice vinegar
3 tablespoons fresh orange juice
3/4 teaspoon freshly grated orange zest
8 Boston lettuce leaves
*available at natural and specialty foods shops
**available at specialty foods shops and supermarkets

Steps:

  • In a saucepan bring water and salt to a boil and add wheat berries. Simmer wheat berries, covered, 1 1/2 hours, or until tender. Drain wheat berries in a colander and cool to room temperature.
  • Cut apples into 1/2-inch chunks and in a large bowl toss with wheat berries and all remaining ingredients except lettuce. Season salad with salt and pepper and serve over lettuce.

WALDORF SALAD



Waldorf Salad image

Provided by Irma S. Rombauer

Categories     Salad     Brunch     Christmas     Quick & Easy     Lunch     Buffet     Mayonnaise     Apple     Walnut     Celery     Christmas Eve     Grape     Marshmallow     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Paleo     Dairy Free     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced cored, peeled apples
1/2 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1/2 cup seedless red grapes, halved, optional
1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise

Steps:

  • Combine celery, apples, walnuts, and grapes in a medium bowl.
  • Stir in mayonnaise.
  • Serve at room temperature or chilled.

WALDORF SALAD



Waldorf Salad image

This simple apple salad got its name from the luxurious Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Invented in 1896 not by a chef but by the maître d'hôtel Oscar Tschirky, the Waldorf salad was an instant success. As often happens, many variations evolved-some with raisins, some with chopped nuts. This one has green apples and red seedless grapes.

Categories     Salad     Dairy     Fruit     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Apple     Cherry     Grape     Bon Appétit     Small Plates

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2/3 cup dried tart cherries*
1 cup boiling water
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons sour cream
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
4 Granny Smith apples, cored, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 1/3 cups very thinly sliced celery
1 1/3 cups red seedless grapes, halved
Romaine lettuce leaves
Sweet and Spicy Candied Pecans

Steps:

  • Soak cherries in 1 cup boiling water until softened, about 10 minutes. Drain.
  • Whisk mayonnaise and next 3 ingredients in large bowl. Add apples, celery, grapes and cherries; toss. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Arrange lettuce on platter. Spoon salad over. Top salad with candied pecans.
  • *Sold at specialty foods stores, natural foods stores and some supermarkets.

Tips:

  • Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will greatly affect the taste of your salad. Use fresh, crisp apples, celery, and grapes. Choose walnuts that are plump and flavorful. And be sure to use a good quality mayonnaise.
  • Don't overdress the salad: A little mayonnaise goes a long way. Too much dressing will weigh down the salad and make it soggy.
  • Chill the salad before serving: This will help the flavors to meld and will make the salad more refreshing.
  • Serve the salad on a bed of lettuce: This will add a bit of extra crunch and color to the salad.
  • Garnish the salad with chopped walnuts or grapes: This will add a finishing touch of elegance.

Conclusion:

Waldorf salad is a classic dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is easy to make, delicious, and refreshing. With its combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors, Waldorf salad is sure to please everyone at your table. So next time you are looking for a light and refreshing salad, give Waldorf salad a try.

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