If you love a salad that’s bursting with freshness, crunch, and a hint of sweetness, then you’re going to adore this take on classic Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe. It’s a fabulous mix of crisp apples, juicy grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts all brought together by a tangy, creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and lemon. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures and flavors that’s as vibrant as it is comforting, making this salad a wonderful addition to any meal or a delightful light lunch on its own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Waldorf salad just right is all about simple, fresh ingredients that each bring their own special touch. From the juicy sweetness of grapes to the crunch of toasted walnuts, every component plays a key role in creating that unforgettable taste and texture.
- Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tangy base for the dressing without being too heavy.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and keeps the apples from browning.
- Lemon zest: Gives an extra pop of citrus aroma for a lively freshness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a subtle spice that wakes up the palate.
- Halved red grapes: Bursting with sweetness and juiciness, they are the star of all salads with grapes – Waldorf salad recipe versions.
- Diced celery: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with softer ingredients.
- Chopped Honeycrisp apples: Sweet and tart, these apples add a lovely crispness and vibrant color.
- Chopped cilantro: Introduces a zesty, herbal note that brightens the overall flavor.
- Roughly chopped toasted walnuts: Adds a toasty crunch and earthy richness, perfectly finishing the salad.
How to Make Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Create the Dressing
Start by whisking together Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This simple dressing carries all the brightness and tanginess that will tie the entire salad together, giving it that iconic Waldorf zing without overpowering the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Step 2: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the halved red grapes, diced celery, chopped Honeycrisp apples, and chopped cilantro. This combination builds the signature texture of salads with grapes – Waldorf salad recipe, where sweet, crisp, and herbaceous notes mingle delightfully in every bite.
Step 3: Mix and Top
Pour your vibrant yogurt dressing over the fresh mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Finally, sprinkle the roughly chopped toasted walnuts on top. Their toasty crunch creates an irresistible contrast and completes the dish with a satisfying nutty aroma.
How to Serve Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Waldorf salad, try adding a few extra walnut halves on top or a light dusting of freshly ground black pepper. A small sprig of cilantro can also serve as a pretty and fragrant garnish that invites everyone to dig in.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even a light seafood dish like broiled salmon. Its freshness and subtle creaminess complement a wide range of mains, making it an ideal side for picnics, family dinners, or casual brunches.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out apple halves for a charming twist. You can also layer it in clear glass jars to show off the colorful ingredients, making your Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe not only delicious but visually stunning for guests or meal prep.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Waldorf salad keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To maintain the best texture, consider storing the walnuts separately and adding them just before serving to keep them crunchy.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well because the apples and celery lose their crispness and the yogurt dressing may separate upon thawing. For the freshest taste, avoid freezing any leftovers.
Reheating
Since Waldorf salad is served cold, reheating is not necessary. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving to refresh the flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I substitute mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in this salad?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a richer, creamier dressing. However, Greek yogurt provides a tangy freshness and lighter texture that perfectly balances the sweetness of the grapes and apples.
What other nuts can I use instead of walnuts?
Pecans or almonds work great as alternatives. They both offer a nice crunch and complement the sweet and savory elements, although walnuts remain the classic choice in Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Absolutely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, and ensure your walnuts are toasted without any butter. This keeps the salad flavorful and fresh while making it suitable for a vegan diet.
Is cilantro essential in the recipe?
Cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens the salad, but if you’re not a fan, parsley is a great substitute. The salad will still be delicious and refreshing without it.
How far in advance can I prepare this salad?
You can prepare the salad components up to a day in advance and keep them chilled separately, then toss everything together shortly before serving. This ensures the apples and celery stay crisp and the dressing remains fresh.
Final Thoughts
Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels both classic and wonderfully fresh every time you make it. It’s effortlessly vibrant, packed with textures and flavors that delight your taste buds and brighten any table. I can’t recommend it enough — whether you’re hosting friends or simply craving something wholesome and cheerful, this salad will absolutely become one of your favorite go-tos. Give it a try and enjoy that perfect bite of crisp, sweet, tangy goodness!
Print
Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A fresh and vibrant Waldorf Salad combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy celery, tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt dressing and topped with toasted walnuts for a delightful texture contrast. Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish.
Ingredients
For the Dressing
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
For the Salad
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup chopped Honeycrisp apples
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix the halved red grapes, diced celery, chopped Honeycrisp apples, and chopped cilantro until evenly distributed.
- Toss with Dressing and Serve: Pour the prepared yogurt dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and stir gently to ensure everything is coated. Top the salad with toasted walnuts for added crunch and serve immediately.
Notes
- Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and slightly browned.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- The salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the apples and celery.
- Add a handful of mixed greens for extra volume and nutrition if desired.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste before serving.
