This vegan Waldorf salad is an absolute breeze to make, requiring just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients and utilizing a creamy dressing. Its combination of sweet and savory flavors, along with the contrasting textures, creates a delightful and refreshing salad that is both satisfying and delicious!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Refreshing and crisp. The combination of fresh apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts provides a satisfying texture and a burst of flavors that awaken your taste buds!
- Healthy and nutritious. This is a nutritious choice. It is packed with wholesome ingredients. Apples offer fiber and antioxidants, celery adds vitamins and minerals, and walnuts provide healthy fats and protein.
- Classic and timeless. The Waldorf salad has stood the test of time for a reason. Its classic combination of flavors has been enjoyed for over a century.
Ingredients needed
- Apples. Preferably Granny Smith, or another tart variety, make the best crispy contrast to the salad’s other ingredients.
- Celery. A refreshing and high fiber vegetable with a crunchy texture to build out the base of the Waldorf salad.
- Red grapes. Red grapes are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, and they balance the sweetness of the salad’s flavor profile.
- Walnuts. Have a distinct nutty flavor that adds richness and depth to the salad. Walnuts are also a good source of healthy fats and protein.
- Plant-based mayonnaise. Acts as a binding agent and provides a rich tangy creaminess to the salad.
- Vegan yogurt. Coconut or soy yogurts work well, depending on your preference! These substitute a portion of the mayonnaise to assist in the creaminess of the salad without being too heavy and provide a probiotic kick!
- Lemon juice. To provide an acidic balance and prevent your apples from oxidising (turning brown).
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
- Lettuce leaves (optional). For serving.
How to make Waldorf salad
Step 1 – Combine base ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, grapes, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Step 2 – Prepare the dressing. In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, and lemon juice until well combined.
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Step 3 – Dress and chill. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are evenly coated. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
Step 4 – Serve. Give the salad a gentle toss to ensure the dressing is still evenly distributed. Serve the Waldorf Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves (optional). You can also garnish it with some additional chopped walnuts if desired.
Tips to make the best recipe
- Choose crisp apples. Opt for crisp and firm apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for your Waldorf salad. Their tartness and crunchiness add a refreshing element to the salad.
- Toast the walnuts. Toasting the walnuts before adding them to the salad enhances their nutty flavor and adds a delightful crunch.
- Serve chilled. After preparing the salad, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Don’t overdress the salad. Be mindful not to overdress your Waldorf salad. Start by adding a small amount of dressing, toss the salad gently, and add more as needed.
- Experiment and customize. You can easily customize this salad to your liking. Feel free to add additional ingredients like raisins, cranberries, or even quinoa for a heartier version!
Storage instructions
To store: Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly, consuming it within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. Avoid dressing until serving and give it a gentle toss before eating.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can make a Waldorf salad in advance. However, it is best to dress the salad just before serving to maintain its freshness and prevent the ingredients from becoming soggy.
Absolutely! Adding vegan protein like chickpeas or quinoa can turn your Waldorf salad into a more substantial meal.
Yes, if you have nut allergies or simply prefer a different nut, you can substitute walnuts with other nuts like pecans, almonds, or even cashews. Choose a nut that complements the flavors of the salad.
Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups apple diced, Granny Smith
- 1 cup celery diced
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 1/2 cup walnuts chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise plant-based
- 1/4 cup yogurt vegan
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, grapes, and chopped walnuts. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until well combined. This will be the dressing for the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Make sure the dressing is distributed evenly. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preferences.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Waldorf Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to ensure the dressing is still evenly distributed. Serve the Waldorf Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves. You can also garnish it with some additional chopped walnuts if desired.
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