The Waldorf salad is a classic American salad that has a rich and fascinating history. It was first created in the late 19th century at the Waldorf Hotel in New York City. The salad was invented by Oscar Tschirky, who was the maître d’hôtel at the hotel. The original recipe consisted of just a few simple ingredients, including diced apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Over time, other ingredients such as walnuts and grapes were added to enhance the flavor and texture of the salad. The Waldorf salad quickly gained popularity and became a signature dish of the Waldorf Hotel. It was loved by both locals and visitors, and its popularity spread to other parts of the United States and even internationally. Today, the Waldorf salad remains a classic and is often served as a side dish or a light meal.
The Waldorf salad has a unique taste profile that combines sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. The crispness of the fresh apples and celery provides a refreshing and crunchy texture to the salad. The sweetness of the apples and grapes balances out the tanginess of the mayonnaise, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The addition of walnuts adds a nutty and slightly bitter taste, which complements the other ingredients. The combination of these contrasting flavors and textures makes the Waldorf salad a delightfully refreshing and satisfying dish. It is often enjoyed as a light and healthy option, perfect for a summer lunch or a side dish at a dinner party.
Waldorf salad
Ingredients
- 2 medium-sized crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, cored and chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 1 Cup red seedless grapes halved
- 1 Cup celery thinly sliced
- 1 Cup walnuts toasted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 Cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 Cup Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tbsp honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- – Lettuce leaves for serving optional
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
- In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Just before serving, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute the dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- If desired, line a serving platter or individual plates with lettuce leaves. Spoon the Waldorf salad onto the lettuce leaves.
- Serve chilled and enjoy!
