Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (2024)

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Although delicious anytime of the year, Waldorf salad has been a holiday side dish in my family for as long as I can remember. Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for this “must have” holiday dish.

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (1)

TABLE OF CONTENTS hide

1 Waldorf Salad

2 What is in Waldorf salad?

3 Why is it called “Waldorf salad”?

4 How do you make Waldorf salad?

5 Tastes of the Season Christmas Side Dishes:

7 Waldorf salad

Waldorf Salad

Yes my friends, we’re taking it old school today with this classic side dish recipe that dates back over 100 years. It has become a holiday staple in my family and is served every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m thrilled that I get to share it with you today.

I’m also joined once again by my Tastes of the Seasons blogger friends. This week, we’re all sharing a Christmas side dish. So, if you’re looking to shake up you holiday menu or just want to try something new, be sure to check out all of the recipes I’ve linked up at the end of this post.

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (2)

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (3)

What is in Waldorf salad?

The recipe below is the one that my family has been using for years. I did a little online research, and while some recipes vary, the standard ingredients for Waldorf salad include:

  • apples
  • grapes
  • celery
  • walnuts
  • marshmallows
  • mayonnaise-based dressing

If you’ve never had Waldorf salad before, this might seem like a really strange combination of ingredients, but it’s really a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (4)

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (5)

Why is it called “Waldorf salad”?

I’m sure many of you have heard of the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City. Well, that’s where it gets it’s name. The recipe originated there back in 1896 when it was created and served at a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary’s Hospital for Children.

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How do you make Waldorf salad?

You’re in luck because today’s recipe is beyond easy. Essentially, you just toss everything into a bowl, give it a big stir and then refrigerate for a few hours. That’s it.

However, let me break it down for you. (Full ingredient list and instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)

In a large bowl, add the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and mini marshmallows.

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Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (8)

In a small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise and heavy whipping cream.

Pour the dressing onto the apple mixture and stir to evenly combine. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

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Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (10)

You really want to let this salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. The dressing breaks down the marshmallows a bit which helps to add sweetness to the dressing which is really quite delicious.

And that is it, my friends! I told you this was an easy recipe. Another thing I love about this Waldorf salad is that it seems to get better the longer it sits. This is one of my favorite leftovers as it’s even better the day after the holiday meal.

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Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (12)

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (13)

If you’ve never had Waldorf salad before, I hope you give this recipe a try. Want more holiday side dishes? Be sure to check out my blogger friends’ recipes that I’ve linked below.

Enjoy!

Tastes of the Season Christmas Side Dishes:

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (14)

Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes by Ella Claire & Co. | Savory Herb and Cheese Breadby French Country Cottage | Oven Baked Corn by Anderson + Grant

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (15)

Loaded Mashed Potatoes by Handmade Farmhouse | Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries by Freutcake | Waldorf Salad by Inspired by Charm

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Waldorf Salad Recipe:

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (16)

Waldorf salad

Although delicious anytime of the year, Waldorf salad has been a holiday side dish in my family for as long as I can remember. Today, I'm sharing my family's recipe for this "must have" holiday dish.

5 from 4 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: christmas, holiday, salad, thanksgiving, waldorf

Prep Time: 20 minutes minutes

Chilling Time: 3 hours hours

Total Time: 3 hours hours 20 minutes minutes

Servings: 8 people

Calories: 190kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a large bowl, add the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and mini marshmallows.

  • In a small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise and heavy whipping cream.

  • Pour the dressing onto the apple mixture and stir to evenly combine. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 190kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 13mg | Sodium: 66mg | Potassium: 157mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 204IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 22mg | Iron: 1mg

Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (2024)

FAQs

What fruit does a Waldorf salad typically contain? ›

The main ingredient in a traditional Waldorf salad is crisp apples, typically diced or sliced. This classic salad also includes other ingredients such as celery, grapes, and walnuts, all of which are mixed together with a dressing typically made from mayonnaise or a mayonnaise-based dressing.

What's the difference between Waldorf salad and ambrosia salad? ›

And Waldorf salads traditionally have apples, walnuts, celery, and grapes, served on a bed of iceberg lettuce, whereas ambrosia combines oranges, pineapple, and coconut.

What nut does Waldorf salad contain? ›

A Waldorf salad is a fruit and nut salad generally made of celery, fresh apples, walnuts, and grapes, dressed in mayonnaise, and traditionally served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer or a light meal. The apples, celery, and grapes can all be green, which harmonizes the color palette of the dish.

What do you eat mayo with? ›

Mayonnaise is an incredibly versatile ingredient in the kitchen. Of course, it's the star of the show for many sandwiches, including BLTs and chicken salad. Mayonnaise also serves as the base for most of your favorite cold salads, such as macaroni salad, potato salad, and broccoli salad.

What is Hawaiian salad made of? ›

Fresh Spring Mix, Topped with Julienne Carrots, Purple Cabbage, Fresh Cucumber, Shaved Red Onion, Grilled Pineapple, and Crunchy Rice Noodles. Served with a Honey Soy Dressing.

Is Waldorf salad a carbohydrate fat or protein? ›

Waldorf Salad (1 cup) contains 14.9g total carbs, 11.7g net carbs, 20.8g fat, 2g protein, and 242 calories.

What is the fancy name for fruit salad? ›

A fruit salad is sometimes known as a fruit co*cktail (often connoting a canned product), or fruit cup (when served in a small container). There are many types of fruit salad, ranging from the basic (no nuts, marshmallows, or dressing) to the moderately sweet (Waldorf salad) to the sweet (ambrosia salad).

What is the Bella Hadid salad? ›

Here's how to make the viral Bella Hadid salad with arugula, cucumber, bell pepper, avocado and parmesan all drizzled with lemon juice, olive oil and a balsamic glaze. It's light, refreshing and so easy to whip up!

What is the three sacred sisters salad? ›

Ingredients
  1. 2 pounds butternut squash.
  2. 2 tablespoons olive oil.
  3. 1 (15.5-oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed.
  4. 2 cups fresh corn kernels.
  5. ½ small red onion, sliced.
  6. ½ cup chopped fresh basil.
  7. Balsamic Vinaigrette.
  8. 3 cups loosely packed arugula.

What is in Jack Astor's Buddha salad? ›

Buddha Salad. Arugula, mixed greens, quinoa, cucumber, green apple, strawberries, seed, nut and fruit blend, goat cheese, honey Dijon vinaigrette.

What lettuce tastes like nuts? ›

Stem lettuce

The leaves can be bitter, like escarole, but the stalk, which should be peeled, has a nutty, cucumber-like flavor. How to use it: The leaves can be eaten like any other lettuce variety: raw or wilted into soups.

What nuts taste good in salad? ›

Almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, cashews, hazelnuts, and macadamia nuts are all great options that can add flavor and nutrition to your favorite salads. So go ahead and experiment with different combinations to create a salad that's both delicious and healthy.

What is the main ingredient which forms the foundation of the Waldorf salad? ›

Waldorf Salad Ingredients

Created in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York (during the 1800's), the original recipe was made up of only apples, celery, and mayo. This simple combo lived on for quite some time. But as usual, adaptations are made as time goes on.

What fruit is in a fruit salad sweet? ›

Fruit Salad is a type of "raspberry & pineapple flavour chew" according to its packaging. It is a chewy confectionery.

What is a salad that contains fruits as their main ingredients? ›

Fruit salad contain fruits as their main ingredients,like appetizer salads or dessert salads while gelatin salad are usually served as main courses or fruit courses rather than accompaniments or side dishes.

Which type of salad is usually sweet and contains fruits and nuts? ›

Dessert salads are usually sweet, often containing fruits, sweetened gelatin, nuts, cream, and/or whipped cream. The BASE or UNDERLINER of the salad is usually a layer of greens. The BODY of the salad is the main ingredient.

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