Waldorf Delight

🕒 Prep: 20 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
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Looking for a salad that's both refreshing and satisfying? Waldorf Delight is a classic that combines crisp, sweet flavors with a creamy dressing. Perfect for any gathering or a quick family meal.

Ingredients for Waldorf Delight

Apples: Diced Granny Smith apples add a tart crunch that balances the sweetness of other ingredients.

Celery: Provides a refreshing, crisp texture that pairs beautifully with the other elements.

Grapes: Red seedless grapes bring a burst of natural sweetness and juiciness to the salad.

Walnuts: Chopped and toasted for a nutty, savory crunch that complements the fresh produce.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing, binding all the ingredients together.

Lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that enhances the overall flavor and prevents the apples from browning.

Salt and black pepper: Season to taste, balancing the flavors and adding a subtle kick.

Lettuce leaves: Used as a refreshing bed to serve the salad on, adding a bit of color and crunch.

Tips & Tricks

  • To prevent the apples from browning while you prepare the rest, toss them in a little lemon juice right after cutting.
  • For an extra flavor boost, try roasting the walnuts with a pinch of cinnamon and sugar before adding them to the salad.
  • If you're preparing this ahead of time, store the dressing separately and mix just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Serving Suggestions

This Waldorf Delight pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or a light pasta dish. It's also perfect for a brunch spread alongside quiche or as a refreshing side with a hearty soup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness, feel free to use any crisp variety you like.
What if I'm allergic to nuts?
You can omit the walnuts entirely or substitute with sunflower seeds for a similar crunch.
Is there a dairy-free alternative to mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use a vegan mayo or a plain yogurt substitute if you prefer a dairy-free option.

Waldorf Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preparing your ingredients: dice the apples and celery, halve the grapes, and chop the toasted walnuts. Make sure everything is bite-sized for an even mix.

In a large bowl, combine the diced apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts. Use your hands or a large spoon to gently mix them together, ensuring an even distribution of each ingredient.

Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth dressing. The lemon juice helps cut through the richness of the mayo and adds a fresh tang.

Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to coat everything evenly. Be gentle to avoid bruising the fruit.

Transfer the salad to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the salad to become perfectly chilled.

When ready to serve, lay out fresh lettuce leaves on a serving platter and spoon the chilled salad on top. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • Perfect balance of crunchy, creamy, and sweet.
  • Great for potlucks or picnics.
  • Customizable to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients

2 cups diced apples (preferably Granny Smith)
1 cup diced celery
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves for serving

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine diced apples, celery, grapes, and toasted walnuts.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.
4. Chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled over a bed of fresh lettuce leaves.

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