Waldorf Salad a Taste of Vintage Elegance

Imagine a crisp blend of fresh greens, juicy apples, crunchy walnuts, and succulent grapes, with a tangy dressing. The Waldorf Salad has been a beloved staple in American cuisine for over a century since first being served at the iconic Waldorf Astoria Hotel.

This version lightens up the dressing a bit for the same amazing taste with less fat and added sugar. So grab a fork and join us on a journey through the fascinating world of the Waldorf Salad.

I love the combination of flavors and textures in this salad: crisp celery and lettuce, crunchy walnuts, sweet apples and grapes.

I can make an entire meal out of it, while some may prefer it on the side. Do you, I won't judge.

Waldorf Salad History

The original Waldorf Salad was created by Oskar Tschirky of the Waldorf Hotel in the 1890s. It consisted of just 4 ingredients: apples and celery in mayonnaise served on a bed of lettuce.

It has since evolved to include a variety of other ingredients. Growing up (in the 1970s/80s) it was always served with red grapes and walnuts added. I was actually a bit stunned to learn they weren't always in the recipe.

How to Make Healthy Salads

Most salads are loaded with fat or sugar because they use far too much dressing. And when the dressing is store bought, the sodium content is usually excessive.

If eating out, always ask for the dressing on the side and start with just half of it. You may find the salad doesn't need the rest.

You can go traditional with this recipe and just use mayonnaise for the dressing like Tschirky. But, I lighten it up a bit with some Greek yogurt and a splash of honey and lemon juice for extra oomph.

More Retro Recipes from #OurFamilyTable

Everything old is new again. Enjoy some classic recipes that are making a comeback.

Retro Recipes

• Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake with No Cook Fudge Frosting from A Day in the Life on the Farm
• Kielbasa and Cabbage from Art of Natural Living
• One Pot Tuna Noodle Casserole from A Kitchen Hoor's Adventures
• Porcupine Meatballs from Karen's Kitchen Stories
• Quiche Lorraine from Jen Around the World
• Tunnel of Fudge Cake from Hezzi-D's Recipe Box

We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you're at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

Recipe

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

 

Dressing Ingredients:

• ¼ cup sugar-free mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Greek yogurt
• 1½ tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt

Salad Ingredients:

• 1 head Bibb lettuce
• 2 medium Granny Smith apples (cored and sliced*)
• 1 cup red seedless grapes (cut in half)
• 2 large stalks celery (chopped small)
• ½ cups walnuts (roughly chopped)
• 2 ounce crumbled goat cheese (optional)

Instructions

 

• Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients in a bowl and whisking until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• Wash and separate lettuce leaves. Blot dry and place on a serving plate (or individual salad plates)
• Top lettuce with the apples, grapes, walnuts, and goat cheese, if using.
• Drizzle with some of the dressing and serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Sound fabulous? Share it!

more salad recipes

Until next time, happy eating!
~Audrey