If you’re looking to brighten your menu with something both fresh and nostalgic, you’ve got to try this charming classic: Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe. This delightful mix of sweet grapes, crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts tossed in a tangy lemony Greek yogurt dressing is like a burst of sunshine in every bite. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic treat, or a stunning side that complements so many meals, delivering a wonderful balance of textures and flavors that never gets old.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Waldorf salad might seem simple at first glance, but every ingredient plays a vital role in creating that iconic taste and texture. From the creamy Greek yogurt that carries the dressing to the bright pop of citrus from fresh lemon, each component builds layers of freshness, crunch, and sweetness that you’ll love.
- Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Provides a creamy, tangy base for the dressing while keeping it light and healthy.
- Freshly squeezed lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a zesty brightness that lifts all the salad’s flavors.
- Lemon zest (from one lemon): Intensifies the citrus aroma without adding extra acidity.
- Kosher salt (a pinch): Enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Freshly ground black pepper (a pinch): Adds a subtle warmth to balance the sweetness.
- Red grapes, halved (1 cup): Bring juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the salad.
- Celery, diced (1 cup): Offers a refreshing crunch and mild, slightly peppery flavor.
- Honeycrisp apples, chopped (1 cup): Provide a crisp texture and a sweet-tart note that pairs brilliantly with the grapes.
- Cilantro, chopped (1/4 cup): Adds a bright, herbaceous twist that keeps the salad fresh and lively.
- Walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted (1 cup): Give a rich, nutty crunch that completes the dish with a satisfying bite.
How to Make Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Start by combining Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the salad—it brings a subtle tang and a luscious texture that embraces every ingredient.
Step 2: Mix the Fresh Ingredients
In a larger bowl, toss together the halved grapes, diced celery, chopped Honeycrisp apples, and chopped cilantro. Each of these adds their unique texture and flavor: the grapes’ juiciness, celery’s crunch, apples’ sweetness with a hint of tartness, and cilantro’s fresh herbal note.
Step 3: Combine and Top
Pour the dressing over the mixed fruits and vegetables, then gently stir to coat everything evenly. The creamy yogurt dressing clings beautifully here, making every bite delicious. Finish your salad masterpiece by scattering the roughly chopped toasted walnuts on top—they add that final irresistible crunch and earthy flavor.
How to Serve Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra pop of color and flavor, try adding a few fresh mint leaves or additional lemon zest on top when serving. You can also sprinkle a little extra toasted walnut to amp up the nutty aroma. These little touches make the dish look as inviting as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This Waldorf salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even as a refreshing companion to a hearty sandwich. It works beautifully at brunch, lunch, or as a bright side at dinner, complementing richer mains effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this salad in chilled glass bowls for a pretty presentation that highlights the vivid colors, or try filling crisp lettuce cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer. If you’re hosting, arrange the salad on a bed of fresh greens or edible flowers to impress your guests visually and gastronomically.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because the apples and celery stay crisp, the salad holds up well, but for the best texture, it’s ideal enjoyed fresh. Give it a gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad because the delicate texture of the grapes, apples, and celery will become mushy upon thawing. The fresh, crisp qualities that make Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe so appealing simply won’t survive the freezer.
Reheating
Since this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary. Keep it chilled and enjoy the cool, refreshing flavors whenever you’re ready to eat.
FAQs
Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with mayonnaise?
Yes, traditional Waldorf salad often uses mayonnaise, but Greek yogurt is a lighter, tangier alternative. You can choose based on your preference for creaminess or healthfulness.
What type of grapes work best?
Red grapes are ideal for both their sweetness and vibrant color, but green grapes can also be used if you prefer a tarter balance.
Can I add other nuts besides walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be great substitutes or additions to bring a different crunch and flavor to your salad.
Is this salad vegan-friendly?
As written, this recipe includes Greek yogurt which is not vegan. To make it vegan-friendly, try a plant-based yogurt alternative and check that your other ingredients comply with your dietary needs.
How long does the salad stay fresh once dressed?
Once mixed with the dressing, it’s best to consume the salad within a few hours for the most vibrant texture and flavor, but it can last up to two days refrigerated if stored properly.
Final Thoughts
This recipe for Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe is a true gem that bridges comforting nostalgia with fresh flavors you’ll want to revisit often. Whether you’re new to this classic or it’s a beloved go-to, it shines as a versatile, delicious dish that’s easy to make and a joy to eat. Trust me, once you savor those juicy grapes mingling with crisp apples and crunchy walnuts in that luscious lemony dressing, you’ll be hooked. Give it a go and bring a little sunshine to your plate today!
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Salads with Grapes – Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A fresh and crunchy Waldorf Salad combining sweet red grapes, crisp celery, and Honeycrisp apples with a tangy Greek yogurt dressing, finished with toasted walnuts for a delightful texture contrast. This easy-to-make salad is perfect as a light lunch or side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup chopped Honeycrisp apples
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined to create a tangy and creamy dressing.
- Mix Salad Ingredients: In a larger bowl, combine the halved red grapes, diced celery, chopped Honeycrisp apples, and chopped cilantro. Stir gently to mix all the fresh ingredients evenly.
- Toss with Dressing: Pour the yogurt dressing over the mixed salad ingredients and stir carefully until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Add Toasted Walnuts: Sprinkle the toasted, roughly chopped walnuts on top of the salad just before serving to add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
Notes
- To toast walnuts, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Use Greek yogurt for a creamy yet healthier dressing alternative to mayonnaise.
- Honeycrisp apples offer a perfect balance of sweetness and crispness, but you can substitute with Granny Smith for a tart flavor.
- The salad is best served immediately to maintain the crunchiness of the ingredients.
- For extra flavor, you can add a teaspoon of honey or a dash of cinnamon to the dressing.
