Waldorf Salad
This classic Waldorf Salad offers a delightful blend of crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and fresh celery, complemented by sweet golden raisins. It's all tossed in a light and tangy dressing made with yogurt, mayonnaise, honey, and lemon zest. Perfect as a refreshing side dish or a light lunch, this recipe delivers a harmonious balance of flavors and textures, ideal for any occasion.
Equipment
- 1 Baking Sheet
- 1 Large Mixing Bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Chef's knife
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Main
- 1/2 cup walnuts halves
- 1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
- 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/2 lemon zest finely grated
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 large crisp apples such as Gala
- 2 ribs celery with leaves, sliced into 1/2-inch-thick pieces (leaves chopped)
- 1/4 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 lemon juiced
- 1 head Boston lettuce trimmed, washed, and dried
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool and break the nuts up into small pieces.
- Whisk the yogurt, mayonnaise, parsley, honey, and lemon zest in a large bowl and season generously with pepper.
- Halve, core, and cut the apples into 3/4-inch pieces, leaving the skin intact. Add the apples, celery and raisins to the bowl, and sprinkle with the lemon juice; then toss with the dressing. Cover and refrigerate if not serving immediately.
- When ready to serve, toss walnuts into the salad. Arrange the lettuce leaves on a large platter, or divide them among 4 salad plates. Place the salad on the lettuce and serve.
Notes
For the walnuts, monitor them closely while toasting as they can burn quickly; a light golden brown and fragrant aroma indicate perfection. Ensuring the apples are crisp is key to the salad's texture; Gala is good, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work beautifully. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also prevents apple browning. When preparing the dressing, adjust honey to taste, and consider a pinch of Dijon mustard for an extra layer of complexity. Always chill the salad thoroughly before serving to allow flavors to meld and ensure a refreshing experience. Using fresh, crisp celery with some leaves adds both flavor and visual appeal.