Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

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Warm & Familiar Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

There’s something timeless about a well-made Waldorf Salad—the crisp snap of apples, a bit of tender celery crunch, and the soft creaminess that ties it all together. I remember the first time I tried this version with whipped cream and walnuts; it felt like a cozy patchwork of textures and flavors, perfect for a light lunch or a charming side dish.

You’ll love how the apples’ sharpness brightens the creamy dressing, while toasted walnuts bring a toasty, buttery note beneath it all. It’s refreshing, indulgent, and simple—a rare combination that’s just irresistible.

Today, I want to walk you through my favorite Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe. We’ll focus on exactly why each step matters, so you can create this effortlessly at home without any guesswork.

Ingredient Breakdown

• Granny Smith Apples: Tart and firm, they add crispness and balance the creaminess. Swap with Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter touch.
• Granulated Sugar: Lightly sweetens without overpowering. Maple syrup works too if you prefer natural sweeteners.
• Lemon Juice: Keeps apples vibrant and prevents browning—don’t skip this!
• Celery: Adds a refreshing crunch and subtle earthiness.
• Red Seedless Grapes: Juicy bursts that add contrast and a hint of sweetness.
• Toasted Walnuts: Provides rich, buttery texture and flavor. Pecans or toasted almonds are great alternatives.
• Heavy Whipping Cream: Whipped to airy perfection for a velvety dressing base.
• Mayonnaise: Adds tanginess and creaminess to round out the dressing.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances sweetness.

Before You Start

Prep is your friend here—dice the apples and celery uniformly so each bite is balanced. Have your grapes halved and walnuts toasted just before mixing for fresh crunch. Keep your cream well chilled for the best whipping, and pull the mayonnaise from the fridge last to keep everything smooth.

How to Make Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

1. Add diced apples to a large bowl. Sprinkle with sugar and lemon juice, then toss gently to coat. This ensures the apples stay fresh and crisp, balancing tart and sweet beautifully.
2. Mix in celery, grapes, and toasted walnuts. Fold in carefully to keep those textures intact – you want the crunch, not mush.
3. Whip the heavy cream. Use a hand mixer or whisk until stiff peaks form. This step is key for creating that airy, velvety texture that lightens up the classic mayonnaise base.
4. Fold in mayonnaise into the whipped cream. Gently combine until smooth and creamy. This blend forms the luscious dressing that wraps every ingredient in flavor.
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Cook Like a Pro

For the fluffiest whipped cream, keep your mixing bowl and beaters cold—pop them in the fridge before starting. When folding mayo into the cream, use a gentle hand to keep that airy texture intact. And if your apples start to brown, a quick sprinkle of extra lemon juice will revive their brightness.

5. Pour the whipped cream dressing over the apple mixture. Sprinkle with kosher salt, then carefully fold everything together until evenly coated.
6. Cover and chill. Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour or overnight. This resting time allows the flavors to meld, and you’ll notice the salad becomes even more delightful when served cold.
7. Serve fresh and cold. This salad shines best chilled, delivering that crisp, refreshing texture and creamy bite.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

• Swap grapes for dried cranberries: Adds tart sweetness and chewy contrast in fall or winter.
• Add chopped fresh herbs: A little mint or tarragon freshens the classic creaminess wonderfully.
• Use yogurt instead of mayo: For a lighter, tangier dressing that’s just as lush.
• Sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg: For a subtly warm, autumnal twist.
• Try toasted pecans: They bring a sweeter, buttery edge that’s equally delicious.
• Include chopped celery leaves: Adds a burst of herbal brightness and a pop of color.

Storage, Freezer & Reheat Tips

• Refrigerate: Store covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The apples may soften slightly but still hold a nice texture.
• Do not freeze: Because of the cream and mayo base, freezing will break down the textures and separate the dressing.
• Stir before serving: After chilling, give the salad a gentle toss to redistribute dressing and refresh the flavors.
• Prep ahead tips: Chop and prep ingredients separately, then mix just before serving to keep maximum crunch.

Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe FAQs

• Can I use different nuts? Absolutely! Pecans, almonds, or even hazelnuts can add unique texture and flavor.
• Is mayonnaise necessary? It adds tang and richness, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter version.
• How do I keep apples from browning? Tossing them immediately with lemon juice slows oxidation, keeping that fresh look longer.
• Can I make this vegan? You can swap mayo for vegan mayo and replace heavy cream with coconut cream whipped until fluffy.
• What’s the best apple choice? Granny Smith is perfect for tartness, but feel free to try Fuji or Honeycrisp for sweeter flavor.

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