Waldorf Salad

Crunchy apples, celery, and walnuts tossed in a creamy, lightly tangy dressing for a classic salad that’s fresh, satisfying, and timeless.

Ingredients

• 2 crisp apples (about 450g / 1 lb), cored and cut into 1.5cm (1/2") cubes (leave peel on)
• 2 celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 3/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp plain yogurt (or use extra mayo)
• 1 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, to balance tart apples)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups lettuce leaves (cos/romaine or butter lettuce), to serve (optional but classic)

Method

• 1

  Step 1: Toast the walnuts (optional but recommended)

  Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add walnuts and toast, tossing often, until they smell nutty and deepen in colour, 3–5 minutes. Tip onto a plate to cool (so they stay crisp).

• 2

  Step 2: Make the dressing

  In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, honey (if using), salt, and pepper until smooth. Taste and adjust: more lemon for tang, a pinch more salt to wake it up.

• 3

  Step 3: Prep the salad base

  Cut apples into bite-size cubes and add to a large bowl with celery. Add a spoonful of dressing immediately and toss (this helps slow browning).

• 4

  Step 4: Combine

  Add remaining dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated and glossy. Fold through toasted walnuts last so they keep their crunch.

• 5

  Step 5: Serve

  Pile onto lettuce leaves (or serve as-is in a bowl). Eat right away for maximum crunch, or chill 15–30 minutes for a more melded flavour.

Tips

• **Best apples:** Use crisp, sweet-tart varieties (e.g., Granny Smith + Fuji, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp). Soft apples turn mealy quickly.
• **Dressing control:** Start with 3/4 of the dressing and add more as needed—apples release juice as they sit.
• **Make-ahead:** Mix dressing up to 2 days ahead. For best texture, cut apples and toss the salad no more than a few hours before serving.
• **Serving ideas:** Great alongside roast chicken, turkey sandwiches, or as a light lunch with extra walnuts for heft.

Nutrition (per serving, estimate)