Easy Waldorf Salad
Easy homemade Waldorf Salad recipe with Greek yogurt dressing. Fresh, creamy, and ready in 16 minutes. Perfect for healthy lunches.
Ingredients
- 3 medium Gala apples, cored and diced into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 celery stalks, sliced into thin half-moons
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 3/4 cup raw walnuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely minced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp raw honey
- 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 4 cups mixed lettuce greens, loosely packed
Instructions
- 1
Dice the three medium Gala apples into roughly 1/2-inch cubes, discarding the core and seeds, then immediately toss the apple pieces with the fresh lemon juice to prevent browning.
- 2
Slice the celery stalks on a slight bias into thin half-moon shapes, cutting across at about a 45-degree angle for a more elegant presentation.
- 3
Halve the red grapes lengthwise using a sharp knife, working over a bowl to catch any juices that will enhance the dressing.
- 4
Toast the walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes, shaking the pan frequently until they become fragrant and slightly deeper in color.
- 5
Combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, sea salt, black pepper, and garlic powder in a medium bowl, whisking until the mixture becomes smooth and completely free of lumps.
- 6
Add the prepared apples along with their lemon juice, celery slices, grape halves, toasted walnuts, and minced parsley to the dressing in the bowl.
- 7
Fold everything together gently using a rubber spatula, ensuring the creamy dressing coats all the ingredients evenly, about 2 to 3 minutes of folding.
- 8
Taste the mixture and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed to suit your preference.
- 9
Arrange the mixed lettuce greens across a serving platter or divide among individual salad bowls as the foundation.
- 10
Spoon the Waldorf mixture generously over the fresh greens, allowing some of the creamy dressing to cascade onto the lettuce beneath.
- 11
Serve the salad immediately while the apples remain crisp and the walnuts retain their toasted texture.
Variations & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Substitute | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| mayonnaise | plain Greek yogurt or cashew cream | reduces saturated fat and calories while adding probiotics and protein for better gut health |
| Gala apples | Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples | these varieties have lower glycemic index and higher fiber content for improved blood sugar management |
| walnuts | pecans or sunflower seeds | pecans offer similar omega-3s with less potential inflammation; sunflower seeds provide magnesium and anti-inflammatory properties |
| honey | pure maple syrup or monk fruit sweetener | monk fruit provides sweetness without affecting blood sugar, while maple syrup offers polyphenols with anti-inflammatory benefits |
| mixed lettuce greens | spinach, arugula, or kale | darker leafy greens contain significantly more antioxidants, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds for enhanced nutritional density |
Recommended Equipment
Tools that make this recipe easier
Nutrition Information
Per serving (serves 4)
| Calories | 328 |
| Total Fat | 22g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Cholesterol | 8mg |
| Sodium | 385mg |
| Carbohydrates | 29g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Sugar | 16g |
| Protein | 11g |
This recipe was extracted from the original video source using AI. Nutritional information is estimated and may vary. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice. As an Amazon Associate, AlmostChefs earns from qualifying purchases. Product links are affiliate links — they cost you nothing extra but help support the site. Read full disclaimer
