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Classic Apple Waldorf Salad

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  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 6 to 8 servings

Description

This Classic Apple Waldorf Salad is made with crisp apples, grapes, celery, marshmallows, and toasted walnuts tossed in a creamy Cool Whip and mayonnaise dressing. A Southern twist on the timeless salad first created at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel.  Perfect for brunches, potlucks, and holiday gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 4 medium Honey Crisp, Gala or Fuji apples (about 4 cups chopped)
  • 1 ½ cups red seedless grapes, halved
  • 1 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups mini marshmallows
  • 1 cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
  • 1 (12-ounce) container Cool Whip, thawed
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the fruit: Wash and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, leaving the peel on for color and crunch. Halve the grapes and finely chop the celery.
  2. Mix the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the Cool Whip, mayonnaise, lemon juice, until smooth and fluffy.
  3. Combine everything: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the apples, grapes, celery, marshmallows, and toasted nuts.
  4. Fold in the dressing: Add the creamy Cool Whip mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. Serve chilled and garnish with extra walnuts or a few apple slices on top.

Notes

How to Store Waldorf Salad

  • Refrigerate: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best the first day, after it’s had a few hours to chill, but it will still taste great the next day or two.
  • Do not freeze: Because it’s made with Cool Whip and mayonnaise, this salad doesn’t freeze well. The dressing will separate and lose its fluffy texture when thawed.
  • Keep it fresh: If you’re making it ahead for a gathering, toss the apples in a little lemon juice before mixing — that keeps them crisp and helps prevent browning.

Stir before serving: Give the salad a gentle stir before serving to refresh the dressing and bring back that creamy, fluffy consistency.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cup
  • Calories: 160
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 60 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 15 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 1.2 g
  • Cholesterol: 2 mg