Waldorf Salad without Mayo

Waldorf salad is a classic recipe filled with apples, grapes, and nuts. A family favorite that is always served at holiday gatherings. This creamy fruit salad is always a hit.

This is one of those dishes that always makes an appearance during a holiday meal like pea salad and Watergate salad. Creamy and slightly sweet, it has become a dish my kids ask for on every special occasion.

What is a Waldorf Salad?

This salad is made with fruit and nuts and typically has a mayonnaise dressing served on lettuce. Oscar Tschirky, who worked at the New York City Waldorf Astoria hotel in 1896 is credited with developing the recipe for a charity ball that was held at the hotel.

The original classic waldorf salad recipe consisted of apples, celery, and mayonnaise.

Waldorf Salad Recipe Ingredients

• Greek vanilla yogurt – Used to make the creamy dressing for the salad. You can also substitute with plain Greek yogurt to cut down on the sweetness.
• Honey – Adds a hint of sweetness to the dish.
• Lemon juice – Lemon juice helps to prevent the apples from browning.
• Apples – Use your favorite apples like green apples, red apples, honey crisp apples, fuji apples, or others.
• Grapes – Red grapes and green grapes are used for this recipe but you can also just use red or green.
• Celery – Diced celery adds a nice crunch.
• Pecans – Chopped pecans add more crunch and flavor.

Apple Waldorf Salad Variations

Want a little something different? Try some of these add-ins.

• If you don’t have yogurt, try using mayonnaise or sour cream for a tangy flavor.
• To make this a full meal, try adding shredded or chopped chicken.
• Try a little added texture with dried fruit like raisins, golden raisins, or cranberries.
• Different fruit like mandarin oranges or diced pears are also great additions.

How to make this Recipe for Waldorf Salad

This recipe uses Greek yogurt instead of the classic mayonnaise. If you prefer mayonnaise, feel free to substitute.

1. Start by making the dressing. Stir together the Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice.
2. Cut apples and celery into small pieces and cut grapes in half.
3. Pour dressing over apples, celery, grapes, and nuts. Stir until everything is covered.

Apple Waldorf Salad Recipe Tips

• If you like your salad a little sweeter you can add a pinch of sugar or use vanilla Greek yogurt.
• Make sure to choose crisp apples for the salad so that it doesn’t become mushy in texture.
• Make sure to cut fruit in bite size pieces.
• Toss the apples in the dressing as soon as they are cut. The lemon juice acid in the dressing is key to preventing browning of the fruit.

How long will this Waldorf Salad Recipe with Yogurt last?

This salad will last about two days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can make it the night before serving.

Apple Waldorf Salad Recipe FAQs

More salad recipes

• Chicken salad is a delicious salad with a hint of spice and vegetables.
• Egg salad is creamy and perfect for an on the go lunch.
• Tuna salad – A classic, easy dish.
• Salmon salad – Similar to tuna salad.