This classic salad combines crisp apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts, all dressed in a creamy and tangy dressing. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures.
Waldorf Salad: born in the late 1800s in New York City.
Imagine a refreshing medley of crisp apples, crunchy celery, juicy grapes, and nutty walnuts, all harmoniously dancing together in a creamy dressing. But wait, there’s more! This salad isn’t just a feast for the taste buds; it’s a nutritional powerhouse:
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Nutrient-Rich Waldorf Salad
Each bite delivers a symphony of vitamins and minerals. Apples bring fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants to the party. Celery struts in with vitamin K and folate. Grapes dazzle with more vitamin C and antioxidants. And walnuts? They’re the cool cats, offering healthy fats, fiber, and protein. Digestive Delight: The fiber in Waldorf salad moonlights as a digestive superhero. It keeps things moving smoothly, preventing any traffic jams in your gut. Plus, celery’s secret weapon—apiuman—soothes inflammation along the digestive highway. Heart’s Best Friend: Walnuts, those heart-shaped gems, flaunt omega-3 fatty acids. These heroes fight inflammation, lower triglycerides, and jazz up cholesterol levels. And the salad’s fiber? It’s like a broom sweeping away excess cholesterol.
If you’re on a weight-loss mission, Waldorf salad is your trusty sidekick. Low in calories, high in satisfaction—thanks to that fiber—it keeps hunger pangs at bay. No more sneaky snack attacks! Immune Boost: Vitamin C and antioxidants join forces to fortify your immune troops. Vitamin C waves its flag, rallying the defenses. Antioxidants? They’re the peacekeepers, calming inflammation and maintaining order. Cancer Guardian: While the story is still unfolding, early evidence suggests that Waldorf salad might have anti-cancer powers. Stay tuned for the next chapter! So there you have it—a salad that’s not just a dish but a celebration of health.
Here’s how to make it:
Waldorf Salad Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium-sized apples, such as Granny Smith or Red Delicious)
- 1 cup diced celery (about 2-3 stalks)
- Diced avocado (for creaminess)
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional; pecans can also be used)
- 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
- Lettuce leaves for serving (such as iceberg or butter lettuce)
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Start with 1 tablespoon of honey and add more to taste if you prefer a sweeter dressing. Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Set aside.
- Prep the Ingredients:
- Wash and dice the apples (peeling is optional).
- Dice the celery, avocado, and halve the grapes.
- Chop the walnuts if they are not already chopped.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, diced celery, halved grapes, chopped walnuts, and raisins or cranberries (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl.
- Gently toss all the ingredients together until well coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as you don’t want the salad to become mushy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Optionally, garnish the salad with additional chopped walnuts or a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and flavor.
- Serve the Waldorf Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves.
Nutritional Notes:
- Waldorf Salad is a nutritious combination of fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats.
- Apples provide fiber and vitamins.
- Walnuts add healthy fats and protein.
- Greek yogurt contributes protein and creaminess.
Country of Origin:
- The Waldorf Salad is named after the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, where it was first created for a charity ball held in honor of the St. Mary’s Hospital for Children on March 13, 189612.
Calorie Content:
A typical serving of Waldorf Salad (about 1 cup) contains approximately 170-243 calories.
Preparation Time:
- The Waldorf Salad is quick to put together and can be made ahead of time without fear of wilting.
- The total preparation time is approximately 15 minutes
- Enjoy this refreshing and satisfying Waldorf Salad