Waldorf Salad
Step into a culinary realm where tradition meets innovation—the Waldorf Salad, a timeless creation that has graced tables withits elegance for over a century. Born in the iconic Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City during the late 19th century, this salad remains a testament to the art of combining simplicity and sophistication.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples, cored and diced (use a combination of sweet and tart apples)
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1/2 cup red or green grapes, halved (optional)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp honey (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sprigs of fresh parsley or mint leaves, ready to adorn.
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, diced celery, chopped nuts, and halved grapes (if using).
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more honey or lemon juice if needed to achieve the desired balance of flavors.
- Refrigerate the Waldorf Salad for about 15-30 minutes before serving. Cooling facilitates the harmonious mingling of flavors.
- Just before serving, garnish the salad with fresh parsley or mint leavesfor a touch of color and freshness.
Notes
- Choose apples with a combination of sweet and tart flavors for a well-rounded taste.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding ingredients like grilled chicken, raisins, dried cranberries, or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce the calorie content.
- Adjust the sweetness of the dressing by adding more or less honey, depending on your taste preferences.
- Chilling the salad before serving enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing experience.
- Waldorf Salad is versatile and can be served as a side dish or a light meal on its own.