Waldorf Salad Recipe

Waldorf Salad Recipe is an old fashioned salad made with fresh red apples, apple juice, mayonnaise, celery, grapes, pecans, and coconut, served on a bed of lettuce or spinach.

The original recipe was created by Oscar Tschirky, the dinning room manager at the Waldorf Hotel, in New York City around 1893. His version contained only apples, celery, and mayonnaise Walnuts were added later..

My first cook book had a version that called for walnut meats and french dressing. That combo didn't taste good.

Then, I found a recipe that added grapes and lemon juice, to prevent the apples from turning dark. I hated walnuts and had no grapes.

I made the recipe substituting with raisins and pecans. Our family liked it and we have used that version many years.

Then, I tasted the perfectly modified version in a restaurant cafeteria. The chef refused to share his recipe.

I took a doggie bag (box) of it home and started my usual analysis of dishes that I thought were superb. Here it is folks!

I now use fresh grapes most of the time because they are juicier, not as sweet as raisins, and enhance the coconut flavor best.

Waldorf Salad Recipe

4 cups fresh unpeeled red apples, cored and cubed (about 3-4 large apples)

1/3 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons apple juice

1/3 cup celery, cubed (about 1 stalk)

1/3 cup raisins or 1 cup fresh seedless grapes

1/3 cup broken pecans

flaked coconut

lettuce or spinach leaves

In a 2 qt. (or larger) mixing bowl, mix the mayonnaise and apple juice until there are no lumps. Add apples and stir to coat well. Fold in celery, raisins or grapes, and nuts. Mix well.

Chill in the refrigerator a few hours for best flavor.

When ready to serve, place a lettuce leaf or a few fresh spinach leaves on salad bowl or plate. Pile apple mixture in center and sprinkle with coconut.

Excellent with turkey or chicken entrees!

Tip

Add apples to mayonnaise and apple juice mixture as you cut them up, to help prevent them from turning dark.

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