By Modern Waldorf Salad is a comfort-food classic made simpler for home cooks. With everyday ingredients and reliable technique, it delivers big flavor with little effort.
Modern Waldorf Salad captures the essence of drinks while staying approachable for everyday cooking. The method focuses on maximizing flavor with minimal steps, using common pantry items and fresh ingredients. From the first bite you’ll notice a balance of texture and taste that feels both familiar and exciting. To build depth, we combine proper seasoning with simple techniques: gentle heat for aromatics, accurate measurements, and attention to doneness. Small details—like resting time or layering ingredients—make a noticeable difference in the final dish. This recipe is designed to be flexible. You can swap in seasonal produce, adjust spices to match your preferences, or adapt the base to suit dietary needs. The goal is to keep the spirit of the dish while letting you tailor it to your kitchen. Serving ideas are wide open: pair with a crisp salad, roasted vegetables, warm bread, or your favorite grains. Leftovers store well and often taste even better the next day as flavors settle. That makes the recipe suitable for meal prep and busy schedules. For best results, read the steps once before you start, assemble ingredients, and cook with confidence. Taste as you go, and don’t be afraid to adjust seasoning. With these principles, Modern Waldorf Salad becomes a reliable addition to your rotation—crowd-pleasing, practical, and full of flavor.
INGREDIENTS
For the Salad:
2 medium apples, diced (red and green for color contrast)
1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/4 cup green onions, finely sliced (optional)
1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
4 cups mixed greens or butter lettuce
For the Dressing:
1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
PREPARATION STEPS
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), honey, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth
Adjust sweetness or tanginess to your taste.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, grapes, celery, green onions (if using), and toasted walnuts
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Serve:
Arrange the mixed greens on a large serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the apple and grape mixture over the greens. Garnish with a few extra walnut pieces for crunch.
Enjoy:
Serve immediately as a refreshing side dish or light main course.
Pro Tips:
Add a protein like grilled chicken or seared shrimp to turn this salad into a hearty main dish.
For extra flavor, sprinkle a handful of crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese on top.
Use pear slices instead of apples for a unique twist.
Nutritional Information:
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Calories: ~250 kcal per serving | Servings: 4
ORIGIN
Home-style cooking inspired by classic flavors and modern, reliable methods.
META INFOS
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 0 min | Total: 10 min | Servings: 2 | Calories: ~150 kcal | Difficulty: Easy
BENEFITS
Balanced flavor with approachable prep. Nutrition-friendly options and make-ahead friendly for busy schedules.
OCCASIONS
Weeknight dinners; Family gatherings; Potlucks; Holidays; Picnics; Meal prep
VARIATIONS
Swap seasonal produce; Adjust spices; Offer gluten-free or low-carb options where suitable; Try alternative proteins.
PAIRINGS
Breakfast pastries; Light snacks; Fruit salad
STORAGE
Refrigerate in airtight container 2–4 days; freeze up to 2 months. Reheat gently to preserve texture.
TIPS
Measure accurately; Preheat pans/oven; Avoid overcooking; Taste and adjust seasoning; Rest before slicing when needed.
