Waldorf Salad with Candied Walnuts is a classic salad that originated at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City, with roots dating back to the 19th century.
History of the Waldorf Salad
This salad is known for its simple yet elegant combination of fresh ingredients, typically including apples, celery, walnuts, and mayonnaise-based dressing.
Oscar Tschirky, the renowned maître d’hôtel, is widely credited with creating the Waldorf salad. Originally consisting solely of apples, celery, and mayonnaise, this iconic dish has undergone significant evolution over the past century. As a result, it now features a variety of additional ingredients, including nuts for texture, grapes for sweetness, and yogurt or sour cream to lighten the dressing.
Typically served chilled, the Waldorf salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as both a side dish or a light meal on its own, specifically make this one of my favourite eat alone meals.
The evolution of a recipe
Over the years, the Waldorf salad has evolved, introducing variations that incorporate additional ingredients like grapes, raisins, chicken, or even yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Subsequently despite these modifications, the salad’s essence remains anchored in its simplicity. Its refreshing combination of flavors and textures creates an experience akin to a celebration in your mouth.
Waldorf Salad fun facts
Did you know this salad is a popular dish during the holiday season, often served at Thanksgiving dinners and Christmas parties as a festive side dish.
It’s been featured in various culinary competitions and challenges, inspiring chefs to create innovative versions of this classic dish.
Unique ways to present this salad include serving it in individual lettuce cups, stuffing it into wraps or sandwiches, or even incorporating it into sushi rolls.
Looking for more tasty salad, recipes, try these:
Cretan Dakos Salad
Watermelon, Herb & Cucumber Salad
Roasted Chickpea and Asparagus Salad
Italian Pasta Salad
Iceberg Wedge Salad with Bacon
Orange and Fennel Salad with Sicilian Olives
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Ingredients
Candied Walnuts
- 1 egg white
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup walnuts, whole halves
Dressing
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp white vinegar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- pinch salt and pepper
Salad
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 cup red grapes, sliced in half lengthwise
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, torn or rough chopped
- 1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup Stilton cheese, crumbled
- 1 cup candied walnuts
- 1/4 cup pomegranate seeds
- Boston or Bibb lettuce for serving
Instructions
Candied Walnuts
- Preheat oven to 300 F. In a bowl lightly whisk egg. Add sugar and salt. Mix in the walnuts and pour onto a lined baking sheet. Spread out into a single layer. Baked for 15-17 minutes tossing halfway. Remove from oven and cool.
Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Salad
- In a large bowl add celery, grapes, apple, lettuce and parsley. Pour in dressing and toss to combine.
- Arrange Boston lettuce leaves on a serving platter. Carefully scoop on the salad. Sprinkle on cheese, walnuts and pomegranate seeds. Serve immediately.
This was delicious! Loved the candied walnuts- I could have eaten a bowlful! Will definitely be making again.
Flavorful and delicious salad recipe. Thanks alot for sharing.
The combination of crisp apples, crunchy celery, and sweet candied walnuts was a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The dressing was light and refreshing.
Candied walnuts changes everything with a salad, taking it to the next level with all the other flavors and textures. Thanks!
This waldorf salad was incredible. Its my first time trying it with pomegranate and that added a delightfully flavorful crunch, so good!