Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe with Whipped Dressing: A Fresh Twist on a Classic Favorite

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If you’ve ever sat down to a family dinner during the holidays or attended a garden party with platters of colorful, fresh dishes, chances are you’ve encountered a Waldorf Salad. There’s something heartwarming and comforting about this timeless combination of fruit, nuts, and a creamy dressing. But what if you could elevate it—just enough to make it feel like a new favorite without losing the charm of the original?

That’s exactly what you’ll discover here: a Creamy Waldorf Salad that marries tradition with a delicious twist. It’s simple to make, visually appealing, and absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, packing a light lunch, or prepping a side dish that steals the show, this recipe is your go-to guide.

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🥄 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Waldorf Salad Recipe

There are countless reasons why this salad earns its keep at both casual and upscale tables. Here’s what makes it a keeper for your personal recipe box:

• No cooking required – All it takes is some chopping, mixing, and chilling.
• Balanced flavors and textures – Crisp apples, tender grapes, crunchy walnuts, and smooth cream.
• Visually stunning – A mix of red, green, and white that makes every serving look like art.
• Great for all seasons – While it shines during the holidays, it’s refreshing enough for spring and summer too.
• Customizable to your needs – Swap ingredients or make it vegan with just a few tweaks.

If you enjoy dishes that deliver both comfort and freshness, this is one salad you’ll keep coming back to.

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🍎 Waldorf Salad Ingredients at a Glance

Creating a great Waldorf Salad starts with choosing the right ingredients. Each component contributes something special—whether it’s crunch, sweetness, or creaminess.

🧾 Dressing Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Heavy whipping cream	½ cup
Mayonnaise	¼ cup

This whipped cream base gives your salad an airy, luxurious texture without being overly rich or heavy.

🍏 Salad Ingredients

Ingredient	Quantity
Granny Smith apples	1 cup, diced
Gala apples	1 cup, diced
Celery	¾ cup, diced
Green seedless grapes	½ cup, halved + extra for garnish
Red seedless grapes	½ cup, halved + extra for garnish
Chopped walnuts	½ cup
Lemon juice	1 tablespoon
Granulated sugar	1 tablespoon

Pro Tip: Keep the apple skins on. Not only does this save you time, but it adds more fiber, color, and texture to the final dish.

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🥣 How to Make the Perfect Waldorf Salad

Even if you’re new to the kitchen, you’ll find this recipe approachable and foolproof. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, elegant dinners, or even meal prepping ahead of time.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Whip the Cream

Start by pouring ½ cup of heavy whipping cream into a medium mixing bowl. Using a handheld mixer on high speed, whip the cream until it forms stiff peaks. This step is crucial—it gives your salad that signature light, fluffy texture.

Once peaks form, gently fold in ¼ cup of mayonnaise. Don’t overmix; you want to keep that airy volume intact.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

2. Mix the Base

In a large bowl, combine the following:

• 1 cup diced Granny Smith apples
• 1 cup diced Gala apples
• ¾ cup finely diced celery
• ½ cup halved red grapes
• ½ cup halved green grapes
• ½ cup chopped walnuts

Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of sugar. This not only prevents the apples from browning but also enhances the natural sweetness and acidity in the fruit.

Using a spoon, gently stir until all the ingredients are coated.

3. Fold in the Dressing

Now, carefully fold the whipped dressing into the fruit mixture. Stir just until everything is well-combined. Overmixing can deflate the cream or make the salad too soggy.

Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. This chill time helps the flavors meld beautifully.

4. Garnish and Serve

Just before serving, top the salad with the reserved halved grapes. Not only does this look beautiful, but it adds a fresh pop of juiciness to each bite.

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⏱️ Recipe Notes & Nutritional Info

Here’s everything you need to know to fit this salad into your day:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 generous portions
• Calories per serving: Approx. 220 kcal

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

• Carbohydrates: 21g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 15g
• Sugar: 16g
• Fiber: 3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and ingredient substitutions.

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🧑‍🍳 Serving Suggestions

You’re not limited to serving this creamy Waldorf Salad as a side. Here are a few creative ways you can enjoy it:

• In lettuce cups – Makes a light, low-carb lunch or appetizer.
• As a sandwich filling – Perfect in a croissant or whole wheat pita.
• Alongside roasted meats – A crisp contrast to richer proteins like chicken or pork.
• On a brunch buffet – Pair it with quiche, muffins, or bagels for a balanced spread.

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🔄 Variations to Try

Feel like experimenting? These Waldorf Salad variations keep things exciting while preserving the core experience:

Greek Yogurt Version

Replace the whipped cream and mayo with plain Greek yogurt. It adds a tangy bite and cuts back on fat.

Vegan-Friendly

Use coconut cream (chilled and whipped) and vegan mayo. You’ll still get the creamy texture with a plant-based twist.

Add Protein

Toss in grilled chicken or turkey chunks to make it a protein-packed meal.

Go Gourmet

Add a handful of dried cranberries, a pinch of cinnamon, or even blue cheese crumbles for an upscale twist.

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❄️ Storage Tips

If you’re planning to enjoy this salad over a couple of days, follow these tips to keep it tasting fresh:

• Refrigerate immediately after mixing. It should stay fresh for 24–36 hours.
• Don’t freeze it—the cream and fruits won’t thaw well.
• Keep it airtight to prevent the apples from oxidizing and the dressing from drying out.

Make-ahead tip: You can chop the fruits and mix the dressing separately, then combine them an hour before serving.

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❓ FAQ: Waldorf Salad with Whipped Cream Dressing

What is a Waldorf Salad traditionally made of?

Originally invented in the 1890s at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, the traditional Waldorf Salad included apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Over the decades, grapes and nuts became standard additions.

Can I make this Waldorf Salad in advance?

Absolutely! Just be sure to mix the dressing and the fruit right before serving to maintain the texture and prevent the salad from getting soggy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your mayo or other optional ingredients don’t contain hidden gluten.

Can I replace mayonnaise?

You sure can. Sour cream or yogurt makes a tangier alternative, while vegan mayo works well for a dairy-free option.

What apples are best for Waldorf Salad?

Using a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Gala apples gives you a balanced bite. But feel free to try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples too.

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✅ Final Thoughts: Why This Waldorf Salad Deserves a Spot on Your Table

You’ve just discovered a salad that’s equal parts classic and contemporary. With crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a velvety whipped dressing, this Creamy Waldorf Salad checks every box. It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and sure to impress at your next gathering—or even on a quiet Tuesday evening.

So go ahead—chop, mix, and chill your way to a dish that’s as comforting as it is refreshing. You’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

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💬 Ready to Make It?

Try this Creamy Waldorf Salad today and share your twist on the classic! Leave a comment below or tag us on social media with your version. We’d love to see how you make it your own!

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