If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, crunchy, and utterly delicious salad that feels both classic and a little bit indulgent, you’re in the right place. This Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe has been one of my favorite lunch and holiday go-tos for years—I absolutely love how the tart apples, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts come together in this dreamy creamy dressing. You’ll find that it’s refreshingly simple yet packed with flavors and textures that your whole family or guests will adore.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic Flavor Combination: The tangy, creamy dressing perfectly complements the crunch of apples, celery, and toasted walnuts.
Quick and Easy: You can whip this up in about 15 minutes, making it a great last-minute side or light meal.
Customizable: Feel free to swap in pecans instead of walnuts or use dairy-free yogurt to suit your diet.
Crowd Pleaser: My family goes crazy for this at holiday dinners and casual get-togethers alike.

A clear glass bowl filled with a fresh salad made of three main layers: light green celery pieces with a smooth texture, green apple cubes showing crisp edges, and halved red grapes with a shiny, smooth surface. Scattered throughout the salad are small light brown walnut pieces with a rough texture and bits of finely chopped dark green herbs on top. The salad is lightly coated with creamy white dressing visible between the ingredients. A silver spoon rests inside the bowl, mixing the salad. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with subtle grey veining, and below it, there is a smaller white bowl containing extra white creamy dressing and a silver spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients list for this Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe is straightforward but smartly balanced. Using crisp green apples and toasted walnuts brings out fresh flavors and great texture, while the creamy dressing ties it all together beautifully. Here’s a bit about the key ingredients to help you shop smart:

Greek Yogurt (dairy or dairy-free): Adds tanginess and creaminess with a protein boost, plus it keeps the dressing lighter than all-mayo versions.
Mayonnaise: Provides richness and a smooth base for the dressing that coats each bite evenly.
Lemon Juice: Offers a bright, fresh acidity that prevents the apples from browning and balances out the sweetness.
Honey: Adds natural sweetness without overpowering the savory elements.
Green Apples: Tart and crisp, they bring texture and a refreshing bite that’s essential to a Waldorf salad.
Celery: Provides a satisfying crunch and a slight peppery note to contrast the creamy dressing.
Grapes (halved): Sweet bursts of flavor add an unexpected juiciness and color contrast in every forkful.
Walnuts or Pecans (toasted and chopped): Toasting enhances the nutty aroma and gives a satisfying crunch.
Parsley (finely chopped): Adds a fresh herbaceous note to lighten the salad and gives a pop of green.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness and creaminess.
Butter Lettuce Leaves (optional): Perfect for serving and adding a delicate crunch if you want to make little salad cups.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. I often tweak it depending on what I have in the fridge or the season—don’t be afraid to make it your own!

Nut Swap: I sometimes use toasted pecans instead of walnuts for a slightly different crunch and flavor that my kids prefer.
Dairy-Free Dressing: Sub out the Greek yogurt with coconut or almond yogurt and use vegan mayo to keep it creamy if you’re dairy-free.
Fruit Variations: Adding diced pear or even pomegranate arils brings a lovely twist to the salad and lots of color.
Crunch Factor: Some crispy bacon bits or toasted seeds add a savory crunch if you want to mix textures further.

How to Make Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

Start with mixing the dressing in a small bowl: combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and honey. Stir these together until smooth and creamy. I discovered this trick when I started using Greek yogurt—it adds such a nice tang and lightness, avoiding the heaviness that straight mayo can sometimes bring. Set this aside while you prep the rest—it’s quick, but absolutely key to getting that dreamy texture.

Step 2: Prep Your Fresh Ingredients

Dice your green apples—you want them bite-sized but not mushy. I like to toss them with a few drops of lemon juice if they’re going to sit for a while to prevent browning. Chop the celery finely; it’s the crunch star of the salad, so don’t skimp! Then halve your grapes and roughly chop the toasted walnuts (or pecans). I always toast nuts in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant—this extra step really lifts the flavor.

Step 3: Toss Everything Together Gently

In a large bowl, add the prepared apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, parsley, and kosher salt. Pour the dressing on top and gently fold everything together until each piece is beautifully coated but still distinct. I say “gently” because you want to keep that crunch intact without bruising the fruit. This is the moment where you’ll start to see it really come together into the perfect creamy Waldorf salad.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve this creamy Waldorf salad on its own, chilled, or presented on butter lettuce leaves to make cute little salad cups. It’s a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, crunchy, and creamy—trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

Toast Nuts for Maximum Flavor: I toast walnuts in a dry skillet until lightly golden to elevate their nuttiness and crunch—don’t skip this step!
Prevent Apple Browning: Toss diced apples in a little lemon juice right after cutting to keep them vibrant and fresh-looking.
Keep It Cool: Chill the salad for about 30 minutes before serving to let all the flavors meld perfectly.
Gentle Mixing: Fold carefully to avoid breaking down fruit and celery, preserving the satisfying crunch every time.

How to Serve Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe

The image shows a creamy salad with several layers of different ingredients mixed together. There are light green celery pieces cut into small sections, white cheese cubes with bits of green herbs on them, and red grape halves with white creamy dressing covering parts of the salad. There are also whole walnut pieces adding a rough texture, scattered evenly across the salad. Small green herb bits are spread throughout, blending with the creamy white dressing that coats everything. The mixture is shown close up, with a silver spoon partially visible on the left side. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this salad, I love sprinkling a little extra chopped parsley on top for freshness and a pop of color—it just brightens up the whole bowl. Sometimes, a few whole walnut halves placed on top give a nice rustic look. Adding a wedge of lemon on the side is also a fun touch if guests want a little extra zing.

Side Dishes

I usually pair this Creamy Waldorf Salad with apples and walnuts with simple favorites like roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a veggie quiche. It cuts through rich dishes with its crisp texture and fresh flavors, making it a perfect balance on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the Waldorf salad in individual butter lettuce leaves, creating pretty little handheld bites that guests love. Another fun idea is to layer it in clear parfait glasses with fresh greens or baby spinach for a colorful, elegant presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 2 days, but I try to eat it fresh because the apples and celery lose some of their crunch over time. If you want to prep ahead, keep the dressing separate and toss it all together just before serving.

Freezing

Since this salad relies on fresh, crunchy ingredients, I don’t recommend freezing it. The texture of the apples, celery, and grapes changes too much once thawed, and the dressing may separate.

Reheating

Because this salad is best served chilled and fresh, I don’t reheat it. If you have leftovers, just eat them cold or at room temperature. It’s just as delicious that way!

FAQs

Can I use red apples instead of green apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While tart green apples like Granny Smith are traditional because they hold up well and provide a nice tang, red apples can work if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just be sure to toss them with lemon juice to prevent browning and cut them slightly larger so they don’t get mushy too quickly.
Is there a vegan version of this Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe?

Yes! Simply swap out the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt (like almond or coconut) and use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo. The honey can be replaced with maple syrup or agave nectar. The rest of the ingredients are plant-based, so it’s easy to make it vegan-friendly.
How long can I prepare this salad ahead of time?

I recommend preparing the salad no more than a few hours in advance to keep everything crisp and fresh. If you need to prep more in advance, keep the dressing separate and combine right before serving to avoid sogginess, especially with the apples and celery.
Can I add protein to make this salad a fuller meal?

Definitely! Grilled chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas can be stirred in to make this salad more of a main dish. It’s a great way to add protein while keeping it fresh and light.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Waldorf Salad with Apples and Walnuts Recipe is one I’ve come back to time and time again because it’s just that good—simple to make yet full of contrasting textures and flavors that make every bite interesting. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a holiday side, or a fresh snack, it fits the bill perfectly. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your go-to salads too!