How to Make Waldorf Salad

Purported to have originated in the late 19th century, the Waldorf salad has become a favorite with many people. Offered in restaurants across the world, the process for making a Waldorf salad at home is simple, and requires nothing more than a few basic ingredients.

Things You'll Need

• 2 stalks celery
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved
• 1 medium apple
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and cracked into sections
• Lettuce
• 3 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Wash the celery, apples and grapes thoroughly before beginning to prepare the salad. This is important, as the peels on the apples and grapes are left in place for color.

2. Chop the celery and apples. The chop can be coarse or fine, depending on personal preference.

3. Slice the grapes into sections. Red seedless grapes are usually recommended.

4. Add the chopped or sectioned walnuts. If possible, toast the sections for a few moments in the oven, then allow them to cool before adding to the grapes, celery and apples.

5. Prepare the lettuce by rinsing and gently tearing into sections that can serve as a bed for the salad proper. Using Romaine lettuce instead of the iceberg variety will enhance the presentation.

6. Prepare the dressing. Mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, and the salt and pepper. Pour over the apples, walnuts, celery and grapes, then gently toss.

7. Chill the mixed ingredients until just before serving. Arrange the lettuce on a serving plate and spoon the salad onto the bed of lettuce. Serves two.

Tips & Warnings

• If fresh grapes are not available, raisins may be substituted.

• In like manner, yogurt may be substituted for the mayo.

• Waldorf salad should be prepared on the same day that the dish is intended for serving. Preparing the mixture a day or two in advance will allow the apples time to lose their crunch and thus minimize the impact of the salad.