If you adore fresh, vibrant flavors and crave a salad that bursts with texture and color, the Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe is just what your kitchen needs. This delightful twist on the classic Waldorf salad brings juicy red grapes, crisp celery, and sweet Honeycrisp apples together in a creamy, tangy dressing that’s both refreshing and satisfyingly crunchy. It’s a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and nutty, making it an absolute must-try for anyone who loves a salad that feels like a celebration in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients make this Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe come alive, each adding its unique flair to the mix. From the creamy tang of Greek yogurt to the crisp snap of celery and the toasty warmth of walnuts, every component plays a vital role in creating that signature flavor and texture balance.
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt: This creamy base gives the salad a luscious texture while keeping it light and fresh.
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a zesty brightness that wakes up all the flavors.
- Zest of one lemon: Enhances the lemon’s aroma and gives a subtle citrus kick.
- Pinch of kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and elevates the overall taste.
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
- 1 cup halved red grapes: Juicy and sweet, these grapes are the star ingredient that brings indulgent freshness.
- 1 cup diced celery: Offers a satisfying crunch and a hint of earthiness.
- 1 cup chopped Honeycrisp apples: Their sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture complement the grapes beautifully.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brings a fresh, herbal brightness that’s unexpected but wonderful in this salad.
- 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts, toasted: Adds a crunchy, nutty finish that rounds out the texture profile perfectly.
How to Make Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Dressing
Begin by combining the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This dressing is what brings a lovely tang and creates that luscious texture that coats every ingredient in the salad.
Step 2: Mix the Fresh Ingredients
Next, grab a larger bowl and toss in the halved red grapes, diced celery, chopped Honeycrisp apples, and chopped cilantro. This vibrant salad base brings together the sweet, crunchy, and herbal elements that make the Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe so unique and tasty. Give it a good stir to distribute everything evenly.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Pour the yogurt dressing over the mixed fruits and veggies, then gently stir to coat every bite. The final touch is a generous sprinkle of toasted walnuts right on top. These walnuts add a hearty texture and a toasty, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the freshness of the salad. Serve immediately for the best crunch and flavor.
How to Serve Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful finish, add a few whole red grapes or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro leaves on top just before serving. These simple garnishes not only enhance the visual appeal but also add tiny bursts of flavor in every forkful.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken, roasted turkey, or even as a refreshing side to a rich pasta dish. Its bright and creamy profile also makes it an excellent companion to picnic lunches or light supper plates.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress guests or add a touch of elegance, serve the Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe in individual glass bowls or hollowed-out apple halves. You can also layer it in parfait glasses with a dollop of extra yogurt for a fun twist on presentation that’s both charming and portable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Because the apples and celery can lose their crispness over time, it’s best to enjoy the salad fresh for the optimum crunch and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the fresh fruits and nuts. Freezing will cause the texture of the grapes, apples, and celery to become mushy once thawed.
Reheating
Since this is a cold, fresh salad, there’s no need to reheat. If you want to serve it later, just give it a gentle stir to redistribute the dressing before serving to refresh its flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds make fantastic alternatives and will offer a slightly different but equally delicious crunch and flavor.
Is Greek yogurt necessary for the dressing?
Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tanginess while keeping the salad light. You can substitute it with regular yogurt or a dairy-free yogurt, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
Can I use green grapes instead of red grapes?
Yes, green grapes will work well too. They tend to be slightly less sweet and more tart, which can add a lovely contrast to the other ingredients.
How long can I prepare the Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe before serving?
It’s best to prepare it just a few hours ahead to maintain crispness, but you can prepare the dressing and chop ingredients separately a day before for easier assembly.
Can this salad be made vegan?
Definitely! Swap out the Greek yogurt for a plant-based yogurt alternative, and ensure the rest of your ingredients align with your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe is a vibrant, crunchy, and refreshingly creamy salad that’s easy to whip up and impossible not to love. Perfect as a side or a light meal, it brightens any table and brings joyful flavor to your everyday dining. Give it a try today—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Grapes Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and crunchy Waldorf Salad featuring a creamy Greek yogurt dressing combined with crisp celery, sweet grapes, tart Honeycrisp apples, fresh cilantro, and toasted walnuts. This salad is perfect for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish.
Ingredients
Dressing
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Zest of one lemon
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Salad
- 1 cup halved red grapes
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup chopped Honeycrisp apples
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts, toasted
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the salad ingredients: In a larger bowl, mix together the halved red grapes, diced celery, chopped Honeycrisp apples, and chopped cilantro to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Dress the salad: Pour the yogurt dressing over the fruit and vegetable mixture and gently stir until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing.
- Add walnuts and serve: Top the dressed salad with the toasted roughly chopped walnuts to add a crunchy texture before serving immediately.
Notes
- To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until fragrant.
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their balance of sweet and tart flavor; Granny Smith is a good substitute for extra tartness.
- For a vegan option, substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative.
- Serve chilled for best flavor and texture.
