Deconstructed Waldorf Salad Recipe

This Easy Deconstructed Waldorf Salad is a lighter version of the good old-fashioned Waldorf Salad. It’s an easy recipe and is absolutely delicious!

I think that making your own salad is the best way to keep it healthy. This salad is perfect as a side dish or for any special occasion.

What I Learned

• This salad is named after the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City where it was first served at a charity ball honoring the St. Mary’s Hospital for Children in 1896.
• It’s nicknamed as Oscar of the Waldorf after Waldorf Hotel’s original executive chef at the time, Oscar Tschirky. Tschirky created the original recipe and it became a hit. To read more about its history, click here.
• Some people spell it as Waldorph Salad but the correct spelling is Waldorf.

Recipe notes

• Traditionally, Waldorf salads are tossed in a generous amount of rich mayo-based dressing. This lighter version uses a combination of sugar-free mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for the dressing, which is then drizzled sparingly on top before serving.  
• For best results, prepare the dressing in advance to give the flavors time to develop.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Serves: 4

Salad Dressing Ingredients

• ¼ Cup mayonnaise (sugar-free)
• ¼ c. Greek yogurt
• 1½ T. Honey, preferably local
• 1 T. Fresh lemon juice
• ½ t. Garlic powder
• ½ t. Sea salt or kosher salt

Easy Deconstructed Waldorf Salad Ingredients

• 1 Large head Bibb lettuce, separated, rinsed, and patted dry
• 2 Medium Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced*
• 1 c. Red grapes (seedless), cut in half
• 2 Large stalks celery, chopped small
• ½ c. Walnuts, roughly chopped
• Optional: 2 oz. Goat cheese, crumbled

*Tip: Granny Smith apples are crisp, but somewhat tart. Substitute any crisp of sweet variety, if desired. (One red and one green apple would make for a fun twist and nice presentation). 

How To Make Deconstructed Waldorf Salad

Step #1. Prepare the dressing by combining all ingredients in a bowl and whisking until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step #2. Assemble the salad by lining four chilled salad plates or a large bowl with the Bibb lettuce leaves. Toss apples, red seedless grapes, walnuts, and goat cheese, if using.

Step #3. Drizzle with some of the creamy dressing and serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!

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