Waldorf salad recipe

June 9, 1:49 AMProvidence Food ExaminerDonna Diegel

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Waldorf Salad Recipe

Just as good as the original Waldorf Salad served by the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. Apples, walnuts, raisins, celery and grapes, tossed together in a simple mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a summer day!

History of the Waldorf Salad

According to the Kitchen Project, "Waldorf salad [WAWL-dorf] Created at New York's Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896 not by a chef but by the maître d'hôtel, (dining room manager) Oscar Tschirky, the Waldorf salad was an instant success. The original version of this salad contained only apples, celery and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts later became an integral part of the dish. Waldorf salad is usually served on top of a bed of lettuce."

Making Waldorf Salad

I put this easy Waldorf Salad together in less than 15 minutes, and that's because I was writing the recipe down as I went along! I peeled the apple because I don't like the skins, but a red apple looks so pretty in the salad if you leave them on. Use all mayonnaise like I did here, or lighten it up and use half mayo, half non-fat yogurt. Be creative and experiment with some of the variations I've included, like Craisins or grilled chicken.

Fawlty Towers & Waldorf Salad

Remember John Cleese in Fawlty Towers? The chef had the night off, and Basil accepted dinner guests, took the money and decided to make the dinner himself. As most Fawlty Towers episodes go, Basil made a mess of everything! Watch Basil's hilarious Waldorf Salad video, and laugh all the way to the kitchen!  

Waldorf Salad Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1 apple, cored and cut into bite size pieces
• 1/3 cup chopped walnuts, pine nuts or sunflower seeds
• 1/2 cup celery, sliced thin
• 3/4 cup red or green grapes, halved
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt, or all mayo (1/2 cup)
• 2 Tablespoons honey
• Salt & pepper to taste, optional
• Mixed greens and baby spinach

 Directions:

Plump the raisins by soaking in water for about 15 minutes. Drain, and mix with apple, walnuts, celery and grapes. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise and honey. Use a pinch of salt & pepper to taste. Gently fold into the fruit and nuts. Yields 2-3 if served on a bed of green leaf lettuce and spinach or mixed greens. Refrigerate any leftovers.

Waldorf Salad Variations and Add-ins

• Roast Turkey
• Grilled Salmon
• Grilled Chicken
• Fresh Pears
• Dried Cherries
• Dried Craisins