A classic Waldorf salad is a harmony of textures and flavors. It’s a combination of crisp freshly cut apples and celery, combined with crunchy, nutty walnuts in a mayo dressing.

Reviewing many Waldorf salad recipes, I saw additions of grapes, chicken, yogurt, cream, pecans and even balsamic vinegar. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that, don’t get me wrong, I will be the first to encourage deviating from the norm, when it will improve a recipe or make it fit your preferences.

In this simplified version of the Waldorf Salad, I went into the other direction. How do I make this salad simpler, faster and maybe lighter without jeopardizing the magic trio of apples, celery and walnuts. In the end, it was staring me in the face. To make a very simple Waldorf Salad that is not a meal salad, but a true refreshing side dish, just mix apple, celery, and walnuts with a vinaigrette.

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Key Ingredients in This Recipe

Key ingredients to make a simple Waldorf salad

You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and exact quantities in the recipe below.

Apple – the best apple for this salad is a Granny Smith. Most crunch, most tartness.
Celery
Walnuts
Vinaigrette
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Honey
- Dijon mustard
Celery leaves

Waldorf salad simplified in a white bowl

How to Make Waldorf Salad Simplified

Step 1 – Make the vinaigrette by mixing lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil and honey. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2 – Cut the celery stalks on a diagonal, for a different look. Peel, core and quarter the Granny Smith apple and slice thinly crosswise. Toast and chop the walnuts. And finally chop celery leaves.
Step 3 – In a bowl, combine apples, celery, and walnuts. Add the vinaigrette, season with salt and pepper and toss to coat.

Step 4 – Sprinkle the salad with celery leaves.

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