Waldorf Salad

I can’t remember the last time I made a Waldorf Salad. Don’t know why it took me so long. The combination of sweet/tart apples with crunchy celery, nuts and raisins is such a classic. It is unseasonably warm for early November, putting me in the mood for a salad.

I think of my mom when making it. She made such a nice Waldorf salad. It always felt like a special occasion when she did.

The salad could not be simpler. Just a few ingredients, tossed together and seasoned. I went pretty basic this time, but you can add all sorts of extras like proteins (chicken, turkey, ham etc.). You can add different dried fruits, too. Dried cranberries or cherries would be wonderful.

I didn’t peel the apples. I like the peel, but you can peel them, if you prefer. I also used toasted walnuts, but feel free to play around with using other nuts or seeds. This time of year, toasted pepitas, (pumpkin seeds, hulled) would be a nice, seasonal addition.

So here is the recipe.

Mom’s Waldorf Salad

4 apples, cored and diced, peeling is optional

1 c. diced celery

1 c. raisins or other dried fruit like cranberries or cherries

½-1 c. mayonnaise

1 c. toasted walnuts or pecans*

Salt and pepper to taste

Combine apples with celery and raisins. Stir to combine and add mayo to your liking. Stir in nuts and season to taste. Nice served on a bed of greens. Serves 4.

Variations: Mom sometimes added grapes instead of raisins. She would cut them in half. The grapes will make the salad wetter over time, where the raisins plump and absorb moisture, so add grapes right before serving or leave them whole. Another classic addition is chicken. In this recipe, a couple of cups of cooked, diced chicken make it a different, but still tasty salad. Diced turkey is also fun and a nice way to use after Thanksgiving turkey. Same for ham. Diced ham adds a smokiness that pairs great with the apples. Just use less salt if adding ham.

* To toast nuts, place on a baking sheet and bake in a 325 degree oven for 10-15 minutes, or until nuts are toasted, but not burned.