Waldorf Deluxe

I love Waldorf salad--one because it tastes so good: crisp and summery. Two because it is so variable. You can do so much with a Waldorf salad.



Image credit: Simply Recipes



This recipe is my favorite and is the one I usually make. Everyone always loves it, and everyone is always surprised by the ingredients. Usually, Waldorf salad is made of apples, walnuts, and celery mixed in a mayonnaise dressing and usually it is served on a bed of lettuce or spinach or in a croissant. This version feels more like a substantial meal due to the addition of cubed cheese (I think once I even added some chicken). It also has grapes and dates in it and has a yogurt-based dressing.

Step 1) Get some pecans or walnuts toasting (so worth it to take the time to toast them).

Step 2) Dice 3 tart apples and toss them in some lemon juice.

Step 3) Add some chopped dates and cubed cheese.

Step 4) Add grapes (halved or whole), minced celery, and the toasted nuts (hopefully they are cool, but if not, I usually just add them anyway and everything turns out just fine).

Step 5) Add the dressing. Like I mentioned earlier, usually it's mayonnaise. In this dressing it's mostly yogurt with some mayo and orange juice. Yum!

Waldorf Deluxe

Salad

3 tart apples, in chunks (I usually use Granny Smith)

Juice from one lemon

1 stalk of celery, minced

1-2 c. seedless grapes, whole or halved

1 c. diced cheddar

¼ c. minced dates, packed

¾ c. chopped toasted walnuts or pecans

Dressing:

¾ c. plain yogurt

3 Tbsp. mayonnaise

1/3 c. orange juice

½ tsp. orange zest

1. Combine the salad ingredients.

2. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.

3. Combine everything and mix well.

Note: Sometimes I add orange slices or shredded carrot.

Note: This recipe is from the Moosewood Cookbook by Mollie Katzen.

Happy summer eating!