Classic Waldorf Salad with Apple and Walnut

Ingredients

• 3 crisp apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 3 celery stalks, thinly sliced on a diagonal
• 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
• 2/3 cup walnut halves
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, for dressing
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 head butter lettuce, leaves separated

Instructions

1. Toast the walnut halves in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly darkened; watch closely since walnuts can scorch quickly once they start to brown. Let cool completely, then roughly chop.
2. Core the apples and cut them into 1/2-inch cubes, leaving the skin on for color and texture.
3. Toss the cubed apples immediately with 1 tbsp lemon juice in a large bowl; this coats the surface with acid and slows down browning while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.
4. Slice the celery stalks thinly on a diagonal to expose more surface area and give a nicer bite than straight cuts.
5. Halve the red grapes so they are easier to eat in a single bite and mix more evenly through the salad.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, 1 tsp lemon juice, and salt until completely smooth.
7. Add the celery, grapes, and half the toasted walnuts to the bowl with the apples.
8. Pour the dressing over the fruit and celery mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated; a light hand keeps the apple cubes from breaking down.
9. Taste and adjust with a touch more honey if you want it sweeter, or a small pinch more salt and lemon juice if it tastes flat.
10. Cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and the dressing set slightly.
11. To serve, arrange 2 to 3 butter lettuce leaves per plate like a shallow cup and spoon the chilled Waldorf mixture into the center of the leaves.
12. Scatter the remaining toasted walnuts over the top just before serving so they stay crisp rather than softening in the dressing.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is an estimate per serving and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.