Waldorf Salad - delicious holiday side dish recipe! (2024)

Although delicious anytime of the year, Waldorf salad has been a holiday side dish in my family for as long as I can remember. Today, I’m sharing my family’s recipe for this “must have” holiday dish.

Waldorf Salad

Yes my friends, we’re taking it old school today with this classic side dish recipe that dates back over 100 years. It has become a holiday staple in my family and is served every Thanksgiving and Christmas. I’m thrilled that I get to share it with you today.

I’m also joined once again by my Tastes of the Seasons blogger friends. This week, we’re all sharing a Christmas side dish. So, if you’re looking to shake up you holiday menu or just want to try something new, be sure to check out all of the recipes I’ve linked up at the end of this post.

What is in Waldorf salad?

The recipe below is the one that my family has been using for years. I did a little online research, and while some recipes vary, the standard ingredients for Waldorf salad include:

• apples
• grapes
• celery
• walnuts
• marshmallows
• mayonnaise-based dressing

If you’ve never had Waldorf salad before, this might seem like a really strange combination of ingredients, but it’s really a wonderful combination of flavors and textures.

Why is it called “Waldorf salad”?

I’m sure many of you have heard of the famous Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City. Well, that’s where it gets it’s name. The recipe originated there back in 1896 when it was created and served at a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary’s Hospital for Children.

How do you make Waldorf salad?

You’re in luck because today’s recipe is beyond easy. Essentially, you just toss everything into a bowl, give it a big stir and then refrigerate for a few hours. That’s it.

However, let me break it down for you. (Full ingredient list and instructions are available in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.)

In a large bowl, add the apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and mini marshmallows.

In a small bowl, create the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise and heavy whipping cream.

Pour the dressing onto the apple mixture and stir to evenly combine. Refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours before serving.

You really want to let this salad sit in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. The dressing breaks down the marshmallows a bit which helps to add sweetness to the dressing which is really quite delicious.

And that is it, my friends! I told you this was an easy recipe. Another thing I love about this Waldorf salad is that it seems to get better the longer it sits. This is one of my favorite leftovers as it’s even better the day after the holiday meal.

If you’ve never had Waldorf salad before, I hope you give this recipe a try. Want more holiday side dishes? Be sure to check out my blogger friends’ recipes that I’ve linked below.

Enjoy!

Tastes of the Season Christmas Side Dishes:

Garlic and Herb Smashed Potatoes by Ella Claire & Co. | Savory Herb and Cheese Breadby French Country Cottage | Oven Baked Corn by Anderson + Grant

Loaded Mashed Potatoes by Handmade Farmhouse | Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Cranberries by Freutcake | Waldorf Salad by Inspired by Charm

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Waldorf Salad Recipe: