Where's Waldorf Salad (2024)

Servings: 4 Prep: 15 mins Cook: 0 min Total: 15 mins

Chances are good that you’ve heard of a Waldorf Salad, but chances are also likely good that you’ve avoided them since changing your dietary habits, due to the high concentration of fruit. Let’s take a look at this situation!

A Swiss fella named Oscar came up with the recipe at the Waldorf Hotel in New York, somewhere in the mid 1890’s. This means it’s about 120 years old and a true American classic! Oscar wasn’t a chef, though. He was a maître d’ and later the maître d’hôtel of the Waldorf Hotel, when it opened in 1893. There are some the believe Oscar contributed his idea to the opening festivities of the Waldorf (later the Waldorf-Astoria) in 1893, but … no clear proof has survived the ages. In 1896, Oscar wrote a cookbook simply called “The Cook Book”, containing the famed Waldorf Salad. The entirety of that recipe was, “Peel two raw apples and cut them into small pieces, say about half an inch square, also cut some celery the same way, and mix it with the apple. Be very careful not to let any seeds of the apples be mixed with it. The salad must be dressed with a good mayonnaise.”

(On a personal note, it’s interesting to see how much the concept of a recipe has evolved in 120 years!)

Over the course of a century, plus … the salad has changed shape, ingredients and flavors, sometimes containing meats and poultry, other times with or out without fruits, or with the addition of other fruits. Nuts are a common addition, as are some spices, such as cayenne or paprika. The dressing is also not always mayonnaise, often taking the form of something more akin to a coleslaw dressing, or even just a simple yoghurt. If there is anything that has stayed true to the recipe, through most every iteration I’ve seen … it’s the apple and celery.

Because of the high concentration of sugar in apples, I’ve reduced the apples and added chilled and cubed chicken, to add both bulk and protein … for a full meal, perfect for a sack lunch! I’ve also added a few quartered purple grapes, for some color contrast and a bit more sweet. Finally, I’ve added some sweetener to the mayo, in order to bring back some of the sweet sensation which has been lost by the reduction of fruits. Finally, I’ve maintained the walnut, for both taste, as well as nice crunchy texture. Finally, the whole thing is plopped onto a few lettuce leaves, because apparently this is a common way to go. A sweet, crunchy and thoroughly filling salad. A perfect way to experience lunch on alternate Tuesdays!

Note: I typically use the chicken from a chilled roasted chicken purchased at the supermarket for this recipe.

Where's Waldorf Salad (1)

Ingredient

Calories

Fat

Protein

Carbs

SA’s

Fiber

NetCarbs

1 1/2 lb (681g) chilled cooked chicken meat, diced

1628.5

93.4

186.8

1 medium (166g) apple (like golden delicious), cored and diced

77

21

2

19

2 each (101g) celery ribs, diced

16

1

3

2

1

3/4 cup (170g) mayonnaise

1125.8

125.2

3.6

1.1

0.1

1.1

1 tbsp (15g) ‘Swerve’ or other sugar replacement

15

15

1/4 tsp (.5g) cayenne pepper (optional)

2.8

0.1

0.1

0.5

0.2

0.3

4 leaves (108g) iceberg lettuce

15

1

3.3

1.3

2

1/2 cup (50g) walnut pieces, toasted

327

32.5

7.5

7

3.5

3.5

salt and fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Grand Totals (of 4 servings):

3244.1

251.1

200

64.5

15

9.6

39.9

Totals Per Serving:

811

62.8

50

16.1

3.8

2.4

10g

68.1%
Fat

24.1%
Protein

7.8%
Carbs

Where's Waldorf Salad (2)

4 from 2 votes

Print Rate

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4 Servings

Author: DJ Foodie

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb chilled cooked chicken meat diced
  • 1 medium apple (like golden delicious) cored and diced
  • 1/2 cup seedless red grapes quartered
  • 2 each celery ribs diced
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp 'Swerve' or other sugar replacement
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 4 leaves iceberg lettuce
  • 1/2 cup walnut pieces toasted
  • salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • In a medium sized mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, apple, grapes, mayonnaise, sweetener, optional cayenne and a bit of salt and pepper. Combine until well mixed.

  • In 4 plates or bowl, place 4 each large lettuce leaves, or just a bed of lettuce. Place one quarter of the salad on each portion of lettuce.

  • Top with the toasted walnuts and serve!

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* Learn More: More about this recipe and nutrition …

Where's Waldorf Salad (2024)

FAQs

Where is the Waldorf salad from? ›

According to the American Century Cookbook, the first Waldorf salad was created in New York City in 1893, by Oscar Tschirky, the maître d'hôtel of the Waldorf Astoria. The original recipe consisted only of diced red-skinned apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Chopped walnuts were added later to this now American classic.

What is Waldorf salad dressing made of? ›

Waldorf Salad Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you'll need to make this restaurant-worthy Waldorf salad recipe at home: For the dressing: mayonnaise, white sugar, lemon juice, and salt. For the salad: apples, celery, walnuts, and (optional) raisins.

What fruit does a Waldorf salad typically contain? ›

A Waldorf salad is a fruit and nut salad generally made of celery, fresh apples, walnuts, and grapes, dressed in mayonnaise, and traditionally served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer or a light meal. The apples, celery, and grapes can all be green, which harmonizes the color palette of the dish.

What is the meaning of Waldorf salad? ›

noun. Wal·​dorf salad ˌwȯl-ˌdȯrf- : a salad usually containing apples, celery, nuts, and mayonnaise. Etymology. named for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

Where was the original Waldorf? ›

The original Waldorf Hotel was built at 33rd Street and Fifth Avenue in 1893 by William Waldorf Astor. Four years later, John Jacob Astor IV, William's cousin and familial rival, built an even taller hotel next door in an act of one-upmanship.

What is the world expensive salad? ›

At $US1912, the upgraded McCarthy salad may be a contender for the world's most expensive. The record was previously set in 2003 by French chef Raymond Blanc for a $1128 (£635) Florette Sea and Earth salad, which featured a range of rare caviars, langoustines, Cornish crab and lobster.

What is the most popular salad dressing in the world? ›

Most Famous Dressings in the World
  1. Ranch Dressing. The ranch is a salad dressing or dip made with buttermilk, salt, garlic, onions, herbs (dill, parsley, chives, etc.), and spices (mustard seeds, black pepper, paprika, etc.) ...
  2. Fry Sauce. ...
  3. Chermoula. ...
  4. Blue Cheese Dressing. ...
  5. Thousand Island Dressing. ...
  6. Italian Dressing.

Is Waldorf salad a carbohydrate fat or protein? ›

Waldorf Salad (1 cup) contains 14.9g total carbs, 11.7g net carbs, 20.8g fat, 2g protein, and 242 calories.

What's the difference between Miracle Whip mayonnaise and salad dressing? ›

In order to be labeled “mayonnaise” the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requires that a product have at least 65% vegetable oil in it by weight. Miracle Whip doesn't meet this qualification, so it is called a “dressing” by the FDA.

Where does Kim Kardashian get her salad from? ›

“The Health Nut Restaurant in Calabasas is a local favorite, and now it's going worldwide with the help of the Kardashians. The restaurant has been featured on many television shows, but this latest exposure is sure to bring in new customers from all over.

Where did Watergate salad come from? ›

The origin of the name "Watergate salad" is obscure. The recipe was published by General Foods (since merged into what is now Kraft Heinz) and called for two General Foods products: Jell-O instant pistachio pudding and Cool Whip whipped topping, a whipped-cream substitute.

Where is the birthplace of salad? ›

Ancient Roots:

The ancient Babylonians, Egyptians, Greeks and Romans were known to consume mixed greens with a combination of salt, oil and vinegar. These early salads were often made with ingredients like lettuce, celery, radishes, and onions, which were considered beneficial for digestion and overall health.

What country is Greek salad from? ›

Greek salad or horiatiki salad (Greek: χωριάτικη σαλάτα or θερινή σαλάτα) is a popular salad in Greek cuisine generally made with pieces of tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, feta cheese (usually served as a slice on top of the other ingredients), and olives (typically Kalamata olives) and dressed with salt, Greek oregano, ...

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