Side DishesSoups & Salads

Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad is a classic combination of crisp fruit, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, built around simple ingredients that create contrast in every bite. Waldorf Salad combines crisp apples, celery, raisins, and chopped salted peanuts in a simple creamy dressing for a refreshing salad that's equally at home as a side dish, light lunch, or holiday favorite. Peanuts add a satisfying crunch that complements the fruit while bringing extra flavor to this classic recipe.

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Ingredients

2 apples, diced
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup celery, chopped
1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
Mayonnaise, to taste

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Cutting board
Chef's knife
Measuring cups
Mixing spoon
Serving bowl

Instructions

Wash, core, and dice the apples into bite-sized pieces. Chop the celery and salted peanuts if they are not already prepared. Measure the raisins and have the mayonnaise ready so everything can be combined at once.
Place the diced apples, raisins, chopped celery, and chopped salted peanuts into a large mixing bowl. Gently toss the dry ingredients together to evenly distribute the fruit, vegetables, and peanuts before adding the dressing.
Add mayonnaise a little at a time, stirring gently after each addition, until all of the ingredients are lightly coated. Use only enough mayonnaise to bind the salad while allowing the apples, celery, raisins, and peanuts to remain the focus.
Continue folding the salad gently until the dressing is evenly distributed and all of the ingredients are combined. Avoid overmixing, which can soften the apples and reduce the crisp texture of the salad.
Arrange fresh lettuce leaves on individual plates or a serving platter. Spoon the Waldorf salad onto the lettuce and serve immediately, or refrigerate briefly before serving if you prefer the salad well chilled.

Notes

Hepful Tips for Waldorf Salad

Choose crisp apples that hold their texture after mixing.
Chop the apples, celery, and peanuts into similar-sized pieces for consistent texture.
Add the mayonnaise gradually until the salad is lightly coated.
Chill before serving for the freshest flavor.
Serve over lettuce leaves for a traditional presentation.

A Fresh Twist on a Classic Waldorf Salad

Waldorf Salad has remained a favorite for generations because it combines crisp fruit, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing using only a handful of ingredients. This version adds chopped salted peanuts, bringing extra crunch and roasted peanut flavor that pairs naturally with sweet apples and raisins. The result is a refreshing salad that's equally suited for lunches, holiday meals, picnics, and family gatherings.

Although simple to prepare, the contrast between crisp apples, tender raisins, crunchy celery, and roasted peanuts gives every bite a balanced texture that has made Waldorf Salad a timeless classic.

Peanuts Add Crunch and Flavor

Salted peanuts complement the sweetness of the apples and raisins while adding a satisfying roasted flavor that enhances the traditional recipe without changing its character. Their crisp texture contrasts beautifully with the creamy mayonnaise dressing, making every bite more interesting. This simple addition demonstrates how peanuts can elevate familiar recipes with very little effort.

Whether served as a side dish or a light lunch, chopped peanuts bring both texture and flavor to this refreshing salad.

Easy Enough for Everyday Meals

Because it requires no cooking, Waldorf Salad comes together in just a few minutes using everyday ingredients. Preparing it slightly ahead of time allows the flavors to blend while keeping the apples and celery crisp. It's an excellent addition to potlucks, picnics, cookouts, or holiday buffets, and it pairs well with sandwiches, grilled chicken, or roasted meats.

Simple recipes like this continue to show how peanuts work naturally in both sweet and savory dishes.

Peanuts Begin with Farmers Across the Southeast

The chopped peanuts in this recipe begin with growers throughout North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina. These neighboring states continue producing high-quality peanuts that become roasted snacks, peanut butter, candies, and countless recipes enjoyed by families across the country. Their versatility makes peanuts equally at home in classic salads, baked goods, and everyday meals.

Learn more about Where Peanuts Grow, follow The Peanut's Journey, or discover the different market classes in Peanut Types. Looking for more fresh meal ideas? Browse additional recipes in our Lunch, Side Dishes, and Soups & Salads collections.