Waldorf Salad - Homemade Hooplah (2024)

This sweeter twist on the classic Waldorf salad is made with chopped apples, pears, celery, and pecans, all tossed in a creamy Miracle Whip and citrus dressing.

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About Waldorf Salad

Waldorf salad is a classicly retro dish that can be served as an appetizer, side, or even a dessert, thanks to a melody of fresh fruits, vegetables, and a flavorful dressing.

The dressing itself has a sweet and tangy flavor, with a tangy Miracle whip base and hints of lemon and orange juices, which pairs perfectly with the apples, pears, and celery. Plus, the pecans add just the right amount of crunch.

No matter what type of event or occasion you’re planning for, this salad is a great crowd-pleasing option!

Where did the original Waldorf salad come from?

The Waldorf salad was first served at the Waldorf Hotel, created by Edouard Beauchamp (executive chef) and Oscar Tschirky (maitre d’hotel), and included three main ingredients: red-skinned apples, celery, and mayonnaise.

Over time, the ingredients have changed to include many more flavors and varieties beyond the original three. For instance, the classic American version of Waldorf salad usually includes chopped walnuts or pecans and has replaced mayonnaise with miracle whip.

As for the version of Waldorf salad shared here, it is sweeter and tangier than the traditional way, thanks to the addition of chopped pears, lemon juice, and orange juice.

What dressing do you put on Waldorf salad?

This is sort of a trick question, as it depends on what you considerMiracle Whip to be.

While there are many who would insist that Miracle Whip is a condiment (and can be used interchangeably with mayonnaise), Miracle Whip is commonly regarded as a dressing. And when it comes to Waldorf salad, this is the type of “dressing” used, even if additional flavors or seasoning is added.

Can you make Waldorf salad in advance?

Yes! You totally can make this salad in advance.

For best results, the ingredients can be mixed 24 hours in advance (at maximum) and stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container until ready to serve. This will ensure all of your ingredients are still fresh and presentation-perfect before serving.

How long is waldorf salad good for?

Once prepared, this salad should remain good in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The lemon juice in this recipe should help protect the fruits (particularly the apples) from discoloration, but just to be sure, make sure the dressing is coating all the ingredients before storing.

Can you freeze Waldorf salad?

Due to the amount of juicy fruits in this recipe, freezing is not recommended. The fruits will release most of their water during the freezing and thawing process, causing them to become mushy.

What goes well with Waldorf salad?

Waldorf salad can be served as an appetizer, side, or dessert, and it pairs particularly well with mild, savory foods.

Try serving Waldorf salad with:

• Lemon Pepper Chicken Wings
• Breaded Dijon Chicken Skewers
• Creamy Dijon Chicken
• Bacon-Wrapped Cream Cheese Stuffed Chicken
• Sheet Pan Pork Chops and Vegetables
• Crockpot Ranch Pork Chops

Notes & tips for this Waldorf salad recipe

• Lettuce is listed as an ingredient in this recipe, but it’s almost entirely used for presentation, as the salad is served on a bed of lettuce. Some people may eat the lettuce, but it’s not required; you can skip it if you’d like.

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How to make waldorf salad

This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. If you’re looking for the full recipe measurements and instructions, scroll down to Recipe Details.

Step 1 – In a large bowl, add Miracle Whip, orange juice, and lemon juice, then whisk until it’s smooth and creamy.

Step 2 – Add in chopped apple, celery, pear, and pecans to the bowl, then use a spatula to toss all the ingredients until the fruit is coated with dressing.

Step 3 – Serve and enjoy!