Are you craving a delicious, refreshing salad that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition? Get ready to fall in love with this mayo-free Waldorf salad that's about to become your new favorite healthy obsession! Packed with crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to eat clean without sacrificing taste. Whether you're a health enthusiast, a vegetarian, or simply someone who loves a fantastic salad, this recipe will blow your taste buds away!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the apples into small bite-sized pieces, ensuring to remove the core and seeds. You can use any variety of apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, for a balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Rinse the grapes under cold water, then slice them in half. If you prefer, you can also use halved berries or dried fruit as a substitute.
- Wash the celery stalks thoroughly and dice them into small pieces. This adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- Chop the walnuts into smaller pieces. If you prefer, you can toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes to enhance their flavor, but this step is optional.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, halved grapes, diced celery, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss the ingredients together to mix them evenly.
- In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing by mixing together the Greek yogurt, honey, and lemon juice. Stir until well combined. The Greek yogurt serves as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, adding creaminess without the extra calories.
- Pour the yogurt dressing over the mixed fruit and nut salad. Gently fold the dressing into the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are coated evenly.
- Add salt to taste, mixing it in gently. Be careful not to over-salt, as the flavors should remain fresh and vibrant.
- Once everything is combined, taste the salad and adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon juice if desired.
- Chill the salad in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is optional but recommended for a refreshing taste.
- Serve the Waldorf salad in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with additional walnuts or a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Enjoy your healthier mayo-free Waldorf salad!
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Prevent Browning: Toss your diced apples in a little lemon juice immediately after cutting to keep them fresh and prevent oxidation.
- Yogurt Dressing Hack: For an extra creamy dressing, use full-fat Greek yogurt and let it sit for a few minutes to blend flavors.
- Nut Toasting Tip: Lightly toasting walnuts can enhance their flavor, but be careful not to burn them - watch the skillet closely!
- Chill for Maximum Flavor: Letting the salad rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes allows the ingredients to marinate and develop a more complex taste.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to swap ingredients based on your preferences or what's in season. Berries, different nuts, or additional herbs can add exciting variations.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This salad can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, making it perfect for meal prep or gatherings.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 5mg
