If you adore the crisp freshness of fall fruits and the satisfying crunch of nuts combined with a creamy dressing, you are in for a real treat with this Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe. It’s a delightful twist on the classic Waldorf salad, packed with chopped apples, juicy grapes, celery, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts, all brought together by a light, tangy dressing. This salad embodies the vibrant colors and cozy flavors of the season, making it an irresistible side or light meal that will brighten up any table. Whether you’re entertaining guests or simply want a refreshing autumn-inspired dish, this Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe is your go-to for a quick, tasty, and wholesome bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows seven small clear glass bowls placed on a white marbled surface. The bowls contain different ingredients: bright purple-red grape halves fill one large bowl in the center, next to it is a bowl of light green chopped celery pieces. Another bowl contains chopped walnuts in warm brown and tan shades. There is a bowl with creamy white sour cream, another with thick pale yellow mayonnaise, and a small bowl with coarse white salt. The last two bowls hold fresh green celery leaves and finely chopped bright green chives. The arrangement is neat and well-lit, showing the fresh colors and textures of each ingredient photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this salad is easy, and each one plays a star role in creating a wonderful balance of flavors and textures. You’ll appreciate how the crisp apples and celery add crunch, while the grapes and dried cranberries bring natural sweetness and a burst of juiciness. The nuts offer a toasty depth, and the creamy dressing ties everything together with a zesty, smooth finish.

2 apples, chopped: Choose a mix of red and green apples for a stunning color contrast and a perfect tart-sweet balance.
1 cup grapes, halved: Seedless grapes work best for easy eating and add a juicy pop to every bite.
1/2 cup celery, sliced: Celery’s crispness provides a fresh crunch that complements the soft fruit.
1/4 cup dried cranberries: Adds chewiness and a touch of tangy sweetness characteristic of autumn flavors.
1/4 cup walnuts or pecans: Toasted nuts bring warmth and a satisfying bite to the salad.
4 cups mixed greens (optional): Use your favorite leafy greens if you want a more substantial base for serving the salad.
For the creamy dressing: 1/3 cup Greek yogurt or mayo – adds creaminess with a slight tang.
1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and prevents apples from browning.
1–2 tsp honey: Balances the tartness with natural sweetness; adjust to taste.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.

How to Make Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Ingredients

Begin by chopping the apples into bite-sized pieces—you want a nice mix of colors if you used both red and green varieties. Next, halve the grapes and slice the celery thinly to maintain delicate crunchiness. These fresh components create the base of the salad that promises both texture and bright flavor.

Step 2: Toast the Nuts

Gently toast the walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until they’re fragrant and slightly golden. This step unlocks their natural oils and adds a deliciously warm note to the salad, lifting it from ordinary to exceptional.

Step 3: Combine the Main Salad Ingredients

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped apples, halved grapes, sliced celery, dried cranberries, and toasted nuts. Mixing all these autumnal gems ensures each forkful delivers a wonderful variety of textures and flavors.

Step 4: Whisk the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayo), lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This light dressing will coat every ingredient just enough to bring them into harmonious balance without weighing down the crispness and freshness.

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour your homemade dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix as you want to preserve the delicate textures of the fruit and vegetables. Your Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe

A large white rectangular plate holds a fresh salad with multiple layers. The bottom layer is a mix of green lettuce and leafy vegetables. On top of the greens, there are scattered dark red kidney beans, chopped mushrooms with light brown tops, and small cubes of off-white cheese. Slices of green pear are placed along the edges, some whole and some cut. The salad is topped with a creamy dressing drizzled over the center in thin lines. Around the plate, there are red grapes in a bunch, whole green pears, halves of a green pear, red apples, grilled corn with char marks, and a small white bowl filled with green pumpkin seeds. A woman's hand holds a vintage-looking silver fork near the bottom right on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Consider sprinkling extra toasted nuts or a few fresh cranberries on top for a beautiful finishing touch. You can also add a few fresh herb leaves like mint or parsley for an aromatic twist that brightens the overall presentation and flavor.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with roasted chicken or turkey for a cozy fall meal. It also complements hearty soups or grain bowls perfectly, adding a refreshing contrast with its crisp textures and sweet notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe over a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch or pack it in small mason jars for effortless picnics or lunchboxes. You could also create elegant individual portions by layering the salad and dressing separately, letting your guests toss it themselves at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the ingredients as fresh as possible, consider storing the dressing separately and add it just before serving if you’re preparing the salad ahead.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad because raw apples, grapes, and celery will lose their crisp texture and become watery once thawed. The delicate balance of flavors and textures is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid reheating as the fresh fruits and creamy dressing do not respond well to heat, and the salad will lose its appealing crispness.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of fruit instead of apples?

Absolutely! Pears work beautifully in this salad and add a softer texture along with a subtle sweetness. Just be sure to adjust the dressing slightly to balance flavors.

Is this salad suitable for a vegan diet?

You can make this Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe vegan by swapping Greek yogurt or mayo for a plant-based alternative like vegan mayo or coconut yogurt.

How do I prevent the apples from browning?

The lemon juice in the dressing helps keep the apples from turning brown. If you want extra protection, toss the chopped apples in a little lemon juice before adding other ingredients.

Can I add protein to make it a full meal?

Yes! Grilled chicken, turkey slices, or even chickpeas make excellent protein additions, turning this lovely Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe into a satisfying main course.

What nuts work best for this salad?

Walnuts and pecans are traditional favorites because of their flavor and texture, but you can also try toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a unique twist.

Final Thoughts

This Autumn Waldorf Salad Recipe is a true celebration of fall’s bounty, simple yet packed with fresh, vibrant flavors and textures that make every bite delightful. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side, a quick lunch, or a charming dish to share with friends, this recipe brings warmth and brightness to your table. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this salad again and again as your new seasonal favorite.