It’s difficult to find a more traditional side dish than the Waldorf Salad. Its origins can be traced back to the late 1800s, when it was originally served at New York City’s Waldorf Astoria hotel. The original recipe called for only apples, celery, and mayonnaise (all of which can be found year round), but over time, more ingredients were added, and there are now numerous versions of the recipe.

The version we have for you today is rather close to the original, and after you taste it, you’ll understand why it has endured the test of time!This salad’s simplicity is undeniably appealing. Aside from salt and pepper, the creamy dressing comprises only four main ingredients. The base is made of mayo and sour cream, which is then whipped with lemon juice and sugar. Sour cream helps to soften the strong mayonnaise flavor and makes the overall texture creamier.

Fresh lemon juice is preferred, but bottled lemon juice would suffice in a pinch. Following that, the dressing is poured over the apples, grapes, celery, and romaine lettuce. Finish with some roasted walnuts and your dish is ready to serve! The salad may be cooked ahead of time, making it an excellent choice for entertaining. It tastes much better after it has set for a few hours, allowing all of the flavors to mix together.

Add dried cranberries for a tangy splash of sweetness, or shredded chicken for a dinner. This classic salad, in any variant, will always be a crowd-pleaser. We hope you enjoy it as much as previous generations did!