Waldorf Salad ~ a delicious appetizer course.
Waldorf salad was first created on March 13, 1886 for a charity ball held at the famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. It is one of several signature dishes created or developed by the hotel’s maitre d’hotel, Oscar Tschirky.
Originally, the recipe for the salad was just apples, celery and mayonnaise. Later, in 1928, nuts were added. Today, a more modern version includes grapes. Other modern variations are listed in this article on Wikipedia, but my favorite variation is the original recipe, as my mother used to make it for me, of simply apples, celery and walnuts, all dressed with mayonnaise and served well-chilled on a lettuce leaf. This fruit salad is listed as an appetizer course, but my favorite way of eating it is as part of my main meal with a grilled pork chop.
Recipe Summary
The basic recipe I use for Waldorf Salad is simply one cup of diced apple (peeled or unpeeled), one-half cup of diced celery and about one-fourth to one-half cup of broken walnuts. Toss ingredients together with 2-3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, chill for several hours and serve on a lettuce leaf.
*Note: You can sprinkle the cut up apples with lemon juice, if desired. I also sometimes substitute a spoonful of the mayonnaise with sour cream for a creamier taste.
This salad is mentioned in the 1934 Cole Porter song “You’re The Top"
You're the top
You're a Waldorf salad
You're the top
You're a Berlin ballad
But if, baby, I'm the bottom
You're the top
It was also mentioned in a 1979 episode of the British television sitcom Fawlty Towers when an American guest demands a Waldorf salad!
Waldorf Salad has also made the List of Regional Dishes, a list of regional or local dishes associated with specific regions of the United States. This dish is associated with New York City (Manhattan) where the original famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel was located from 1893 to 1929.
My all-time favorite salad!
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*Waldorf Salad food review written by Wednesday Elf
+Images in this article were taken by Wednesday Elf. The intro image is from Pixabay, created by GetStencil.
Thank you for a very interesting review on the Waldorf Salad. It is one o of my favorites!!
ReplyDeleteAlways been my favorite salad, Mary Beth. I make it frequently. :)
DeleteWould you believe I have never eaten a Waldorf salad, although I have heard of it my entire life. I'm not a big salad eater to begin with, but I've always just used store bought bottled salad dressing when I desired a salad. I must say, adding apples and grapes is quite a temptation. I do believe this is one of those recipes I would need to try just to find out if I like it. Mayonnaise and apples is not a combination I have ever tired, but I do love both.
ReplyDeleteGive it a try, Mouse. I think you would like it. I LOVE it.
DeleteOh! how I do love a good Waldorf Salad. I haven't had one or made one in a long time. Your recipe is so simple, I do like it with grapes added. Thanks Pat.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you like Waldorf Salad too, Sam. I leave out the grapes; not a favorite of mine. :)
DeleteHaving grown up in New York City and having lunched more than once at the famed Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, I’m a big fan of the Waldorf salad and have made it numerous times. Thanks for sharing this simple yet delicious recipe, Elf!
ReplyDeleteWhat fun to hear you've actually eaten Waldorf Salad at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, Margaret. What a treat that would be.
DeleteI've never had this salad - although of course, the homemade coleslaw salad has apples - but I can imagine this is an excellent combination as well - I'm going to try it, thank you!
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to read how many people have never actually tried Waldorf Salad. Hope you give it a try, Barbara.
DeleteGosh, it's early in the morning and now I'm hungry for this wonderful salad. I have to go rummage in the fridge to see if I have what I need or get dressed hoping to find all those lovely ingredients. Thanks for this lovely salad recipe and all it's variations!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed your Waldorf Salad, Olivia.
DeleteI love fruit salads and especially when some nuts are added. Waldorf Salad is an excellent way to enjoy a salad with extra nutrition.
ReplyDeleteI think the walnuts are my favorite part of this salad, Cheryl. Glad to hear you enjoy it too.
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