Healthy Waldorf Salad that’s Crisp, Creamy, and Dairy-Free

This easy side is as much about texture as it is taste! Crisp apples and celery are paired with a creamy dressing, and other chewy, juicy, and/or crunchy elements can be added. This healthy dairy-free Waldorf salad hits all the right notes for flavor and consistency, but is made with more nutritious ingredients.

What is Waldorf Salad?

The original recipe, created for a charity ball in 1896 at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel in New York City, contained just 3 ingredients: apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Yes, it was naturally dairy free! Over the years, many variations have been developed, and nuts, grapes or dried fruit, and a little sweetener have become staple ingredients. Some versions of Waldorf salad do contain dairy, particularly the healthier recipes or fancy ones served in restaurants. But this healthy dairy-free Waldorf salad keeps it somewhat classic and simple.

Choosing the Best Apples for Dairy-Free Waldorf Salad

Apples are the core of Waldorf salad, so picking the right ones is important. They must be crisp, firm, and have a good sweet-tart balance. Apples that are more resistant to browning are also good. Here are some great choices:

• Honeycrisp: This is the modern day gold standard apple for Waldorf salad due to its remarkably crisp texture, with a juicy yet complex, sweet-tart flavor. But it is a pricier apple.
• Fuji: This is a great sweeter option that is still crisp and firm. It pairs very well with celery and dairy-free yogurt (or mayonnaise!). Fuji apples are also readily available and on the affordable side.
• Pink Lady: Most people enjoy the crisp texture and tart to sweet flavor. As an added bonus, this trademarked apple is slower to brown.
• Granny Smith: If you love a very tart contrast to the gently sweet and creamy dressing, this is your apple. I prefer to use part Granny Smith and part sweeter apple (like Fuji) for better flavor and color contrast (great for Christmas!).
• Gala: These apples aren’t as complex as Honeycrisp, but they are mild, sweet, and most people enjoy them. They’re also easy to find and on the less expensive side.
• Braeburn: Known for a complex, spicy-sweet flavor and very firm texture, Braeburn brings a good crunch and unique taste to Waldorf salad.

More Ingredient Notes & Variations

• Lemon Juice: This adds a little tang and also helps to prevent the apples from browning.
• Nuts: Walnuts are the classic Waldorf salad nut, but pecans are equally delicious. In a pinch, almonds also pair well. For nut-free, I recommend using sunflower seeds.
• Celery: Like apples, this is almost a non-negotiable ingredient for Waldorf salad. But if you really don’t like celery, you can substitute jicama.
• Cranberries: Pam likes the look and taste of cranberries in this salad. But if preferred, you can substitute raisins or 1/2 cup halved grapes for the dried cranberries.
• Yogurt: You can technically use a Greek-style dairy-free yogurt or a regular dairy-free yogurt, but try to stick with a thick brand in general. The moisture from the produce will cause it to thin a bit. Dairy-free yogurt adds a little tang, helps to prevent apple browning, and is rich but less oily than mayonnaise. But, you can certainly use mayonnaise, if preferred.
• Sugar: The sugar is somewhat optional, and can be added to taste. It really depends on the flavor of your yogurt. A little sweetness does help to meld and carry the flavors. You can substitute honey for all or part of the sugar, if preferred.

Recipe FAQs

Should I Peel the Apples?

Don’t peel the apples! The color adds visual appeal. In fact, we often like to pair different colored apples for a more festive look.

Why is Waldorf Salad High in Sugar?

The majority of the sugar, about 10 grams per serving, is natural sugar from the apples.

How Can I Reduce the Added Sugar?

You can simply use less sweetener, to taste. If you are used to the taste of sugar-free sweeteners, you could substitute one for the sugar. Also, our nutrition facts are based on cranberries with added sugar. You can substitute raisins or grapes (as noted in the recipe), or get cranberries sweetened with fruit juice.

Special Diet Notes: Dairy-Free Waldorf Salad

By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, and vegetarian. For strict vegan, be sure to use organic sugar or your favorite vegan sweetener.

adapted from Pam Correll

Healthy Dairy-Free Waldorf Salad

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This riff on the classic Waldorf salad is healthy enough for a snack or breakfast, but also makes a delicious holiday or picnic side! For meals, serve it over a bed of fresh lettuce greens.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings: 4 side servings

Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Calories: 146

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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• 2 medium apples cored and diced
• 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
• ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• ¼ cup chopped celery
• ¼ cup dried cranberries
• ½ cup unsweetened dairy-free Greek-style yogurt
• 1 to 3 teaspoons sugar or to taste

Method

 

1. Put the apples in a large bowl and toss with the lemon juice. Add the nuts, celery, and cranberries, and toss to combine.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt and sweetener (as desired).
3. Add the yogurt to the apple mixture, and stir to combine.

Nutrition

Serving: 1/2 cupCalories: 146kcalCarbohydrates: 24.2gProtein: 1.6gFat: 6.2gSaturated Fat: 1.5gSodium: 13mgFiber: 3.9gSugar: 17.4g

Notes

Fruit Option: You can substitute raisins or 1/2 cup halved grapes (green or red) for the dried cranberries.

Mayo Option: If you prefer a classic Waldorf salad, you can substitute mayonnaise or vegan mayonnaise for the yogurt. This will increase the fat and calories by quite a bit.

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Also Try Our Dairy-Free Tropical Fruit Salad Recipe!