Cranberry Waldorf Salad Recipe – Holiday Side Dish Idea
This cranberry Waldorf salad recipe is a festive twist on the classic. Tart cranberries, crisp apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts are tossed in a creamy dressing for a colorful and refreshing dish. Perfect as a holiday side dish for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family celebration.
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board & knife
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Whisk
- Serving bowl
Ingredients
- 3 crisp apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), diced
- 1 cup seedless grapes (red or green), halved
- 1 cup celery, diced
- ½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- ½ cup cranberries (fresh chopped or dried, soaked)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for lighter version)
- 2 tbsp sour cream (optional for tang)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or mint for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare fruits: Wash apples, grapes, and celery. Dice apples, halve grapes, and chop celery.
- Handle cranberries: Chop fresh cranberries or soak dried cranberries briefly in warm water to plump.
- Toast nuts: Lightly toast walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet until fragrant. Cool before adding.
- Mix dressing: In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise (or yogurt), sour cream, honey, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Chill for 15 minutes.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, gently fold apples, grapes, celery, and nuts into the dressing.
- Add cranberries last: Sprinkle cranberries over the salad and fold lightly to preserve color.
- Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh herbs or citrus zest.
Notes
- Apples: Mix tart and sweet varieties for balance.
- Cranberries: Fresh add tang, dried add chewiness.
- Nuts: Toasting enhances flavor; pecans give a sweeter profile.
- Dressing: Yogurt or sour cream lightens the dish; mayo keeps it classic.
- Make-ahead: Prepare dressing and chop fruits separately; combine just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Variations: Add pomegranate seeds for holidays, marshmallows for kids, or blue cheese for a gourmet twist.