Elegant Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Recipe

Quick Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Recipe: Fresh & Zesty

mary berry’s waldorf salad elevates humble ingredients into a culinary masterpiece of delightful complexity.

Crisp apples and crunchy celery waltz together in a symphony of fresh flavors, creating an irresistible texture.

Generations of food lovers have cherished this iconic recipe for its elegant simplicity.

Packed with nutritious elements, the salad offers a perfect balance between sweet and tangy sensations.

Walnuts add a robust crunch that transforms each bite into a memorable experience.

The dish celebrates seasonal produce with an effortless charm that speaks to both traditional and modern palates.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to craft a salad that will become an instant favorite at your table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 4

Waldorf Salad Ingredients by Mary Berry

For Salad Base:
  • Crisp Apples: Select firm, tart varieties for a delightful crunch and bright flavor.
  • Celery: Choose fresh, green stalks with a crisp snap for maximum texture.
  • Lettuce Leaves: Opt for crisp romaine or butter lettuce for a fresh, clean foundation.
For Crunch and Texture:
  • Walnuts: Pick fresh, golden-brown nuts without any bitter or rancid smell.
  • Raisins, Dried Cranberries: Select plump, glossy dried fruits for natural sweetness.
For Creamy Dressing:
  • Mayonnaise, Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat versions for rich, smooth consistency.
  • Lemon: Choose bright, heavy lemons with smooth skin for vibrant freshness.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Select freshly ground pepper and fine sea salt for enhanced flavor depth.

Tools for Tossing the Perfect Waldorf Salad

  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping apples, celery, and walnuts.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp blade for precise dicing and slicing ingredients.
  • Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for combining salad components.
  • Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking dressing ingredients smoothly.
  • Whisk: Handy tool for blending mayonnaise, yogurt, and seasonings.
  • Measuring spoons: Helpful for accurate seasoning measurements.
  • Serving platter or plates: Clean surface for presenting the final salad.
  • Refrigerator: Cool space for chilling and marinating the salad.

Making Mary Berry’s Waldorf Salad: How-To

Making Mary Berry’s Waldorf Salad: How-To
  • Prep Fresh Ingredients

Chop crisp apples, celery, and walnuts into bite-sized pieces. You can also add dried fruit for extra sweetness and texture.

  • Whip Up Silky Dressing

Mix mayonnaise, tangy yogurt, and a splash of lemon juice in a bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, whisking until smooth and creamy.

  • Toss and Blend

Pour the velvety dressing over chopped ingredients. Gently mix everything so each morsel gets beautifully coated, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

  • Chill and Develop Flavor

Refrigerate the salad for about 30 minutes. This resting period allows the ingredients to mingle and develop a more complex, refreshing taste that will tantalize your taste buds.

  • Serve with Flair

Spread crisp lettuce leaves on a platter. Spoon the chilled mixture over the greens and sprinkle extra chopped walnuts on top for a delightful crunch that adds visual appeal and extra flavor.

Waldorf Salad Add-Ons and Tweaks

Waldorf Salad Add-Ons and Tweaks

Personalize the classic recipe with these creative twists and expert tips.

Experiment with different apple types like Pink Lady, Fuji, or Golden Delicious for unique flavor profiles and textures.

Add shredded rotisserie chicken or diced grilled turkey to transform the salad into a hearty main course packed with protein.

Replace walnuts with toasted almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds for a delightful crunch and nutty variation.

Substitute Greek yogurt with coconut yogurt or vegan mayonnaise to create a delicious plant-based version of this classic salad.

Serving Waldorf Salad the Elegant Way

  • Serve with Elegant Plating: Arrange the salad on a crisp white plate, letting the vibrant diced apples and creamy dressing create a visual feast that's Instagram-worthy.
  • Pair with Protein Power: Complement the salad alongside grilled chicken breast or smoked turkey slices for a more substantial meal that balances light and hearty flavors.
  • Create Picnic-Perfect Portions: Pack individual servings in mason jars for easy transport, making this salad an ideal companion for outdoor lunches or summer gatherings.
  • Transform into Gourmet Appetizer: Serve small portions in elegant shot glasses or mini martini glasses as a sophisticated starter at dinner parties or brunch events.

How to Keep Waldorf Salad Crisp & Fresh

  • Maximize Freshness: Store the Waldorf salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent soggy ingredients.
  • Prevent Browning: Toss apple chunks with a splash of lemon juice before mixing to stop oxidation and maintain crisp, white appearance.
  • Smart Prep Strategy: Chop ingredients and prepare dressing separately ahead of time. Combine just before serving to preserve texture and prevent wilting of delicate components.
  • Freezing Limitations: This salad doesn't freeze well due to high moisture content. Fresh preparation is always recommended for the best taste and crunch.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Elegant Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Recipe

Elegant Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Classic Waldorf salad combines crisp apples, celery, and walnuts in a creamy dressing that delights taste buds. Chefs can elevate this timeless recipe with fresh ingredients and perfect balance.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large apples, cored and chopped
  • 2 cups (480 ml) celery, sliced
  • 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) walnuts, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup (120 ml/4 fl oz) mayonnaise
  • ½ cup (120 g/4.2 oz) Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml/0.5 fl oz) lemon juice
  • ½ cup (75 g/2.6 oz) raisins or dried cranberries (optional)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Lettuce leaves, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Dice apples into uniform cubes, ensuring consistent size and texture for even flavor distribution across the salad.
  2. Vegetable Preparation: Mince celery stalks into delicate, thin pieces that will provide a crisp, refreshing crunch throughout the mixture.
  3. Nut Incorporation: Break walnuts into rustic fragments, creating varied textural elements that enhance the salad’s complex flavor profile.
  4. Fruit Accent: Sprinkle raisins or dried cranberries evenly, introducing sweet-tart bursts that complement the primary ingredients.
  5. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated, developing a creamy, tangy base.
  6. Combining Elements: Gently fold dressing into the apple mixture, coating each ingredient delicately without compromising the salad’s structural integrity.
  7. Chilling Process: Refrigerate the combined salad for 30-45 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to reach an optimal serving temperature.
  8. Plating Technique: Arrange crisp lettuce leaves as a vibrant foundation, then carefully spoon the chilled salad mixture on top, creating an elegant and appetizing presentation.

Notes

  • Slice Apples Precisely: Cut uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure balanced flavor and consistent texture in every bite.
  • Chop Nuts Thoughtfully: Break walnuts into rustic fragments for varied crunch and enhanced nutty depth.
  • Chill for Flavor Fusion: Refrigerate salad 30-45 minutes to allow ingredients to meld and develop richer taste profile.
  • Dress Delicately: Fold mayonnaise mixture gently to coat ingredients without crushing their delicate structure.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: None
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 5 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
Sophia Rivera

Sophia Rivera

Recipe Developer & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

  • Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Seasonal and Local Ingredient Utilization
  • Dessert Menu Planning
  • Culinary Event Coordination

Education

Austin Community College

  • Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Baking and Pastry Arts
  • Focus: Techniques in baking, pastry creation, and dessert presentation.

San Antonio Culinary Institute

  • Program: Diploma in Farm-to-Table Culinary Practices
  • Focus: Emphasis on utilizing locally sourced ingredients and understanding seasonal flavors.

Sophia’s passion for baking began in her family kitchen, where she spent hours experimenting with new recipes. With a background in baking and pastry arts, she loves making desserts that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. 

Sophia is all about using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients to create treats that everyone will enjoy. When she’s not creating mouth-watering desserts, you can find her gardening, making new recipes, or enjoying a relaxing afternoon with her family.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star