Best Vegan Waldorf Salad Recipe for Fresh Healthy Meals

The classic Waldorf salad has long been a favorite for its crisp textures and delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors. Traditionally made with apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts tossed in a creamy mayonnaise dressing, it’s a refreshing and satisfying dish.

But what if you want to enjoy this iconic salad without any animal products? Our best vegan Waldorf salad recipe offers all the crunch, sweetness, and creaminess you love — entirely plant-based!

Using vegan mayo and a few simple swaps, this salad becomes a vibrant, healthful treat perfect for spring and summer gatherings, picnics, or as a light meal any day of the week.

This recipe is easy to customize, packed with wholesome ingredients, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re vegan, dairy-free, or just looking to add more fresh produce to your diet, this salad will quickly become a staple in your recipe box.

Plus, it pairs beautifully with many other dishes — check out some of our other favorites at the end of this post. Let’s dive into making this delightful vegan Waldorf salad!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our vegan Waldorf salad is a perfect blend of crunchy and creamy textures with a naturally sweet twist. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to make, requiring no complicated ingredients or techniques.

It’s gluten-free, dairy-free, and can be nut-free if you swap walnuts for seeds, making it suitable for many diets and allergies.

The fresh apples provide a crisp bite, while celery adds a refreshing crunch. Grapes lend natural sweetness and juiciness, and walnuts offer a satisfying nuttiness and healthy fats.

The dressing, made with vegan mayo, a hint of tangy lemon juice, and a touch of maple syrup, ties everything together perfectly.

It’s an excellent dish to serve as a light lunch, a side at BBQs, or part of a festive holiday spread. Plus, it keeps well in the fridge for up to two days, making it great for meal prep.

Ingredients

• 2 large crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and diced
• 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
• 1 cup celery stalks, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped (or pumpkin seeds for nut-free option)
• 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon maple syrup or agave nectar
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring spoons
• Spoon or spatula for mixing
• Serving bowl or individual plates

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Start by washing, coring, and dicing the apples into bite-sized pieces. To prevent browning, toss them immediately with the fresh lemon juice in a large mixing bowl.
2. Slice the celery and grapes: Thinly slice the celery stalks for crunch and halve the grapes to release their juicy sweetness. Add both to the bowl with the apples.
3. Chop the walnuts: Roughly chop the walnuts or your preferred nuts/seeds. Add them to the fruit and celery mixture for a nice crunchy texture.
4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayonnaise, maple syrup, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk well until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
5. Toss everything together: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently fold until everything is evenly coated. Be careful not to crush the grapes or apples.
6. Adjust seasoning: Taste the salad and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed to balance flavors.
7. Chill and serve: For best results, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

“Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. The beauty of the Waldorf salad is its versatility!”

• Nut-free option: Replace walnuts with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds to avoid nuts while keeping the crunch.
• Fruit variations: Try substituting red grapes with green grapes, or add diced pears for a different flavor profile.
• Dressing alternatives: For a lighter version, use vegan yogurt or blend silken tofu with lemon juice and maple syrup instead of mayo.
• Add greens: Mix in some baby spinach or arugula to make it a more substantial salad.
• Make it spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a subtle kick.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan Waldorf salad is wonderfully versatile. Serve it chilled as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled vegetables or your favorite grain bowls.

It pairs exceptionally well with plant-based protein dishes like grilled tofu or tempeh.

For a picnic or potluck, present it in a colorful bowl to brighten up the table. Try it with crusty vegan bread or crackers on the side for a light lunch.

If you love exploring recipes that complement fresh salads, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe or our indulgent Cinnamon Pecan Ice Cream Recipe for the perfect sweet finish to your meal.

Another great savory option to try alongside is our Cheese Penny Recipe.

Conclusion

The best vegan Waldorf salad recipe is a celebration of texture, flavor, and simplicity. By using fresh, crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and wholesome walnuts, all coated in a creamy yet tangy vegan mayo dressing, you can recreate this timeless classic without any animal products.

It’s a dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent, perfect for any season.

Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned plant-based foodie, this recipe is easy to make and endlessly adaptable. Keep this salad on hand for quick lunches, elegant dinner sides, or festive gatherings.

With its vibrant colors and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to impress your family and friends alike. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of this vegan version of a beloved classic!

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