Waldorf Salad Has a Thousand Variations - it Can't Be Done Wrong

Waldorf salad is appropriate for virtually any occasion and is a healthy, wholesome salad that can be concocted in a variety of ways in just a few moments which will satisfy the palates of virtually anyone that enjoys fruit. It's fun and easy to make, and anyone or everyone in the family can get involved.

The following is a recipe for Waldorf salad for those that want to create a salad - not a mess. It is appropriate for families, guys that want to contribute and gals that want to create a dish but don't necessarily want to get into measuring cups, spices, special sauces or the myriad of other ingredients that might be necessary to create a tasteful and eye appealing dish. All you need is a bowl, a knife, a big spoon, a few easily obtainable ingredients and the desire to create your signature Waldorf salad, palate pleasing delight. An apple corer is a plus, but not essential. Call me lazy. I want to create a salad not a mess of measuring cups, spoons, and other utensils that need to be gathered together and then washed and put away - I just want to make a Waldorf salad.

Please note, this recipe doesn't contain any exact measurements. This Waldorf salad is your creation and can be made to suit your palate. Exact measurement is not a necessity. That's what makes Waldorf salad unique and wonderful, as well as healthy.

Let's get started with the Waldorf salad ingredient list and instructions. Please wash your hands before starting, as well as the ingredients that require washing.

A bowl - I know a bowl isn't really an ingredient, but the size of the bowl will dictate the size of your Waldorf salad. An 8, 10 or 12 inch bowl will easily accommodate serving as many as 4, 6, or 10 individuals.

Apples - this is the main ingredient of Waldorf salad and should fill ½ or slightly more of your bowl to start. You can always add more. I recommend a Delicious apple as they are sweet and crunchy as well as a green apple that might be slightly tart. The apples are not peeled, so the green and red offer essential eye appeal to your Waldorf salad creation. Make sure you select apples with nice looking skin. Here is where the apple corer can be used to slice the apple into eight even sections if you have one available. If not, no worries - just cut the apple so that the core is eliminated and then slice the apples into bite size chunks. The definition of "bite sized" chunk is up to you, but for guys this is about a half inch or so - it doesn't have to be measured - it just needs to fit easily into someones mouth and on an eating utensil! Slice a red apple followed by a green apple so you have balance in your Waldorf salad. Add the apples to your salad bowl.

Lemon juice - apples quickly turn brown and lemon juice retards the browning. I never use it, as I prepare the Waldorf salad just prior to consumption, but if you wish to keep the salad for more than a day or two you should LIGHTLY (a spoonful or two) sprinkle the apples with the lemon juice and mix them around to maintain the apples' fresh appearance.

Celery - clean and cut cut into ¼ inch chunks and add as you see fit - a handful or two will suffice - two to three stalks depending on the size of your bowl - maybe more, maybe less - this is not rocket science.

Raisins - just spread them about your Waldorf Salad creation. See the celery recommendation for quantity. Like raisins? Add a few more.

Grapes (Seedless Red and Green) - the salad section of your local grocer normally has red and green grapes available on the salad tray that are ready for your Waldorf salad. Alternatively you can purchase a small bunch of each variety. Don't overwhelm your apples, but if you like grapes, be generous.

Walnuts or pecans or both - your choice - break into pieces with your fingers. Add enough to add a nut crunch to your salad.

Now look at your bowl. Is it full? If not add more apples. Mix it up - does it have visual as well as taste balance? If not add more of one or more ingredients.

Mayonnaise - after your bowl is full - spoon out a dab or two and mix thoroughly to appeal to your taste - be cautious - you can always add more - you can't remove it!

Optional ingredients.

Mandarin oranges - I use the canned variety - drain first - one small can is sufficient to add a unique taste.

Maraschino cherries - a small jar or can - drain first - adds color to your Waldorf salad.

The list is endless - fresh orange chunks, sliced avocado, grapefruit slices, pears or any other fruit that you find is appealing.

Have fun with creating your Waldorf salad and enjoy the tasteful delight.