 A modern Waldorf salad withgreen grapes and whole walnuts, served in a glass bowl (2008) | |
| Course | Appetizer |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Region or state | New York |
| Created by | Oscar Tschirky |
| Serving temperature | Chilled |
| Main ingredients | Apples,celery,mayonnaise,walnuts,grapes |
| Variations | Poultry, dried fruit (raisins,dates),yogurt dressing,zest of citrus, cauliflower, corn, blue cheese |
AWaldorf salad is afruit and nutsalad generally made ofcelery,freshapples,walnuts, andgrapes, dressed inmayonnaise, and traditionally served on a bed oflettuce as anappetizer or alight meal.[1][2] The apples, celery, and grapes can all be green, which harmonizes the color palette of the dish.
Waldorf salad is named for theWaldorf-Astoria hotel inNew York City, where it was first created for acharity ball given in honor of the St. Mary's Hospital for Children on March 13, 1896.[3][4][5] The Waldorf-Astoria'smaître d'hôtel,Oscar Tschirky, developed or inspired many of the hotel'ssignature dishes and is widely credited with creating the salad recipe. In 1896, the salad appeared inThe Cook Book by "Oscar of the Waldorf".[6]
The original recipe was just apples, celery, and mayonnaise.[7] It did not containnuts, but they had been added by the time the recipe appeared inThe Rector Cook Book in 1928.[8]
Other ingredients such aschicken,turkey, anddried fruit (such asdates orraisins) are sometimes added.[9] Updated versions of the salad sometimes change the dressing to a seasoned mayonnaise or ayogurt dressing. Modern Waldorf salad may also include thezest of oranges and/or lemons. Variations include apeanut butter and yogurt base, and one that replaces celery withcauliflower.
An American guest demanding a Waldorf salad featured prominently ina 1979 episode of the British sitcomFawlty Towers.[10] The salad is mentioned in theCole Porter song "You're the Top".[11]
