Fall Waldorf Salad

A fresh autumn twist on the classic Waldorf, this salad balances crisp apples and pears with juicy grapes, celery crunch, and toasted nuts. The homemade maple-sweetened yogurt dressing is creamy yet light, without the heaviness of traditional mayonnaise. Best of all, this salad gets even better as it rests, making it a perfect make-ahead side for holiday meals, brunches, and entertaining.

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Prep Time 23

Ingredients

2 apples, diced (any crisp variety)
2 pears, diced (ripe but firm)
1-1½ cups grapes, halved (red or green)
2 stalks, small dice

Optional

¼-½ cup toasted walnuts or pecans, roughly chopped
¼-½ cup dried cranberries, raisins, or pomegranate arils

Creamy Maple Yogurt Mayo Dressing (Homemade Version)

1 large egg yolk
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper I prefur my mixed pepper blend

Store-Bought Mayo Alternative

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
2 tbsp maple syrup
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/4 tsp fresh cracked pepper
1/8 tsp cinnamon or apple pie spice

Instructions

Make the Maple Mayo Base (Homemade Version)
Add the egg yolk, maple syrup, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and cinnamon/spice to a narrow jar or cup just wide enough for an immersion blender.
Position the blender directly over the yolk at the bottom and turn it on. Hold still for 20 seconds, then slowly raise the blender to incorporate the remaining liquid as it thickens.
Finish the Dressing
Add the Greek yogurt directly into the same container and pulse a few more times with the immersion blender until smooth and creamy.
If using the Store-Bought Mayo Alternative, skip Steps 1 and 2.
Salad Assembly
Dice apples and pears into bite-size pieces. Halve grapes and slice celery.
Combine fruit, celery, nuts, and any optional add-ins in a large bowl.
Dress & Chill
Add dressing to the salad and fold gently until everything is coated.
Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Note: This base will not become as thick as traditional mayo due to the added liquid. It will fully thicken once the Greek yogurt is blended in.

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