This refreshing Waldorf salad balances sweet, savory and tangy flavors. Crisp apples, celery, and seedless grapes combine with toasted walnuts for crunch, all tossed in a creamy, dairy-free dressing. Completely gluten-free and vegan, it takes about 10 minutes to prepare and works well as a light meal or a side for potlucks and summer gatherings.
Salads for Summer Potlucks
Warmer weather calls for grilled meals, outdoor parties and easy, refreshing salads. Light, crisp salads are perfect for beating the heat and feeding a crowd.
Delicious Waldorf Salad!
The classic Waldorf salad originated at New York’s Waldorf Hotel and has become a favorite for its mix of textures and flavors. Today’s version keeps the same bright contrast—crisp apples and celery, juicy grapes and crunchy nuts—while using a creamy, plant-based dressing so it’s suitable for vegans.
This vegan, gluten-free Waldorf is excellent for backyard barbecues, a light summer lunch, or as a refreshing side for holiday meals.
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
- Simple Ingredients: Easily found at most grocery stores—no specialty items needed.
- Quick to Make: Minimal prep—about 10 minutes to assemble for big flavor with little effort.
- Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free & Vegan: Made with vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt so those avoiding gluten or dairy (or following a vegan diet) can enjoy it.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Below is an overview of the ingredients for this vegan Waldorf salad. For exact quantities, see the recipe card.
Recipe Notes + Substitutions:
- Apples: Granny Smith lends tartness, but sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala or Pink Lady work well too.
- Grapes: Seedless grapes are convenient; mix red and green for color and flavor contrast.
- Celery: Use fresh celery for the best crunch.
- Nuts: A mix of toasted pecans and walnuts gives great texture; toasted walnuts alone are fine if preferred.
- Mayo & Yogurt: Use vegan mayonnaise and unsweetened dairy-free yogurt to keep the recipe vegan. Substitute regular mayo and Greek yogurt if you do not need it to be dairy-free.
- Acid & Sweetener: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing; maple syrup or agave work as vegan sweeteners (honey can be used if not vegan).
How to Make Waldorf Salad (Step by Step):
Toast and Chop Nuts: If using raw nuts, toast pecans and walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring, then cool and chop.
Make the Dressing: Whisk together vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free yogurt, fresh lemon juice, maple syrup (or preferred sweetener) and salt until smooth.
Combine Celery, Grapes and Nuts: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped celery, halved seedless grapes and the toasted nuts.
Add Apples and Dressing: Core and cube the apples, add them to the bowl, then pour the dressing over the mixture.
Toss and Chill: Gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill for about 15 minutes if you prefer a cooler salad before serving.
Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:
- Toast the Nuts: Toasting elevates the flavor and adds crunch—worth the extra two to three minutes.
- Not Vegan? Substitute regular mayonnaise and Greek yogurt in equal parts if you don’t need a dairy-free version.
Gluten-Free Salad Recipes to Make:
- Potato Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Macaroni Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Watermelon Goat Cheese Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
- Jalapeño Chicken Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
- Patriotic Fruit Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
Other Summer Recipes You’ll Enjoy:
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109 Savory Gluten-Free Recipes for Memorial Day
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Easy Grilled Corn Salad (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)
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Cilantro Cauliflower Rice (Gluten-Free, Vegan, Low-Carb)
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Easy Lemon Dessert Cups (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Option)
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Easy Waldorf Salad (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
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- Author: Felicia Lim
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This refreshing Waldorf salad is sweet, savory and tangy. Crisp apples, crunchy celery, grapes and toasted walnuts are tossed in a creamy dressing that mirrors the classic version—all while remaining gluten-free and vegan. Ready in about 10 minutes, it’s ideal as a light meal or a potluck side.
Ingredients
- 2 green apples, cored and cubed
- 1 cup seedless grapes, halved
- 3/4 cup celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup raw unsalted walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup raw unsalted pecans, toasted and chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons plain dairy-free yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)
Instructions
- Toast and Chop Nuts: Toast pecans and walnuts in a dry skillet over low heat for 3–4 minutes if not already toasted. Let cool and chop finely.
- Prepare the Dressing: Whisk vegan mayonnaise, dairy-free yogurt, lemon juice, maple syrup and salt until smooth.
- Combine Celery, Grapes and Nuts: In a large bowl, mix chopped celery, halved grapes and toasted nuts.
- Add Apples and Dressing: Add cubed apples to the bowl and pour the dressing over everything.
- Toss to Combine: Gently toss until evenly coated.
- Chill (Optional): Refrigerate for about 15 minutes before serving if you prefer a cooler salad.
Notes
Apples: Tart Granny Smiths contrast nicely with the sweet grapes, though sweeter varieties work too.
Grapes: Seedless grapes are easiest—mix colors for visual appeal.
Celery: Choose fresh, crisp stalks for the best texture.
Nuts: Toasting enhances flavor and crunch; store-bought toasted nuts are a convenient shortcut.
Substitutions: Swap in regular mayonnaise and Greek yogurt if you don’t need a vegan version. Use agave or honey in place of maple syrup depending on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Salads
- Cuisine: American