Chef John's Waldorf Salad

A fruit salad has to be pretty darn good to actually get a name, and the venerable Waldorf salad is certainly worthy. Embellish this as you see fit, but I really like it best with just the four ingredients seen here. Things like dried cranberries can add a nice seasonal touch but, for me, the chewy fruit gets in the way of that addictive crunchy/crisp texture.

• Preparation Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 20 mins
• Calories: 547 Calories

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ lemon, juiced
• ½ teaspoon white sugar
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper
• 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ cup creme fraiche
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped tarragon
• 2 large crisp, sweet apples, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
• 1 cup cubed (1/4 inch) celery root, soaked briefly in cold water, drained well
• 1 cup quartered seedless green grapes
• ½ cup toasted walnut pieces

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Whisk mayonnaise, creme fraiche, lemon juice, tarragon, sugar, salt, black pepper, and cayenne together in a bowl.

Step 2

Place apples, celery root, grapes, and walnut pieces in a large bowl. Toss with about 1/2 cup of dressing. Add more dressing until salad components are well coated but not swimming in dressing. You might not need all the dressing.

Step 3

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.