Healthy Waldorf Salad with Grapes {No Mayo}

This modern Waldorf salad recipe with grapes is tossed in a refreshing vinaigrette instead of a mayo dressing for a sweet and simple salad that will please a crowd. The best part is, it can be whipped together in less than 30 minutes! {Gluten-free & vegetarian}

Waldorf salad without mayo on a white serving platter with a drizzle of vinaigrette.

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Healthy Waldorf Salad without Mayo

If you’ve ever had the original Waldorf salad recipe, you know why it became such a hit so quickly! With crisp apples, sliced red grapes, and a creamy dressing speckled with crunchy walnuts, it’s such a satisfying side dish.

This lightened up Waldorf salad recipe with grapes is different than what you’re used to in the best way possible. It still has all those great Waldorf salad flavors, but it’s tossed in a tangy vinaigrette instead!

This makes it perfect for serving over greens for a big, filling salad any day of the week!

For more fall-inspired salads, you’ll also want to check out this Cruciferous Crunch Recipe!

A fork piercing some of the healthy waldorf salad on a white platter.

Why We Love This Modern Waldorf Salad

Quick & easy: Once you make the vinaigrette and prep the salad ingredients, you’ll be ready to serve this delicious salad on a bed of greens!

Fall flavors: The simple combination of apples, grapes, nuts, and celery makes a perfect salad for a fall or late summer salad.

Perfect for a crowd: Prep all your ingredients in advance and set them up as a DIY salad bar for an easy side dish for your next party.

Ingredient Notes

Ingredients required for modern waldorf salad recipe.

For the vinaigrette dressing:

Balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar has a rich flavor that pairs really well with sweet fruits and tangy blue cheese.
Dijon mustard: Mustard will help you vinaigrette emulsify for a creamy texture.
Maple syrup: Add just a bit of maple to sweeten your Waldorf salad dressing to taste.
Minced garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a sharp, savory note to make this the best Waldorf salad recipe.
Salt and black pepper: Don’t forget to season with kosher salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil is the perfect oil for this decadent vinaigrette.

For the salad:

Mixed greens: Start with a bed of baby lettuce, spring mix, or Bibb lettuce for extra fiber and nutrients.
Apple: Chop your apple into 1/2 inch pieces. I prefer sweet Gala apples for this original recipe, but you can also use Granny Smith apples or your favorite variety.
Celery: Crunchy celery adds a great texture to this spin on the classic Waldorf salad recipe.
Red seedless grapes: Slice your fresh grapes in half before mixing them with the other ingredients.
Chopped walnuts: Toast and chop walnuts to add a nutty flavor to this easy Waldorf salad recipe. Pecans would also taste delicious as well.
Blue cheese or feta: Choose crumbled blue cheese or feta for a creamy, cheesy bite.

How to Make Waldorf Salad without Mayo – Step-by-Step

A whisk in a bowl combining balsamic vinaigrette for waldorf salad.

The ingredients for the healthy waldorf salad divided in a large salad bowl.

1. To make the vinaigrette dressing: Combine the balsamic vinegar, mustard, garlic, maple syrup, salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Mix well. Slowly add the oil, whisking until well blended.

2. For the salad: Combine the mixed greens, apple, celery, grapes, walnuts and cheese in a large bowl or on a large serving tray. Add desired amount of dressing; toss to coat. Serve immediately.

Keep scrolling to the recipe card below for the full printable recipe!

Recipe Tips:

The recipe for the vinaigrette dressing makes more than what you’ll need for this salad. I only used about half of the dressing for this salad. It’s very versatile and tastes great on other salads as well though, so you can use it throughout the week!

The nutritional info is based on using half of the dressing.

If serving this salad to younger children, cut the grapes into quarters rather than halves.

I typically like to use a red-skinned apple like Gala or Honey Crisp for a sweeter taste, but you can sub in Granny Smith for a more tart flavor if preferred.

This salad also tastes delicious served with sliced grilled chicken breast or even leftover rotisserie chicken for a bit of protein.

To make a creamy dressing, add 2 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream to your vinaigrette.

Up close image of modern waldorf salad with vinaigrette drizzled on top.

Recipe FAQs

Will Waldorf salad keep overnight?

If you’d like to serve this light Waldorf salad with no mayo the next day, I recommend storing the toppings separate from the vinaigrette and salad greens. This will keep the greens nice and crisp instead of soggy.

Traditional Waldorf salad made with mayo or Miracle Whip, on the other hand, is best prepared a day or two before serving to let the flavors of the dish come together.

What are the best apples for Waldorf salad?

You can really use almost any type of apples for this fruity salad! I prefer to use firm, slightly sweet apples like Gala or Honeycrisp, but you can also use tart apples like green apples. Just be sure to use firm apples that offer a nice crunch instead of soft, mealy ones.

Do you peel apples for Waldorf salad?

It’s not necessary to peel the fresh apples for Waldorf salad. The peel will provide extra color and texture, and skipping this step will help you get this classic American salad on the table faster than ever.

Can you make Waldorf salad with a vinaigrette?

Yes! This is a great way to modernize this recipe to bring it into the 21st century. Serve all the toppings for your Waldorf salad on a bed of greens and toss them with a balsamic vinaigrette. You’ll still enjoy the nostalgic flavors of Waldorf salad, but in an updated way.

Overhead image of waldorf salad with red grapes on a white serving tray.

Storage Guidelines

If you want to serve your salad the next day, store the ingredients, vinaigrette, and greens separately. Keep each component in an airtight container for freshness. You may want to toss the apple pieces in lemon juice to avoid browning.

What to Serve with Waldorf Salad

This easy Waldorf salad with grapes can be served as a meal on its own, especially with a few slices of tender chicken. Alternatively, you can serve it as a filling side dish with any of the following recipes.

Recipe Variations

Make a creamy vinaigrette: Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt or mayo to your vinaigrette for a creamy, tangy flavor.
Add chicken: For more protein, add chopped or sliced chicken to make this a chicken Waldorf salad.
Add some red onion: Bump up the savory flavor and add some different colors with thinly sliced red onion.

A fork poking some of the waldorf salad.

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