Light Waldorf Salad

I made this salad nearly a month ago when my mother-in-law, Bunty was here. We were eating a lot of fatty food and all of us were feeling the weight of it. So, I made this lightened version of Waldorf Salad. Instead of mayonnaise (which I dearly love), it uses a yogurt dressing. I told my Official Taster, Nancy, about this salad and she has been asking me to post it ever since.

I'm not always fond of yogurt on salads, because it can be too tart. But, this dressing surprised me. It was a very good compliment to the sweet fruit, a bit tangy, but muted by the honey.  This was a good tasting, healthy, and refreshing break from heavy eating.  And it was perfect for the summer heat. 

Light Waldorf Salad

(Martha Stewart Living)

1 red apple and 1 green apple, both unpeeled, cored and chopped
2 stalks celery, cut in thin half moons
About 1/2 cup green grapes
about 1/2 cup red grapes
1 lemon
6 Tablespoons nonfat, plain yogurt
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons honey
1 bunch Bibb or Boston lettuce torn into bite sized pieces
1/3 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped

Place apples, grapes and celery into a medium bowl and toss with juice from half of the lemon. In another bowl, whisk together yogurt, mustard and the juice from the other half of the lemon.   Pour half of the yogurt dressing on the apples and toss to combine.  Serve the salad over the greens and drizzle with the rest of the dressing or serve on the side for guests to add more if they want.  Garnish with the chopped walnuts.

Comments

[Tanna]

I've discovered Greek yogurt this year and it is my new great love! I used it for a chicken salad dressing last night and it was fabulous. Now you've turned my eye onto the waldorf. No doubt it will be on our table soon! Thanks Sher.

[Patricia Scarpin]

The word "light" is like a magnet to me, now, Sher - delicious salad!

[Lydia]

I agree about yogurt-based salad dressings. Sometimes a bit of sugar or honey helps to smoothe out the tang. I do love fruit in green salads, though.

[Scruffy Moo cards]

First time I heard of a Waldorf Salad was on the tv sitcom Faulty Towers. I thought it was a joke until I saw it on a menu at a restaurant and of course had to try it. thanks for the menu look froward to giving it a try.

[Scruffy Moo cards]

First time I heard of a Waldorf Salad was on the tv sitcom Faulty Towers. I thought it was a joke until I saw it on a menu at a restaurant and of course had to try it. thanks for the menu look froward to giving it a try.

[Victoria]

I've never had waldorf salad before and your recipe came just in time since I just bought a bag of organic apples that are expiring. Then I realized I used up all my walnuts for my pumpkin muffins and ate up all my grapes just 10 seconds ago. bugger.

[kristi]

mmm... yummy. And what a perfect way to lighten up what's normally a pretty heavy dressing.

[Butta Buns]

That's so cute how the salad's nestled in the lettuce leaf. It looks wonderful and much more refreshing than the mayo-ladened version.

[Rosa]

Your salad looks gorgeously tasty and very healthy! I love that kind of dish...
As I said hundred times before, I love your food (we have similar tastes)!!!

[Callipygia]

What no marshmallow fluff, that is really light?

[angie]

Sher,

Thanks for posting the recipe. This certainly looks very refreshing :)

[Glenna]

Oh wow! That looks fantastic! I love the way it looks more like a wonderful fruit salad than the traditional buffet line white clouds with a little sliver of fruit peaking out. Really nice, Sher!

[Christa]

I love this idea. The salad looks so light and refreshing. Thanks for posting the recipe!

[Dayna]

This looks great! I'm going to have to try it!
(This and so many other recipes you have here. Delicious!)

[Waldorf hotel]

Waldorf salad is not favourite. I don't mean that it's not tasty but I'm not a big fan of sweet salads. Dayna you have to give it a try.