Jamie Oliver Waldorf Salad Recipe

This unique twist on a classic combines roasted grapes with a zesty dressing for an unforgettable flavor.

The trick to this recipe is roasting the grapes—it brings out a balsamic-like sweetness that’s simply divine.

Another great tip is to keep an eye on the walnuts as they toast in the oven to avoid burning them.

I love this recipe because it’s both refreshing and satisfying, perfect for any occasion.

How to Make Jamie Oliver Waldorf Salad Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 cups Grapes
• 1 Lemon (zested)
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)
• 1 cup Walnuts
• 2 Apples (chopped)
• 2 Celery Stalks (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Place the grapes on a baking tray.

Finely grate the zest of half the lemon over the grapes.

Step 2:

Drizzle the grapes with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.

Roast in the oven for 15 minutes.

Step 3:

Add the walnuts to the baking tray.

Roast for an additional 5 to 10 minutes, or until the grapes are soft and caramelized.

Step 4:

In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.

Step 5:

Add the roasted grapes, apples, celery, and parsley to the bowl.

Fold the mixture until just combined.

Step 6:

Season with more salt and black pepper to taste.

Serve immediately or chill for an hour before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Perfect Roasting:

Roasting the grapes brings out their natural sweetness.

Ensure they are evenly coated with oil and seasoned well.

Apple Choices:

Use crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

Their tartness complements the creamy dressing.

Dressing Consistency:

For a lighter salad, mix half Greek yogurt and half mayonnaise.

This adds a slight tang and makes the salad less heavy.

Serving Suggestion:

Serve this salad over a bed of mixed greens.

It adds extra flavor and texture.

Freshness Matters:

For the best taste, use fresh ingredients.

Avoid using pre-packaged items when possible.

What to Serve with Jamie Oliver Waldorf Salad

Grilled Chicken

Juicy grilled chicken pairs beautifully with Jamie Oliver’s Waldorf Salad.

The savory flavors of the chicken complement the sweet and tangy notes in the salad.

Simple to prepare, grilled chicken can be seasoned to your liking and cooked alongside the salad.

Baked Salmon

Baked salmon offers a nutritious and flavorful option to serve with Waldorf Salad.

The richness of the salmon contrasts nicely with the crisp apples and celery.

A squeeze of lemon over the fish before baking can enhance the overall taste.

Tangy Coleslaw

Tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch to your meal.

The zesty flavors in the coleslaw provide a nice contrast to the creamy Waldorf Salad.

You can make the coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing for an extra tangy kick.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus is a delightful and slightly unexpected side.

The tender yet crisp asparagus spears add some green to your plate.

Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt before roasting to perfection.

Stuffed Mushrooms

Stuffed mushrooms can be a fun and tasty addition to your meal.

Filled with cheese, herbs, and breadcrumbs, these little bites are both savory and satisfying.

Bake them until golden brown and serve warm alongside your Waldorf Salad.

Variations and Substitutions

One fun way to make this recipe your own is by playing around with the types of fruits you use.

You can substitute the traditional grapes with sliced strawberries or even mandarin oranges for a colorful twist.

Adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins can also introduce a pleasant sweetness.

Experimenting with the crunch is also a great idea.

If walnuts aren’t your favorite, you can swap them for toasted pecans or even slivered almonds.

For a different kind of crunch, try adding some sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.

Changing up the dressing can completely transform the dish.

You might want to replace the mayonnaise with yogurt for a lighter, tangier flavor.

For a vegan option, try using vegan mayonnaise or a tahini-based dressing.

A splash of orange juice in the dressing brings a fresh, citrusy note that brightens up the salad.

Don’t hesitate to get creative with the herbs and spices.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or mint can add a refreshing touch.

If you’re a fan of spices, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg in the dressing can add a warm, fragrant element to the dish.

Trying out different kinds of apples can be a fun experiment too.

While tart apples are classic, using a sweeter variety can add a different dimension to the salad.

Mixing different apple types can provide a balance of tartness and sweetness.

How to Store Leftover Jamie Oliver Waldorf Salad

Use Airtight Containers

When it comes to storing leftover Jamie Oliver Waldorf Salad, selecting the right container is crucial.

I always prefer using airtight containers to keep everything fresh and crisp!

Layering with Paper Towels

Placing paper towels between layers of salad helps to absorb moisture, which keeps the salad from getting soggy.

It’s a neat trick to extend the life of your lovely Waldorf salad.

Storage Location in the Fridge

Store the container with your salad in the crisper drawer of your fridge.

This area maintains the most stable temperature and humidity, which helps to preserve the salad’s ingredients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Grapes

Roasting the grapes is a unique twist, but be careful not to overcook them.

Overcooked grapes can turn mushy and lose their delightful texture.

Keep an eye on them and stick to the recommended roasting time!

Using the Wrong Yogurt

Jamie Oliver’s recipe swaps mayonnaise for yogurt, which lightens up the dish.

Make sure to use a full-fat or Greek yogurt for the best consistency.

Using low-fat yogurt can make the dressing too runny and affect the overall taste.

Skipping the Toasting of Nuts

Toasting walnuts enhances their flavor, adding a wonderful crunch to your salad.

Skipping this step can leave your nuts bland and less appetizing.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and roast them until they’re fragrant and golden brown.