Mary Berry Waldorf Salad Recipe

The Mary Berry Waldorf Salad is a classic dish that combines crisp apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts with a creamy dressing to create a refreshing burst of flavors.

Keep your apples crisp by tossing them in a little lemon juice—this will prevent browning and add a hint of zest!

This salad can really be adapted; try mixing in some grapes or a touch of mustard for an extra kick.

This versatile dish pairs brilliantly with roasted chicken, quiche, or even your favorite sandwich.

How to Make Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

Ingredients

• 1 cup Walnuts
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt
• 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
• 2 Apples
• 2 stalks Celery
• 1 cup Grapes
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Toast the walnuts in a pan over medium heat until they are fragrant and golden brown.

Then set them aside to cool.

Step 2:

In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice.

Add salt and pepper to taste as you stir.

Step 3:

Slice the apples into thin batons.

Toss them with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 4:

Chop the celery into small pieces and halve the grapes if they are large.

Combine apples, grapes, and celery in a large bowl.

Step 5:

Pour the dressing over the fruit and vegetable mix.

Add walnuts, then gently toss the salad to coat everything evenly.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Choosing Apples:

For the best texture and flavor, try using crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp in the salad.

Dressing Consistency:

To make a lighter dressing, you can reduce the mayonnaise by a quarter and increase the Greek yogurt accordingly.

Adding Protein:

For a hearty twist, add some cooked chicken or turkey to make the salad a full meal.

Variations in Nuts:

While walnuts are traditional, consider substituting them with pecans or almonds for a unique flavor.

Storing Leftovers:

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.

What to Serve with Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

Baked Salmon

Pairing baked salmon with your Mary Berry Waldorf Salad can create a sophisticated meal that is both nourishing and delicious.

The moist texture of the salmon blends beautifully with the crispy elements of the salad.

Plus, the omega-3 fatty acids provide an extra boost of nutrition, making for a well-rounded meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers

For a vegetarian option, stuffed bell peppers make an excellent match with the salad.

You can fill the peppers with a mix of grains and vegetables, adding a hearty component without overpowering the freshness of the salad.

Serve them warm for a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.

Vegetable Stir-Fry

If you’re in the mood for something quick and colorful, try pairing your salad with a vegetable stir-fry.

Choose a variety of vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and snap peas.

The savory flavors and crispy texture of the stir-fry complement the sweetness and crunch of the Waldorf Salad wonderfully.

Creamy Risotto

Creating a creamy risotto can add a touch of elegance to your meal with the salad.

The soft, creamy rice dish provides a nice contrast to the crunchy salad ingredients.

You can experiment with different flavors like mushroom or asparagus to keep it interesting.

Roasted Root Vegetables

For a unique twist, try serving roasted root vegetables alongside the salad.

Roast carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes to add a sweet and savory depth to your meal.

The caramelized edges of the vegetables enhance the fruity and nutty components of the Waldorf Salad.

Variations and Substitutions

Fruit Options

Try using pears or even a mix of oranges or pineapple chunks to add a burst of flavor.

Slicing strawberries can add both color and a fresh taste to your salad.

Nut Choices

Swap out the regular walnuts for pecans, almonds, or cashews if you prefer a different crunch in your salad.

Toasting the nuts brings out their natural oils and enhances their flavor and aroma!

Adding Protein

Incorporate cooked chicken or turkey for a more substantial meal.

For a plant-based option, toss in some chickpeas or tofu to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Cheese Selections

Consider adding a bit of crumbled blue cheese or goat cheese.

If you want something a little different, you could go for feta as well.

Dressing Adjustments

If you want to go vegan, substitute mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with plant-based options.

This will give you an appealing creamy texture without using dairy products.

How to Store Leftover Mary Berry Waldorf Salad

Keep your Mary Berry Waldorf Salad fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Avoid using metal containers because the acidic ingredients can react with metal, affecting the taste.

Before storage, ensure any leftover dressing is removed to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

Storing Tips

Store the dressing separately in a small container to maintain the crispness of your salad.

Simply drizzle it over the salad just before serving it again.

This method keeps the salad fresh and tasty over a couple of days.

Shelf Life

Leftover Waldorf salad will generally last about 3-4 days in the fridge when stored properly.

Monitor the texture and aroma to gauge freshness over time.

Use your senses to decide whether it is still good for consumption!

Creative Storage Ideas

Consider adding the salad to wraps or sandwiches to enjoy a new twist on leftovers.

This keeps meals exciting and ensures nothing goes to waste.

Carrying these tips with you ensures every bite tastes fresh and delicious!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using Unripe Apples

Apples are a key component of a Waldorf Salad, so it’s important to use ripe ones.

Unripe apples can be too tart and hard, impacting texture and flavor.

Overloading with Dressing

It’s easy to use too much dressing, which can overwhelm the salad’s fresh flavors.

Keep the dressing light to let the crispness of the ingredients shine through.

Forgetting to Toast Nuts

Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor, adding a touch of warmth to the salad.

Skipping this step can make the nuts taste bland in the mix of ingredients.