Greek Yogurt Waldorf Salad
Greek Yogurt Waldorf Salad: This spin on the classic Waldorf Salad uses Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a couple other additional ingredients to give it a fresh new flavor.
I’ve turned a real corner in my tastebuds.
There was a time when I would have told Greek yogurt to go take a long hike down a cliff. When it first started to grow in popularity, I just couldn’t stand it. It was thick and had a weird texture in comparison to regular yogurt. Plus, it was such a buzz word. People were Greek yogurt-ing everything (not a word, but go with me here), and I was perfectly content with my regular style of yogurt.
But, I soon started noticing recipes that used Greek yogurt as a healthy swap, and I was intrigued. So, to make a really long, uninteresting story short, as you can see from this muffin recipe and this one too, I’ve gotten over my Greek yogurt phobia. I even eat the stuff on its own now–not every brand, because I am ridiculously picky about the flavor and texture (I’m even rolling my eyes at myself here)–and I like it. A lot. Yoplait’s Mocha flavor? Killer.
So today, I’m taking a page out of my mom’s handbook today and sharing with you this incredible Waldorf Salad that uses Greek yogurt instead of the traditional mayonnaise. I’m not opposed to mayonnaise as a whole, but I do have a weird thing about it being mixed with fruit, which is part of the reason I’ve never been a Waldorf fan.
But my mom introduced me to the wonders of a Waldorf dressed with Greek yogurt and topped off with a pinch of nutmeg, and let me tell you, it rocked my Waldorf world.
If the whole mayonnaise-apple combo freaks you out too, you HAVE to try this version (only if you want to, of course 🙂 ). It just might make you change your opinion on the Waldorf.
Greek Yogurt Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups apples, chopped, about 3-4 medium apples (I used Honey Crisp apples)
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (walnuts or almonds can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup dried cherries or raisins
- 1/4 cup vanilla Greek yogurt (I prefer my salad dressed lightly, but you can add more if you prefer it with more)
- zest of a medium lemon
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
- In a large bowl toss apples, celery, pecans, and cherries together. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, mix yogurt with lemon zest, lemon juice, sugar, honey, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Pour dressing over the fruit mixture, and stir until coated.
- Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Enjoy!
The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Check out my other salad recipes:
Strawberry, Avocado & Bacon Spinach Salad
Meet Michelle
I’m a self-taught baker who truly believes it’s impossible to be upset when eating dessert. It’s my life’s goal to bake everyone happy!
If I’m not baking, I’m probably reading a good book with a cup a coffee in hand.
Welcome! I’m glad you’re here!
I used to not be a fan of greek yogurt, but it’s the only kind I eat now! I love that you used it in this salad, such a great idea. Beautiful pictures too Michelle!
This looks so good! This would be perfect to use up fruit if you have some on the edge of going bad. I was the same as you when everyone started with the Greek yogurt but I am gradually starting to like it 🙂
Yum! Love this lightened-up version of a classic 🙂
This salad looks gorgeous, Michelle! I love that you used greek yogurt in here. I try to sneak it into baked goods and salads whenever I can!
So much goodness and flavor! I have always loved Greek yogurt and would especially love this salad!
This salad is stunning. Greek yogurt is the best. I love that you used it here!
I was the same way! At first I just could not get in to greek yogurt. So tart and thick! But I realized it’s not meant to be eaten plain like regular yogurt. It needs to be in addition to something. Love that you used it in place of mayo! I love a waldorf salad, especially wrapped in butter lettuce and eaten like a lettuce wrap. Yum!
This looks fantastic! I’m loving the flavours here – nutmeg is such a delicious addition! Gorgeous photographs too. Hope you have a lovely weekend!
OK so I’ve never had Waldorf salad, but mayo?! SO weird. This greek yogurt version sounds WAY better!
I have never tried Waldorf salad, but this sounds amazing! I love that you used Greek yogurt!
This looks great. Will it keep? In going on multiday river trip and would like to do this for our dinner night. Do you think I could make ahead? Or put it all together and then just mix dressing and apples the Day we need it? Thx!
Hi, Betsy! I’d suggest putting it all together and mixing in the dressing the day you need it just to make sure nothing gets soggy! 🙂 Hope you have a great trip!
I’m four years late to the party, but oh my god. This tastes like a decadent dessert. Love it and saving it to make again!
Love, love,love this recipe ! Very light and tangy . I’m not a huge fan of the Waldorf salads dressed I’m mayo. This has such a nice flavor. I also used honeycrisp apples but substituted the dried cherries for the dried cranberries that I had on hand. Will use this recipe many more times in the future !
I’ve made this recipe 3 times and love it. I have a backyard apple tree, a vegan son, and a dairy allergy. I have substituted Silk vanilla soy yogurt for the Greek yogurt, and it’s perfect! Thank you!
I just made this recipe with two kinds of apples (granny Smith and gala) and plain homemade yoghurt and it works out great! So deleicious!! Thanks for this recipe!
Great alternative recipe for the original Waldorf salad. If you are a fan of the original, this one may be a little sweet for you. I left out the sugar and it was plenty sweet.
The second time I made, it is still left out the sugar, and I used cut up grapes instead of the dried fruit and it cut down on the sweetness as well. I love the Greek yogurt and the nutmeg! It’s more of a dessert for me in the evenings when I’m trying not to eat sweets 🙂
I’ve discovered Cosmic Crisp apples and use both green and red grapes!