Why Make This Recipe
Sweet Tart Waldorf Apple Salad is a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or as a refreshing side dish. This salad combines crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and the richness of Neufchatel cheese. It’s also a great way to sneak in some fruit into your diet while enjoying a sweet treat.
How to Make Sweet Tart Waldorf Apple Salad
Ingredients :
2 red apples, diced
2 yellow apples, diced
1 tablespoon lemon juice, or more to taste
1 (3 ounce) package Neufchatel cheese, softened
0.75 cup whipped cream
0.25 cup brown sugar
0.25 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups seedless green grapes, halved
3 stalks celery, thinly sliced
1.5 cups walnut halves
1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (such as Craisins®)
Directions :
-Toss diced apples with lemon juice in a salad bowl.
-Beat Neufchatel cheese, whipped cream, brown sugar, mayonnaise, and vanilla extract together in a separate bowl until dressing is smooth and creamy.
-Stir grapes and celery into apples and toss lightly with dressing to coat. Top salad with walnut halves and sweetened dried cranberries.
How to Serve Sweet Tart Waldorf Apple Salad
Serve this salad cold or at room temperature. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a side dish with meals. For an extra touch, garnish with additional walnuts or cranberries before serving.
How to Store Sweet Tart Waldorf Apple Salad
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This salad is best eaten within a couple of days for optimal freshness. If it sits too long, the apples may brown, so add lemon juice if you want to keep them looking fresh longer.
Tips to Make Sweet Tart Waldorf Apple Salad
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar depending on your taste.
- For an added crunch, toast the walnut halves lightly before adding them to the salad.
- Feel free to mix in or swap other fruits like pears or berries to suit your preferences.
Variation
You can customize this salad by adding cooked chicken or turkey for a heartier meal. For a lighter version, replace mayonnaise with yogurt.
FAQs
1. Can I use regular cream cheese instead of Neufchatel cheese?
Yes, you can, but Neufchatel is lighter and has a lower fat content.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance; just add the nuts and cranberries right before serving to keep them crunchy.
3. What nuts can I replace the walnuts with?
You can use pecans, almonds, or even sunflower seeds if you have nut allergies.