Waldorf Salad Skewers Recipe

This refreshing Waldorf Salad Skewers Recipe is a modern take on a classic, made with crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts. The result is a delightful and easy-to-eat appetizer that combines sweet, savory, and tangy flavors with a wonderful crunch. Perfect for a dinner party appetizer or a light brunch dish, this simple recipe makes about 12-15 skewers.

Waldorf Salad Skewers Recipe Ingredients

For the Skewers:

• 2 crisp red apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala)
• 2 celery stalks
• 1 cup seedless red grapes
• ½ cup walnut halves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

For the Creamy Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp sugar or honey (optional)
• A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper

How To Make Waldorf Salad Skewers

1. Toast the walnuts: Place the walnut halves in a small, dry frying pan over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until they are fragrant and slightly browned. Remove from the pan and let them cool completely.
2. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and dry the apples, celery, and grapes. Cut the apples into 1-inch cubes and place them in a small bowl. Toss with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning. Cut the celery stalks into 1-inch pieces.
3. Assemble the skewers: Take small appetizer skewers (about 6 inches long). Thread the ingredients onto each skewer, alternating between a piece of apple, a grape, a piece of celery, and a toasted walnut half. Repeat the pattern if your skewers are long enough.
4. Make the dipping sauce: In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and optional sugar or honey. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve immediately: Arrange the finished skewers on a platter with the small bowl of dipping sauce on the side for serving.

Recipe Tips

• Toast the Walnuts: Do not skip this simple step. Toasting the walnuts for just a few minutes awakens their natural oils and deepens their nutty flavor, which adds a crucial layer of taste and crunch to the skewers.
• Prevent Apples from Browning: After dicing the apples, immediately toss them in a small amount of fresh lemon juice. The acidity prevents the cut surfaces from oxidizing and turning an unappetizing brown, keeping your skewers looking fresh and vibrant.
• Use Crisp Apples: The crunch of the apple is key to a good Waldorf salad. Choose a firm, crisp variety like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or a tart Granny Smith. Softer, mealier apples like Red Delicious won’t hold up as well on the skewer.
• Make the Sauce Ahead of Time: The creamy dipping sauce can easily be made up to a day in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This is a great time-saver when you are preparing for a party.

What To Serve Waldorf Salad Skewers

These Waldorf Salad Skewers are a perfect stand-alone appetizer to kick off a dinner party, holiday meal, or elegant brunch. They pair beautifully with a glass of crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a celebratory glass of sparkling Prosecco before the main course is served.

How To Store Waldorf Salad Skewers Leftovers

• Refrigerate: These skewers are best eaten fresh on the day they are made. If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Note that the celery and apples may lose some of their crispness. Store the dipping sauce in a separate airtight container.
• Freeze: Freezing is not suitable for this recipe. The fresh fruit and vegetables would become soft and watery upon thawing, ruining their crisp texture.

Waldorf Salad Skewers Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Serving size: 2 skewers with dipping sauce
• Calories: 115 kcal
• Total Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Sugars: 7g
• Sodium: 80mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 9g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I add chicken to these skewers? Absolutely. To make a more substantial appetizer reminiscent of a Chicken Waldorf Salad, you can add cubes of cooked and chilled chicken breast to the skewers. It’s a delicious and classic addition.
• What is the best way to prep these for a party? You can prepare all the components ahead of time: make the dipping sauce, wash and chop the celery, and wash the grapes. To keep everything as crisp as possible, it is best to chop the apples and assemble the skewers no more than an hour or two before you plan to serve them.
• Can I make the dipping sauce dairy-free or vegan? Yes. To create a delicious dairy-free and vegan dipping sauce, simply use a plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative (made from coconut, soy, or almond) and your favorite brand of vegan mayonnaise.

Try More Recipes:

• Watermelon Pico de Gallo Recipe
• Watermelon Mini-Wedges Recipe