Waldorf Salad with Pineapple

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Delight in the harmonious blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy flavors with my refreshing Waldorf Salad with Pineapple recipe. This timeless classic receives a tropical twist with the addition of juicy pineapple, perfectly complementing the crispness of green apple, the crunch of celery, and the nutty richness of pecans. Tossed in a creamy dressing with a zing of lemon, each bite offers a symphony of textures and tastes that will tantalize your taste buds.

Pineapple salads recipe

When Passover is coming I want to suggest another yummy addition to add to your holiday table. There is always room for another salad that makes the holiday even more festive. Plus, the recipe is super easy to make!

What is in a Waldorf salad

This version of Waldorf salad is the best-known way in Israel for making this particular salad. Originally the recipe that was invented in the Waldorf Astoria hotel back in 1896 included only apples and celery and it was dressed with mayonnaise. That’s it, so simple but yet crunchy and delicious. During the years, many different versions were created and nuts and grapes were added too. From what I found online, most versions today include grapes and walnuts. The dressing sometimes changes and contains whipped cream instead of mayonnaise.

Original Waldorf salad recipe

In the ‘80s, this salad was very popular in Israel and everyone wanted to serve it so they could feel like they are in a New York hotel enjoying a great, fancy meal. The Israeli recipe for Waldorf salad is made with pineapple and pecans instead of grapes and walnuts. I assume the pineapple was chosen since it’s available all year canned while grapes aren’t. Only recently I realized that the Israeli version I knew of Waldorf salad is so different from the original one. I like the combination of the sweet pineapple with the tart apple and crunchy celery and pecans too so I continue to make the salad this way.

Waldorf salad ingredients and process

To make this Waldorf salad, you will need pineapple (fresh or canned), pecans, celery, tart green apple, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and some salt and pepper for taste. This version of the salad is parve and also vegan in case you use vegan mayonnaise. I don’t add sugar to the salad since the pineapple is already sweet. You can replace the pecans with walnuts if you want. Some versions of the salad include lettuce as the base but it’s up to you if you want to add this or not.

The salad is fresh, crunchy, and full of flavors. It fits Pesach and I think it adds festivity to the holiday.

Like any other salad, you just need to cut all ingredients and mix well. To cut the apple I used a mandoline slicer to get nice small sticks. The salad keeps fresh for 1-2 days in the fridge in a closed container.

Tips

Choose Ripe Pineapple

Opt for a ripe pineapple to ensure maximum sweetness and juiciness in your salad. If fresh pineapple is not available, canned pineapple packed in juice can be a convenient alternative.

Prevent Browning

To prevent the apple sticks from browning, you can toss them in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This not only adds a touch of citrusy flavor but also helps maintain their crispness and color.

Adjust Seasonings

Taste the salad after mixing in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper, and adjust the seasonings according to your preference. You may want to add a bit more lemon juice for extra tanginess or adjust the salt and pepper to suit your taste buds.

Add a Twist

Get creative with your Waldorf Salad by incorporating additional ingredients such as dried cranberries, raisins, or even shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture variation.

Chill Before Serving

For the best flavor and texture, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together and gives the ingredients time to marinate, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive dish.

Serve with Style

Present your Waldorf Salad with Pineapple in an elegant serving bowl or on a decorative platter to enhance its visual appeal. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness.

Enjoy Fresh

While Waldorf Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for a few hours, it is best enjoyed fresh to maintain its crispness and vibrant flavors. Serve it as soon as possible after preparing for the ultimate culinary experience.

FAQS

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Canned pineapple can be a convenient alternative if fresh pineapple is not available. Just make sure to drain the pineapple well before adding it to the salad.

Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts, almonds, or even cashews according to your preference or what you have on hand.

How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?

To prevent browning, you can toss the apple sticks in a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad. This will help maintain their color and freshness.

Can I customize this salad with additional ingredients?

Absolutely! Feel free to get creative and add your favorite ingredients such as dried cranberries, raisins, or even shredded coconut for extra flavor and texture variation.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, for the best texture and flavor, it's recommended to add the dressing just before serving.

How long will this salad last in the refrigerator?

This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the texture of the ingredients may change slightly over time.

Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Waldorf Salad with Pineapple is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat or animal products. However, always double-check the ingredients in your mayonnaise to ensure it is vegetarian-friendly if you're following a strict vegetarian diet.

Other salad recipes to try:

For even more salad recipes on my blog, check out my salad recipe index.

Here are some other Passover recipes that were published on my blog:
Passover Rolls
Passover Granola
Charoset
Vegetable Kugel
Vegetarian Chopped Liver

Make this Waldorf salad today!

Whether you're craving a light and vibrant side dish or a wholesome snack, this Waldorf Salad is sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you feeling refreshed and revitalized. So why wait? Treat yourself to a taste of paradise and make this mouthwatering salad now!