Light and Fresh Waldorf Salad with Yogurt Dressing
Revitalize your summer meals with this Light and Fresh Waldorf Salad, perfect for those mindful of their sugar intake. This delightful salad combines crisp diced apples, crunchy celery, and crunchy walnuts, all enveloped in a creamy yet light yogurt and mayonnaise dressing. It's a satisfying addition to any picnic or barbecue that delivers on flavor while being kind to your blood sugar levels. Serve it on a crisp lettuce leaf for an appealing presentation that is as nutritious as it is delicious.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Lemon Juice
1 teaspoon (freshly squeezed)
Diced Apples
2 1/2 cups (cored and diced)
Celery
1 cup (thin strips, about 1-inch long)
Broken Walnuts
1/2 cup (roughly chopped)
Splenda Granular
1 tablespoon (sugar substitute)
Salt
1 dash
Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt
1/2 cup
Low-Fat Mayonnaise
2 tablespoons
Crisp Lettuce Leaf
as needed (for serving)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your apples: Dice them into bite-sized pieces and drizzle with lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor. Toss the apples well to ensure they are coated.
2
Next, add the thinly sliced celery and broken walnuts to the apple mixture, folding gently to combine the ingredients.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Splenda, salt, low-fat vanilla yogurt, and low-fat mayonnaise until smooth and well combined. This will create a creamy dressing that is both flavorful and light.
4
Carefully fold the yogurt dressing into the apple mixture until everything is well-coated. Be gentle to maintain the integrity of the apple pieces.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let the flavors meld together. Serve on crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing presentation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in the Light and Fresh Waldorf Salad?
This salad features a combination of diced apples, thinly sliced celery, and broken walnuts, all tossed in a dressing made from low-fat vanilla yogurt, low-fat mayonnaise, Splenda, and a dash of salt.
Is this Waldorf Salad recipe suitable for diabetics?
Yes, it is specifically designed to be mindful of sugar intake by using Splenda as a sweetener and low-fat dairy options.
How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?
You should drizzle the diced apples with one teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice immediately after cutting them.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
It is recommended to cover and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
What type of yogurt is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of low-fat vanilla yogurt to provide a creamy and slightly sweet base.
Is this salad vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe contains only plant-based produce, nuts, and dairy/egg-based mayonnaise, making it suitable for vegetarians.
How should the celery be prepared?
The celery should be cut into thin strips that are approximately 1 inch long.
Can I substitute the walnuts in this recipe?
While the recipe calls for broken walnuts, you can use other nuts like pecans or almonds if preferred, though it will change the traditional flavor profile.
What is the best way to present this salad?
For a nutritious and appealing presentation, serve the salad on a crisp lettuce leaf.
Does this recipe use real sugar?
No, this recipe uses one tablespoon of Splenda Granular as a sugar substitute.
How do I make the dressing?
In a separate bowl, whisk together the Splenda, salt, vanilla yogurt, and low-fat mayonnaise until the mixture is smooth.
Is low-fat mayonnaise required?
The recipe specifies low-fat mayonnaise to keep the meal light and healthy, but regular mayonnaise can be used if preferred.
What kind of apples should I use?
The recipe works best with crisp apples; common choices for Waldorf salads include Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp.
Can I add grapes to this Waldorf salad?
Traditional Waldorf salads often include grapes; however, this version focuses on apples and celery to maintain a specific nutritional profile.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You only need 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the texture of this salad?
It is a combination of crunchy textures from the apples, celery, and walnuts, balanced by a creamy dressing.
Is there salt in this recipe?
Yes, a single dash of salt is added to the dressing to enhance the other flavors.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 9 ingredients: lemon juice, apples, celery, walnuts, Splenda, salt, yogurt, mayonnaise, and lettuce leaves.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours in advance, as the chilling time helps the flavors develop.
Is this a good recipe for a summer barbecue?
Absolutely, it is described as a refreshing addition to any picnic or barbecue.
How do I ensure the apples are evenly coated?
Drizzle the lemon juice over the diced apples and toss them well before adding the other ingredients.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of vanilla yogurt?
You can use Greek yogurt for extra protein, but you may need to add a bit more sweetener since Greek yogurt is more tart than vanilla yogurt.
Is the salad gluten-free?
The primary ingredients are gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your mayonnaise and yogurt to be certain.
Should the walnuts be toasted?
The recipe calls for broken walnuts roughly chopped; toasting them is optional but can add a deeper nutty flavor.
What if I don't have Splenda?
You can use other sugar substitutes or real sugar, though using real sugar will increase the glycemic impact of the dish.
What part of the celery should be used?
Use the stalks, cut into thin strips, to provide the necessary crunch for the salad.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days.
Does this recipe include any protein?
The main sources of protein in this recipe are the walnuts and the yogurt.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon juice?
Yes, lime juice can also prevent browning, though it will slightly alter the citrus flavor profile.
Why is this called a 'Waldorf' salad?
It is a variation of the classic salad first created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, which traditionally features apples, celery, and walnuts.