Paleo Waldorf Salad is a simple and healthy Mother's Day recipe sure to please any mom!
I don't know what it is about Mother's Day and baby showers, but both make me crave a good salad.
Not just a good salad, but a certain kind of salad. The kind that would have made my little-girl-self feel just a little bit fancy while sharing it with my own mom.
This Paleo Waldorf Salad totally fits the bill. Even though it's simple and easy to prepare, it's such a classic that I can easily picture women sharing it in celebrations past. I love the way food can connect us like that.
It has a bit of sweetness from the grapes, apples, and touch of honey that makes it a perfect salad to share with your kids too. Even beyond Mother's Day, this is such an easy and tasty Paleo lunch recipe!
If you're celebrating Mother's Day this year, I hope you get a little extra sleep and that your family makes you feel so appreciated and loved.
Enjoy!
Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 4 stalks celery
- 1 small bunch grapes
- 2 gala or fuji apples
- 1/2 cup avocado mayonnaise* (or sub w/ plain, full-fat yogurt if not Paleo)
- 2 tsp honey
- 1 lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- Bibb lettuce (optional)
Instructions
- Thinly slice ~4 stalks celery.
- Cut grapes in half, for a total of 1 cup.
- Core and dice 2 apples.
- In a large container, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or yogurt), 2 tsp honey, ~ 1-2 tsp lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- Stir in 2 diced apples, 1 cup halved grapes, 4 thinly sliced celery stalks, and 1/2 cup walnuts.
- Serve alone or over Bibb lettuce.
Notes
What makes this a Paleo Waldorf Salad?
Most Waldorf Salad recipes call for mayonnaise. While the main ingredient in mayonnaise is egg yolks which are totally Paleo-friendly, it also contains things like soybean oil or chemicals to make the product shelf-stable.
That said, since the main ingredient is Paleo, it's not too difficult to find a Paleo substitute. You can of course make your own Paleo mayonnaise or find a Paleo-compliant brand. My favorite is Primal Kitchen!
How can kids help prepare this salad?
If you are using this Paleo Waldorf Salad for a Mother's Day recipe, why not let the kids make it for you? Okay, they may need a little help from Mom or Dad, but a lot of the prep work is totally doable for kids with a little supervision.
A preschool aged child or older can use a wavy chopper to chop the celery. They can also use an apple corer to core the apple, and then use their chopper to cut the slices into smaller pieces.
Grapes are harder to chop without smushing them so save those for the big kids or grownups.
A kitchen helper step stool is definitely worth the investment if you have a little sous chef. It makes it so much easier for them to help!
Also make sure to check out Kids Cook Real Food if you're interested in helping your child gain more kitchen skills. They offer a free knife skills class for Prep Dish followers!
How can I vary the recipe?
Perhaps the easiest way to vary the recipe is to add a protein. Salmon, shrimp, or chicken would all be delicious on top of this salad. Adding a couple of slices of crumbled bacon would also be a tasty way to mix things up!
Dried fruit, like dried cherries or cranberries, is another way you can vary the recipe. Just make sure the only ingredient is fruit!
Beyond changing the actual recipe, try changing up the way you serve it. Try serving it as a wrap! If you want to keep it Paleo, use these coconut wraps or the Siete brand almond flour tortillas.
You could also try serving this salad with crackers for the kiddos!
What are the nutritional benefits of Paleo Waldorf Salad?
This Paleo lunch recipe is festive, classic, and packed with nutrition! Here are some of the benefits:
- Celery: It's probably most famous for being a low calorie food, but celery is so much more than that! It offers Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, and plenty of antioxidants. Celery also may reduce inflammation and support the digestive tract. Make sure to eat the leaves too, they're full of vitamins!
- Grapes: High in Vitamin C, Vitamin K, and antioxidants, grapes may help reduce the risk of cancer, high blood pressure, and heart disease.
- Apples: Apples contain Vitamin C and lots of antioxidants like flavonoids that may protect against cancer. They're also a great source of fiber, which helps with healthy digestion.
- Walnuts: Many consider walnuts to be the healthiest nut, in part due to their high antioxidant content. They may help reduce the risk of heart disease, cancer, and type 2 diabetes, as well as supporting healthy brain function and healthy gut bacteria. They are a true super food!
What are some other good Mother's Day recipes?
I think the best meal for Mother's Day is whatever the mom wants – whether that's a burger, a salad, or a cupcake! But if you're hosting, here are a few crowd-pleasing ideas that make perfect Mother's Day recipes.
Sweet & Crunchy Tuna Salad Recipe
Banana Pancakes (for that breakfast in bed vibe!)
Cherry Mousse w/ Coconut Whipped Cream
Coffee Cocoa Cupcakes (because Mamas need coffee!)
And make sure to check out my party menus if you're hosting a get-together!
How many servings is this Waldorf salad?