Waldorf Salad - United States (Created in 1893 for a charity ball held at the famous Waldorf Astoria Hotel)

Origin and History The Waldorf Salad is an iconic dish in American cuisine, created in 1893 at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. This salad was designed by Oscar Tschirky, the French maître d’hôtel of the hotel, for a charity ball. The Waldorf Astoria Hotel was then a prestigious venue where New York's elite gathered, and the salad quickly became popular, making its way onto the famous hotel's menu.

Originally, the recipe for the Waldorf Salad consisted of three main ingredients: apples, celery, and walnuts, all bound together with a mayonnaise-based dressing. Since its creation, this salad has evolved with variations that have added grapes, chicken, and even blue cheese, but the classic version remains a delicious, simple, and refined mix of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Waldorf Salad Recipe Ingredients for 4 people:

• 2 apples (preferably Granny Smith or red apples)
• 1 stalk of celery (finely chopped)
• 100g walnuts (preferably English walnuts, toasted or not)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Raisins or fresh grapes (optional)

Preparation:

1. Prepare the ingredients:

   • Wash and dice the apples (you can leave the skin on for added texture).
   • Chop the celery stalk into small pieces.
   • If using walnuts, chop them coarsely or leave them whole, according to your preference.

2. Prepare the dressing:

   • In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with the apple cider vinegar and sugar (if you prefer a sweeter touch). You can adjust the amounts of vinegar and sugar to suit your taste.
   • Season with salt and pepper to your liking.

3. Assemble the salad:

   • In a large bowl, mix the apples, celery, walnuts, and, if desired, raisins or fresh grapes.
   • Add the dressing and gently toss to coat all the ingredients.

4. Serve:

   • Serve the salad well chilled. You can also garnish it with a few lettuce leaves for a more elegant presentation.

Variations of the Waldorf Salad While the classic version of Waldorf Salad is the most popular, there are many variations of this recipe depending on regional and personal preferences. Some versions include raisins, roasted chicken (to make it heartier), or even blue cheese for a stronger taste. Others sometimes add plain yogurt to lighten the dressing.

Beverages to Pair with Waldorf Salad Being a light and refreshing salad, Waldorf Salad pairs well with equally refreshing and light beverages:

• Light White Wines:

  • Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp, with a hint of acidity that complements the freshness of the apples and celery.
  • Chardonnay (unoaked): Its smooth texture and light fruitiness pair well with the creamy mayonnaise of the salad.

• Rosé Wines:

  • Rosé from Provence: Its fruity and fresh notes pair nicely with the lightness of the salad.

• Non-Alcoholic Drinks:

  • Sparkling water with a slice of lemon: The effervescence and acidity of the sparkling water enhance the freshness of the ingredients.
  • Apple juice: A fresh, slightly tangy juice can bring a fruity sweetness to balance the dish.

• Light Cocktail:

  • Gin and Tonic: A refreshing cocktail with citrus notes, perfect to accompany a summery salad like the Waldorf.

Waldorf Salad Today The Waldorf Salad remains as popular as ever, whether for light meals or more refined dinners. It embodies the perfect fusion of classic American cuisine with European (especially French) influences, while still being an accessible and easy-to-prepare dish.

One of its strengths is its ability to be adapted depending on the seasons or personal cravings, all while retaining its original essence.

Sources:

• Waldorf Astoria History: The hotel and its historic culinary creations
• "The Culinary Encyclopedia": Explanations on the origins of the Waldorf Salad and its variations.

Bon appétit!