This healthy Waldorf salad is a vegan twist on the classic. A creamy apple cider vinegar-based cashew dressing replaces mayonnaise for a lighter, fresher result — perfect for a Labor Day vegan menu or any late-summer gathering.
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With Labor Day approaching, the peak of summer produce is still available — apples, grapes, and fresh greens are at their best. This Healthy Vegan Waldorf Salad celebrates late-summer and early-fall flavors and makes a bright, satisfying side for any BBQ or potluck.
Why Eating Seasonal is Good for You?
Eating seasonal produce means better flavor, more nutrients, and often lower environmental impact. Fruits and vegetables harvested at their peak have less travel time, are less likely to be overripe when picked, and typically retain more vitamins and flavor. Buying locally grown, sustainable, or organic produce when possible supports local farmers and can reduce the energy used for long-distance transport and refrigeration.
Late summer and early fall bring some favorite salad ingredients: crisp apples, sweet grapes, corn, and figs. Using these seasonal ingredients is exactly what makes this Waldorf salad so special right now.
I tested this recipe with North Coast organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar, which adds bright acidity and depth to the cashew-based dressing. Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar contains strands of the “mother” and is often prized for its enzymes and beneficial bacteria. Many people find apple cider vinegar useful in dressings, marinades, and other culinary uses.
Raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar is commonly associated with potential health benefits and is widely used as a tangy, natural ingredient in homemade dressings and condiments.
How to Make Waldorf Salad?
Traditional Waldorf salad combines apples, celery, and mayonnaise. This vegan version swaps mayonnaise for a creamy cashew dressing brightened with apple cider vinegar to keep the salad light and fresh. My favorite combination includes apples, red seedless grapes, toasted walnuts, parsley, and lettuce tossed in the cashew-apple vinegar dressing.
Healthy Waldorf Salad with Apple Vinegar Dressing
This healthy Waldorf salad is a vegan take on the classic Waldorf salad. Deliciously creamy apple cider vinegar dressing is used instead of mayonnaise for a lighter and fresher version. Perfect for your Labor Day vegan menu!
Prep time: 5 minutes · Cook time: 10 minutes · Total: 15 minutes · Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the dressing
- 1 cup cashews, soaked
- 2 tablespoons North Coast organic raw unfiltered apple cider vinegar
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon agave syrup
- 1½ tablespoons nutritional yeast
- About ⅓ cup water (add gradually to reach desired thickness)
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Waldorf salad
- 8 oz (about 220 g) red seedless grapes (about 1½ cups), halved
- 3–4 crisp apples, cored and chopped
- ¾ cup (about 95 g) walnuts, toasted
- 3 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 5–8 leaves fresh lettuce (or chop and toss into the salad)
Instructions
Make the dressing
- Drain soaked cashews and add them to a high-speed blender with apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, agave syrup, and nutritional yeast.
- Blend or pulse until smooth, adding water a little at a time until the dressing reaches a thick, mayonnaise-like consistency.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Prepare the salad
- Slice the grapes in half and core and chop the apples.
- Combine grapes, apples, toasted walnuts, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss gently until all ingredients are coated.
- Serve the Waldorf salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves or toss chopped lettuce into the salad. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- If you prefer a crunchier texture, serve walnuts on the side and add them just before serving.
- If not serving immediately, store the salad ingredients separately from the dressing and walnuts in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; combine just before serving.
- Extra dressing keeps well and makes a great dip or sandwich spread.
Nutrition (approximate per serving)
Calories: 611 kcal · Carbohydrates: 50 g · Protein: 15 g · Fat: 43 g · Fiber: 8 g
Celebrate Labor Day with this bright, seasonal Waldorf salad. It’s easy to prepare, crowd-pleasing, and a fresh alternative to heavier mayonnaise-based versions — a perfect addition to summer barbecues, picnics, or light lunches.
Other easy salad ideas
- Healthy Sweet Potato Noodle Salad
- 10 Best Vegan Salads for Thanksgiving
- Vegan Mexican Chopped Salad with Avocado Dressing
- Vegan Fall Harvest Salad with Kale and Pumpkin