The Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City will shutter [1] as it is renovated into private condos [2] in the next three years. This New York City landmark is famous for its Waldorf salad [3], invented in 1893 by the maitre d'hotel Oscar Tschirky and served at the restaurant to this day. The original version contained just four ingredients: apple, celery, mayonnaise, and lettuce. Later versions included chopped walnuts. Home cooks and restaurants around the country sought to emulate this world-renowned salad, adding grapes, marshmallows, blue cheese, and even chicken to the mix. Though we mourn the loss of this iconic space, we can always whip up a Waldorf salad (or a dish inspired by it) and remember the history of this great recipe.
The Updated Version
In 2011, the Waldorf released a contemporary version of the salad [4]. It showcased a yogurt-crème fraiche dressing, tossed with a little black truffle, walnut oil, Champagne vinaigrette, and candied walnuts.
Get the recipe: contemporary Waldorf salad recipe [5]
Mayo-Free
Martha Stewart [6] revolutionized the recipe by serving it without the mayo. Sparkling wine vinegar and walnut oil offer enough flavor to coat the crisp fruit and veggies.
Get the recipe: mayo-free Waldorf salad [7]
Salad Cups
Turn the salad into handheld lettuce cups. This version comes complete with gorgonzola crumbles and shredded chicken breast.
Get the recipe: Waldorf salad cups [8]
Easy Waldorf Salad
More true to the original recipe, this particular salad features a tad more sweetness from the honey and golden raisins.
Get the recipe: easy Waldorf salad [9]
Spiralized
The Waldorf salad inspired a chicken salad, made with all the iconic ingredients, as featured in these lettuce cups. This recipe makes use of spiralized apple to give it a decadent appearance.
Get the recipe: Waldorf salad cups with spiralized apples [10]
Marshmallow-y
Remember how we mentioned marshmallows even made their way into a Waldorf salad? This retro recipe claims the pillow-y treats add sweetness and softness to the otherwise crunchy, tart salad. The dressing here is made with Miracle Whip and skim milk, naturally.
Get the recipe: retro Waldorf salad [11]
Chicken Sandwich
Perhaps more carbs are on your mind? The Waldorf salad can be diced and used as a "relish" in a sandwich, as so in this chicken sandwich on Italian bread.
Get the recipe: Waldorf-inspired chicken sandwich [12]