During the late Fall and early Winter, the Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort, serves two different versions of the Classic Waldorf Salad, which Maitre d’hotel named Oscar Tschirky created for New York’s Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896. Wright’s Waldorf Salad is a semi-classic edition that fits the iconic and historic restaurant, Wright’s at The Biltmore. Frank & Albert’s Waldorf Salad has evolved from the 83-year old Biltmore, mixing in bacon, blue cheese, and spicy orange vinaigrette. This keeps with the popular and trendy Frank & Albert’s restaurant. I enjoy the Wright’s version.
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Wright’s Waldorf Salad from The Arizona Biltmore, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Wright’s Waldorf Salad is a semi-classic version of the iconic dish, featuring crisp apples, candied walnuts, and a creamy yogurt dressing with a hint of honey and walnut oil.
Ingredients
- 1 Granny Smith apple, sliced into matchsticks
- 1 Gala apple, sliced into matchsticks
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) diced celery root
- 3 halves candied walnuts
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) grapes, cut in half
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) plain yogurt
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) honey
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) crème fraîche
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) walnut oil
- Celery leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Add the Granny Smith apple, Gala apple, diced celery root, candied walnuts, and halved grapes to a large mixing bowl.
- In a separate bowl, combine the plain yogurt, honey, sugar, crème fraîche, and walnut oil. Mix the dressing until well-blended and smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the apple mixture and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the salad to a serving dish and garnish with celery leaves.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- For a more traditional Waldorf salad, you can substitute mayonnaise for the yogurt and crème fraîche.
- To add a bit of crunch, consider adding a handful of toasted walnuts.
- This salad is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- If you prefer a sweeter salad, increase the amount of honey to taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 25 grams
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 35 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Protein: 3 grams
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does Wright’s Waldorf Salad differ from the classic version?
The original Waldorf salad was created by Oscar Tschirky for the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in 1896. Wright’s version at the Arizona Biltmore is described as a “semi-classic edition” — it keeps the apple and walnut base but uses a yogurt-and-crème-fraîche dressing with walnut oil rather than the traditional mayo. The notes say you can substitute mayonnaise for the yogurt and crème fraîche to go fully classic.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
The instructions suggest refrigerating for up to 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld — so it works well as a make-ahead starter. The notes also say the dressed salad can be stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. 
