For years, I thought I hated Waldorf salad. It wasn’t the fruit or nuts, it was the thick, gloppy mayo most recipes call for! (I don’t hate a little mayo, just an excess.) A better alternative is this Waldorf-Inspired salad, courtesy of Hannaford. (While they’re not my favorite supermarket chain, I do like the food magazine.) It’s heavy on fruit and veggies, light on mayo, and bursting with fresh taste. 

To make Waldorf-Inspired Salad, you will need:

• 2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
• 10 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/2 cup chopped celery
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 2 Gala apples, chopped
• 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
• 3 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt/pepper to taste

Combine the first 7 ingredients in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients to make the dressing. Mix both together until evenly coated.

This is best served ice-cold and leftovers won’t keep (too soggy), so I like to serve this as a dinner salad. It worked wonderfully last night during 96-degree heat! For those who need extra protein, try adding a can or two of tuna.

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