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Handwritten recipe card for Waldorf Salad Ambrosia
by: salvagedrecipes

Healthy Waldorf Ambrosia Salad

Waldorf Ambrosia Salad
Waldorf Salad Ambrosia is a fresh twist on the classic Waldorf salad, a dish first created in the late 1800s at New York City's Waldorf Hotel. This variation blends crisp apples, juicy pineapple, crunchy celery, nuts, creamy yogurt, and coconut for a lighter, fruit-forward salad that reflects the popularity of "ambrosia" fruit salads during the mid-20th century. Instead of the traditional mayonnaise dressing, yogurt provides a refreshing tang while keeping the salad light and creamy. Optional sprouts add extra texture and nutrition, making this vintage recipe suitable as a luncheon salad, healthy side dish, or potluck favorite. Served over fresh greens, it offers a colorful combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors that remains both timeless and satisfying.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 0 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 173 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 red apple (large, diced)
  • ¾ cup unsweetened pineapple (fresh, frozen, or canned, drained if canned)
  • ¾ cup diced celery
  • ⅓ cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work well)
  • ⅓ cup sprouts (optional)
  • ⅓ cup plain yogurt
  • 2 tbsp shredded coconut
  • mixed salad greens (for serving)

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

  • Dice the red apple into bite-sized pieces.
  • Drain canned pineapple if using.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

  • In a medium bowl, combine the diced apple, pineapple, celery, chopped nuts, and optional sprouts.

Step 3: Add the Dressing

  • Add the yogurt.
  • Stir gently until all ingredients are lightly coated.

Step 4: Finish the Salad

  • Sprinkle the shredded coconut over the top.

Step 5: Serve

  • Arrange salad greens on serving plates.
  • Spoon the salad onto the greens and serve immediately.

Tips

  • Substitute Greek yogurt for extra protein.
  • Use toasted walnuts or pecans for richer flavor.
  • Add seedless grapes for additional sweetness.
  • Mix in mini marshmallows for a classic ambrosia-style variation.
  • Sprinkle with cinnamon for a warm flavor.
  • Add mandarin oranges for extra color.
  • Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor.
  • Use unsweetened coconut for a healthier version.
  • Add dried cranberries for a chewy texture.
  • Replace yogurt with vanilla yogurt for a sweeter salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 173kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 4gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 2mgSodium: 34mgPotassium: 279mgFiber: 4gSugar: 15gVitamin A: 180IUVitamin C: 24mgCalcium: 71mgIron: 0.8mg
Keyword ambrosia salad, apples, fruit salad, healthy salad, Pineapple, potluck, vintage recipe, Waldorf salad, yogurt