Waldorf salad

The Waldorf Salad is a classic American dish, traditionally made of fresh apples, celery, and walnuts, dressed in mayonnaise, and usually served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer or a light meal. The salad was first created in the late 19th century at the prestigious Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City.

History

The Waldorf Salad was first presented at a charity ball given in honor of the St. Mary's Hospital for Children on March 14, 1893 at the Waldorf hotel in New York City. The salad was created by Oscar Tschirky, who was the Waldorf's maître d'hôtel and who is widely credited with creating the recipe. The original recipe did not contain nuts, but they had been added by the time the recipe appeared in The Rector Cook Book in 1928.

Ingredients and Variations

The traditional Waldorf Salad recipe consists of three main ingredients: apple, celery, and walnut, dressed in mayonnaise. However, many variations have been developed over the years. Some versions add grapes or raisins, others add chicken or turkey, and still others replace the mayonnaise with a lighter yogurt dressing. The salad is usually served on a bed of lettuce.

Cultural Impact

The Waldorf Salad has made numerous appearances in popular culture. It was famously referenced in the British television series Fawlty Towers in the episode "Waldorf Salad". The salad is also mentioned in the song "You're Moving Out Today" by Carole Bayer Sager.

See Also

• List of salads
• Cuisine of the United States
• Waldorf-Astoria Hotel
• Oscar Tschirky

References

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