- Pitted green olives, chopped (SEO-friendly: "pitted green olives")
- Tarragon leaves, chiffonade (include "tarragon leaves" and "chiffonade tarragon")
- Mayonnaise or salad dressing (use terms like "salad dressing" or "mayonnaise")
- Optional: Dried cranberries or cherries (SEO-friendly term: "dried fruit")
Steps
### How to Make Chef John's Waldorf Salad: A Step-by-Step Guide
Chef John’s Waldorf salad is a classic dish that combines fresh, crunchy ingredients with a tangy dressing. Follow these detailed steps to create this delightful salad at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as spinach, arugula, and lettuce)
- 2 large apples, cored and diced
- 1 small seedless cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, toasted
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
#### Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
- Mixing bowl
- Salad spinner or clean kitchen towel (optional)
- Toaster oven or skillet for toasting nuts
- Whisk
### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Prepare the Greens:**
- Rinse your mixed greens thoroughly and pat dry if using a salad spinner.
- Arrange the greens on a large serving platter or in individual bowls.
2. **Dice the Apples:**
- Core and dice 2 apples, ensuring they are finely cut for even distribution in the salad.
3. **Prepare the Cucumber and Celery:**
- Peel and dice 1 small cucumber.
- Dice 1/4 cup of celery to add crunch.
4. **Toast the Nuts:**
- Preheat your toaster oven or a skillet over medium heat.
- Toast 1/2 cup of walnuts or pecans until they are golden brown, about 5-7 minutes in the toaster oven or 3-5 minutes on the stove.
- Remove and set aside to cool.
5. **Mix the Dressing:**
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of honey until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust according to your preference.
6. **Combine Ingredients:**
- Add the diced apples, cucumber, celery, and cooled nuts into the bowl with the greens.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss until all ingredients are well coated.
7. **Add Dried Cranberries (Optional):**
- Sprinkle 1/4 cup of dried cranberries on top for an extra burst of sweetness and color.
8. **Serve:**
- Garnish with a few toasted walnuts or pecans if desired.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
### Tips:
- For an even crunchier salad, add some shredded carrots or sliced pears.
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Gala or Granny Smith for the best flavor.
- If you prefer a milder dressing, reduce the amount of Dijon mustard slightly.
By following these steps, you can create a delicious Chef John’s Waldorf Salad that is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your meal!