Good Eats Challenge: Week 11- Waldorf Salad

We've been skipping around a bit in the order of things with our Good Eats Challenges. It has been too hot to cook and I'm saving a few recipes for the holidays (namely the turkey and fruit cake ones) so this week we went ahead and watched the apple episode. There are two recipes in this show, applesauce and Waldorf salad and since the temperature was creeping up towards 90 we felt the no cook option was best.

It is a really easy salad and Alton Brown adds his usual fun twists to make it even better. Here is the official recipe courtesy of Food Network.

Ingredients

• 2 Ginger Gold apples (Fuji will substitute)
• 1 Red Delicious apple
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 cup prepared mayonnaise
• 1 pinch kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper
• 3/4 cup toasted walnuts, crushed
• 1 cup golden raisins
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 2 stalks celery, thin bias cut
• 1/3 cup fresh mint, chiffonade
• 1/2 red onion, julienned
• 1 head romaine lettuce, heart only

Directions

Cut apples in half and remove the core with a melon baller. Chop apples into medium-sized pieces, leaving skin on.

In a bowl, toss apples with the cider vinegar. Fold in mayonnaise thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Fold in walnuts, raisins, curry powder, celery, mint and red onion. Adjust seasoning. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to incorporate. To serve, arrange 2 leaves of romaine lettuce per plate and spoon salad on top.

I was actually surprised how much I liked this salad (especially since I really don't like mayonnaise). The apples are crisp and tart which is mellowed by the richness of the mayo and the bite of the onion and curry. Definitely a winner in my book. This would be a great pot luck dish or for a family gathering. It is easy to make and has a great depth of flavor that is sure to wow.


Cheers!