Friday, September 8, 2023

Waldorf Salad with Vegan Dressing

Red Apples hanging on the branch of a tree

It's the beginning of apple picking season, and I have Waldorf salad on my mind! I'm sharing my vegan spin on this popular classic. 

Free Apple Fruit photo and picture

With the Jewish New Year (Rosh Hashanah) quickly approaching on the eve of Sept 14, 2023. I've been diligently planning my holiday menus and rummaging through my recipe box (I don't really have one but you get the idea) for ideas. 

We are invited to my sister-in- law's home for the first dinner on Friday night (but I still have to make something to bring-).

Free Person Holding Various Hummus Stock Photo

Then I'll be hosting our family of twenty-one people for dinner Saturday night and then having seven for lunch on Sunday. 
It's a lot of eating!!!

Free Empty Clear Wine Glass Lot on Table Stock Photo

The Jewish New Year is actually a religious holiday. 
We spend the mornings at the synagogue in prayer (usually from 9-1:00). Our dinner has a religious component as well. We say specific blessings at the table and give thanks for good health and prosperity.

Waldorf Salad for Holiday Lunch
I'll be serving Waldorf salad as a side dish at my home for Sunday lunch along with some other lighter foods. Of course all of my meals are strictly gluten free. 

I have made this salad before, but I did not take a photo because I have not made it yet for this dinner! I will add the photo when I make it.

pomegranate seeds in a container

Why Apples & Honey?
Apples, honey, and pomegranates are symbolic foods that we serve during the New Year for a sweet new year! Thus this Waldorf salad made with apples, grapes, pomegranates, celery, lettuce, and walnuts and an amazing vegan pomegranate creamy dressing (you could also use a vegan mayo that is made without eggs).


Apples, Basket, Basket Of Apples

Ingredients for the salad:
4 cups of chopped apple cubed 
1 cup of diced celery
1 cup of red grapes, cut in halves
1/2 cup of pomegranate seeds
3/4 cup of walnut halves, toasted

Directions
Assemble ingredients in a medium sized bowl. Toss and dress with the creamy dressing at least 1/2 hour before serving. 

Ingredients for the dressing: 
1 cup of soaked cashews
2 tablespoons of pomegranate molasses 
2 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice
2 tablespoons of almond milk only if needed for consistency.

Directions:
1. Soak the cashews for at least 4 hours (or longer) in 3 cups of water. Discard the water. Add drained cashews to the blender with pomegranate molasses and lemon or lime juice.. Use as an oil-free creamy dressing.  

Option: 
Use vegan mayonnaise is you prefer not to make the dressing.

MY NOTES: 

Try some of my previous apple recipes: 
In the past, I've made lots of apple recipes for Rosh Hashanah including my vegan and GF apple cake, my apple and honey salad dressing, my mom's baked stuffed apples, and roasted acorn squash with homemade apple pie filling

I've also made some fun apples recipes such as my not to miss apple nachos which make a beautiful presentation for any occasion. I make them for an appetizer or dessert.

plate of apple slices with toppings


What is the significance of apples on Rosh Hashanah? I've read many reasons but the one I like best is that apples remind us of the peace and beauty of the Biblical Garden of Eden which smelled like the fragrance of an apple orchard. Regardless, it is traditional to eat apples and make apple recipes for our Jewish New Year.














10 comments:

  1. That table set up is beautiful. I love it all white and lovely colourful centerpiece. Have a fabulous New Year celebration, Judee!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I love a good Waldorf salad, and yours looks fabulous.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thanks for sharing not only your recipe, but part of your family traditions as well. I hope you have a wonderful celebration.

    ReplyDelete
  4. I enjoyed this post, as it brought back fond memories of my mother-in-law. She used to make Waldorf Salad for every special occasion. Your Waldorf Salad will go nicely at your gathering coming up. The pomegranate photo was pretty, and I used to put a pomegranate in my daughter's stocking every Christmas. So many apples on here today, how wonderful. Apples remind me of the Fall season, which I'm patiently waiting for. Thank for for following us, I appreciate that very much.

    ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
  5. This salad reminds me of my grandmother. She would order it when we went to a fancy coffee shop for lunch.
    from Tandy I Lavender and Lime https://tandysinclair.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I am a fan of Waldorf salad, but rarely think to make it. The addition of the pomegranate seeds is such a fabulous and colorful idea. That would really make it wonderful for the holidays, wouldn’t it? Thanks for the great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  7. The table is gorgeous and such a great recipe perfect for the season, thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful table set - am I invited? :) Waldorf is a great salad, and I love the addition of pomegranate seeds.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes, you have a knack for setting a fabulous table!! Plus, the Waldorf salad is a tasty classic!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Have a sweet New Year! I hope the pomegranate seeds do bring you luck and (as the tradition has it) bring fertility to any of your relatives who wish for it.
    best, mae at maefood.blogspotcom

    ReplyDelete

Your comments are appreciated. I love knowing who is stopping by to read my posts! Have a great day.

Printfriendly