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Waldorf Salad : history



Also called Waldorf Astoria Salad. A classic American fruit salad that usually consists of apples, lemon juice, celery, walnuts, and mayonnaise.

History: Oscar Michel Tschirky (1866-1950), maitre d'hotel, is usually given for creating this salad for the opening of New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel on March 9, 1896 at a society supper. He was known as Oscar of the Waldorf. His reputation was so well-known, that, for many, it was considered a privilege to meet him. On one occasion, Oscar was introduced to one of the most important railroad men of the time, who later said, I had rather meet that man than nine out of 10 of your so-called big men either here or in Washington. Oscar worked at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel from its opening until he retired in December of 1943.

In 1896, Oscar Tschirky compiled a cookbook called The Cook Book by Oscar of the Waldorf and gave the recipe for this salad using only apples, celery, and mayonnaise. At some point, walnuts were added to the recipe. In The Waldorf-Astoria Cookbook published in 1981 by Ted James and Rosalind Cole, it includes the walnuts.