This Waldorf Chicken Salad is a classic and refreshing dish that’s perfect for a light lunch, a picnic, or a healthy snack. Tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts come together in a creamy dressing, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavorful and Balanced: This salad offers a delightful balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors, with a variety of textures that will keep you coming back for more.
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep time, this salad is a breeze to assemble.
- Healthy and Versatile: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fresh fruits and vegetables, this salad is a nutritious and satisfying option. You can also customize it with your favorite nuts or dried fruits.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Waldorf Chicken Salad:
- Walnuts: Roughly chopped, these add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed, you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Celery: Trimmed and finely chopped, adds a refreshing crunch.
- Apples: Cored and cubed, no need to peel, adds sweetness and a slightly tart flavor. Choose a variety that holds its shape well, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
- Seedless grapes: Halved, adds sweetness and a juicy texture.
For the Yogurt Mayonnaise Dressing:
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the dressing.
- Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy flavor and a boost of protein.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper: To taste.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
Toast the walnuts in a dry frying pan over low-medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Add the shredded or cubed chicken, chopped celery, cubed apples, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts to the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently to combine.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill for later.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use fresh ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh celery, apples, and grapes.
- Toast the walnuts: Toasting the walnuts enhances their flavor and adds a nice crunch to the salad.
- Chill the salad: For an extra refreshing salad, chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad
- Sandwiches: This Waldorf Chicken Salad makes a delicious sandwich filling. Serve it on your favorite bread or rolls with lettuce and tomato.
- Lettuce Cups: For a lighter option, serve the salad in lettuce cups.
- Crackers or Crostini: Enjoy it as a dip or spread with crackers or crostini.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover Waldorf Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of nut?
Yes, you can use other nuts, such as pecans, almonds, or cashews, instead of walnuts.
Can I add dried fruit to this salad?
Absolutely! Chopped dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots would be delicious additions.
Can I make this salad vegan?
Yes, you can use vegan mayonnaise and yogurt alternatives.
How can I make this salad creamier?
You can add a bit more mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to the dressing.
There you have it! A classic and delicious recipe for Waldorf Chicken Salad that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!
Print
Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Waldorf Chicken Salad is a classic and refreshing dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. It combines tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts in a creamy yogurt-mayonnaise dressing.
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 3 ribs celery, trimmed and finely chopped
- 2 apples, cored and cubed
- 1 cup seedless red or green grapes, halved
Yogurt Mayonnaise Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toast Walnuts: Toast walnuts in a dry frying pan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Let cool.
- Make Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked chicken, celery, apples, grapes, and cooled walnuts to the dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
- Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve chilled.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Variations:
- Add dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots for extra sweetness and texture.
- Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds.
- Use a different type of apple, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- For a lighter version, use light mayonnaise and low-fat Greek yogurt.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 450kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
