Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
The Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is a refreshing twist on the classic New York favorite, blending tender chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and walnuts in a creamy, tangy dressing. Each bite bursts with a delightful melange of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for quick lunches, festive brunches, or light, satisfying dinners. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and almost no prep time, you can whip up a dish that feels both timeless and irresistibly modern—perfect for sharing with family or impressing friends at your next get-together!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe has a starring role. Simple, fresh, and easy to find, they combine for a vibrant dish brimming with color, crunch, and cool to the last bite.
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Tender, cooked chicken forms the hearty base—use rotisserie chicken for speedy prep and extra flavor.
- Red Grapes: These add bursts of juicy sweetness and a lovely pop of color—halve them for easier bites.
- Diced Apple (Fuji or Honeycrisp): Crisp apples bring tart-sweet crunch and balance the creamy dressing—leave the skin on for extra color.
- Chopped Celery: Essential for that signature crunch; be sure to use the inner stalks for the best texture.
- Chopped Walnuts: Walnuts give earthy flavor and toasty richness—try toasting them lightly for even more depth.
- Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo ties everything together—start with high-quality or homemade for best results.
- Plain Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds tang and a lighter touch to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayo.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A pinch brings all the flavors to life—taste and adjust as you go.
- Lettuce Leaves or Bread (optional): Serve as a salad, crisp lettuce cup, or piled high on bread for an irresistible sandwich.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Main Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl and combining the cooked chicken, grape halves, diced apples, celery, and chopped walnuts. Give everything a gentle toss so that you get an even mix—a varied blend of sizes and colors here means every bite will be interesting. If you want even more crunch, feel free to sneak in a few extra nuts!
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir until the dressing is silky smooth and the lemon juice is fully incorporated for that bright, zesty finish. Taste and make any flavor tweaks—a little more lemon or pepper never hurt!
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Pour the creamy dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold everything until the dressing evenly coats the salad. This step is so satisfying as the colors and textures come together—resist the urge to taste test too much!
Step 4: Chill for Perfection
Cover the bowl and let the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes. This short rest time allows all the flavors to mingle, the apples and grapes to sweeten the dressing, and the salad to become extra refreshing. You can even make it several hours ahead for an even deeper meld of flavors.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the chilled salad onto fresh lettuce leaves, into wraps, or between slices of your favorite bread. Add a sprinkle of extra walnuts or a twist of black pepper for a restaurant-worthy finish. Dig in and savor each creamy, crunchy, juicy bite!
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish can take your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe from everyday to elegant. Try a scatter of freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top for fresh flavor and color. A few extra toasted walnuts or a dusting of cracked black pepper also make for a pretty, appetizing finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your salad with a bowl of chilled soup, a warm crusty roll, or a handful of kettle-cooked chips for a complete lunch. Lightly dressed mixed greens or fresh fruit on the side will round out the meal without overshadowing the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party-ready presentation, try scooping the salad into hollowed-out apples or serving in endive leaves for elegant finger food. Small mason jars make perfect grab-and-go lunches, and classic croissants offer a buttery, decadent twist for brunches. The Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is as versatile as your imagination allows!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is mixed, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples and grapes hold their crunch, and the flavor deepens as it rests—just give it a good gentle stir before serving again.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing, since the creamy dressing and fresh fruits can turn watery and lose their texture upon thawing. For best results, only make as much as you’ll enjoy fresh from the fridge, and savor its crunchy freshness within a few days.
Reheating
No reheating required (or recommended) for this salad! The Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is best served chilled or at cool room temperature for the freshest flavor and most refreshing bite.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of plain cooked chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds both flavor and convenience. Just be sure to remove the skin and shred or chop the meat before adding it to your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe.
What’s the best type of apple for this salad?
Choose a crisp and slightly sweet apple—Fuji and Honeycrisp are top picks, but Gala and Pink Lady work too. Their natural sweetness pairs perfectly with the tangy dressing and juicy grapes.
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes! Use all mayonnaise (skip the Greek yogurt or sour cream) and make sure your mayo is dairy-free. The taste will be just as creamy and flavorful.
How do I keep the apples from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning, but if you’re prepping ahead, toss the diced apples in a splash of extra lemon juice before adding them to the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your mayonnaise and other packaged ingredients are verified gluten-free. Just serve with gluten-free bread or lettuce cups if needed!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a blend of freshness, crunch, and creamy comfort, you have to make this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s an absolute classic with a modern, healthy twist—quick, easy, and always a hit. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to for any occasion!
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Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful twist on the classic Waldorf salad, this Waldorf Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with sweet grapes, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (chopped or shredded)
- 1/2 cup red grapes (halved)
- 1/2 cup diced apple (such as Fuji or Honeycrisp)
- 1/3 cup chopped celery
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Serving:
- Lettuce leaves or bread for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chicken, grapes, apple, celery, and walnuts.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Toss and Chill: Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until well coated. Chill for at least 20 minutes to meld flavors.
- Serve: Enjoy over lettuce, as lettuce wraps, or in a sandwich.
Notes
- For extra crunch, add pecans or sunflower seeds.
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- The salad stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
