If you are craving a salad that balances crunchy, creamy, sweet, and savory flavors all in one bite, this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s an effortless blend of tender chicken, crisp apples, toasted walnuts, and juicy grapes, all tossed in a tangy dressing that will have you coming back for seconds. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a refreshing dish for a gathering, this recipe offers a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that feels both classic and delightfully fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that work beautifully together. Each component adds its own unique touch—from the crunch of walnuts to the creaminess of the dressing—making the salad as vibrant to eat as it is easy to prepare.
- Walnuts, ⅔ cup, roughly chopped: Toasting them unlocks their nutty aroma and crunchy texture, key to the salad’s signature crunch.
- Cooked chicken, 2 cups, shredded or cubed: The hearty protein base that keeps the salad satisfying and filling.
- Celery, 3 ribs, finely chopped: Adds a refreshing crispness and subtle peppery flavor.
- Apples, 2, cored and cubed: Choose sweet or tart varieties for a touch of natural sweetness and a juicy bite.
- Seedless grapes, 1 cup, halved: These bring bursts of sweetness and slight juiciness that contrast beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Mayonnaise, ½ cup: Provides a rich, creamy element to bind the salad.
- Greek yogurt, ½ cup: Balances the mayo with tanginess while adding protein and smooth texture.
- Lemon juice, 2 tablespoons: Brightens the dressing and keeps the apples from browning.
- Kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- Ground black pepper, â…› teaspoon: Offers a gentle kick and rounds out the seasoning.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
Start by warming a dry frying pan over medium-low heat and toasting your walnuts. Stir frequently for about five minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. This simple step takes the nuts from ordinary to extraordinary, adding a deep, warm nuttiness and crunch that makes all the difference. Once toasted, set them aside to cool before mixing them into the salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth. This combination creates a luscious, tangy base for the salad. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste. The balance of creamy and bright flavors will tie all your salad ingredients together beautifully.
Step 3: Combine All Ingredients
Next, add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, cubed apples, halved grapes, and cooled toasted walnuts into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything to ensure every bite is coated evenly in that lovely creamy dressing. This step is where the textures and flavors mingle, making the magic of this classic Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe come alive.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Give your salad a final taste test and adjust seasoning if needed with a pinch more salt or pepper. Serve chilled for the most refreshing experience, and get ready to enjoy a kaleidoscope of flavors and textures that will delight your palate.
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Consider topping your salad with a few extra toasted walnut halves or a light sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. These simple garnishes add an inviting visual appeal and a little boost in flavor that elevates your presentation without much effort.
Side Dishes
Waldorf Chicken Salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita pockets, or crisp lettuce leaves for wrapping. If you want to round out your meal, a light vegetable soup or a chilled cucumber salad can complement the fresh and creamy qualities of this dish beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe in a variety of fun and unique ways: spoon it onto crostini for elegant appetizers, stuff it into ripe tomatoes for a colorful lunch, or arrange it over a bed of mixed greens as a stunning plated salad. These creative presentations can make your dish the star of any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two days. Store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the apples and grapes from becoming soggy. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute the dressing evenly.
Freezing
Because the salad contains fresh fruits and a creamy dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture of apples, grapes, and the yogurt-mayo dressing can become watery and lose their appeal once thawed. It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh for optimal taste and quality.
Reheating
Since the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is best served cold or at room temperature, reheating is unnecessary and not advised. Instead, allow refrigerated salad to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before eating for the best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I substitute the walnuts with another nut?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can be great alternatives if you want to switch up the flavor or deal with nut allergies. Just toast them lightly as you would the walnuts to bring out their flavor.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt or additional mayonnaise. This keeps the creamy texture without compromising taste for those avoiding dairy.
How can I make this salad more budget-friendly?
Using leftover rotisserie chicken is a fantastic way to save money and time. Also, choose seasonal apples and grapes that are on sale to keep the cost down without losing freshness.
Can I prepare the ingredients the night before?
Definitely. You can chop the apples, celery, and grapes and store them separately in airtight containers to keep them fresh overnight. Mix everything and add dressing just before serving to maintain crunchiness.
What’s the best way to serve this salad for a party?
Serve the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe in individual cups or on crackers for an elegant finger food option. Using a variety of colorful plating dishes also adds to the appeal when entertaining guests.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you enjoy making and savoring this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe as much as I do. Its vibrant mix of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether for a casual lunch or a festive gathering, this salad brings a joyfulness to the table that’s hard to beat. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite to share with your friends and family!
Print
Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe combines tender cooked chicken with crisp apples, celery, juicy grapes, and toasted walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with a hint of lemon. Perfectly balanced with sweet, crunchy, and savory elements, this quick and easy salad is ideal for a light lunch or picnic dish.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- â…” 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
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toast Walnuts: Toast the walnuts in a dry frying pan over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
- Make Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice until smooth. Season the dressing with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, cubed apples, halved grapes, and cooled toasted walnuts into the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently yet thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Chill the Waldorf Chicken Salad if desired before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji to provide the best crunch and flavor contrast.
- To make the recipe lighter, consider using low-fat mayonnaise or substituting it entirely with Greek yogurt.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours; however, apples may brown slightly.
- For added freshness, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of celery leaves.
