If you’re looking for a refreshingly crisp, delightfully creamy salad that feels like a hug in a bowl, you’ve got to try this Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe. This classic dish brings together tender chicken, juicy apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts all tied up with a zingy, tangy dressing that’s just the right balance of rich and light. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or a fancy potluck—trust me, once you try it, it will become your go-to salad every season!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe comes to life with simple ingredients that each bring their own magic to the plate. From the crisp texture of fresh celery and romaine to the creamy, tangy dressing, every component plays a delicious role you’ll want to savor.
- Cooked chicken breast, 2 cups: Shredded or cubed for tender, protein-packed bites.
- Green apple, 1 cup, diced: Adds a refreshing crunch and a hint of tartness.
- Red grapes, 1 cup, halved: Sweet bursts of juicy flavor that brighten every bite.
- Celery, 1 cup, thinly sliced: Provides crispness and a subtle salty note.
- Romaine lettuce, 2 cups, chopped: Offers a fresh, leafy base with mild bitterness to balance flavors.
- Toasted walnuts, 1/2 cup, roughly chopped: Crunchy and nutty, for texture and depth.
- Mayonnaise, 1/4 cup: Creates the creamy base of the dressing.
- Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup: Lightens the dressing while adding a tangy twist.
- Lemon juice, 1 tablespoon: Brightens everything with fresh acidity.
- Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon: Adds a little spice and complexity to the dressing.
- Salt, 1/4 teaspoon: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- Black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon: Gives a gentle kick that ties it all together.
How to Make Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Produce
Start by washing and drying all your fresh produce. Dice the green apples into bite-sized pieces, halve the juicy red grapes, slice the celery thinly, and chop the romaine lettuce. These fresh ingredients build the crisp, refreshing base of the salad that makes every bite vibrant and full of life.
Step 2: Toast the Walnuts
Toast your walnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. This small step adds a whole new level of flavor and crunch, with the toasty nuttiness perfectly complementing the sweet grapes and tart apples. Once toasted, let them cool before roughly chopping.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken (if needed)
If your chicken isn’t pre-cooked, no worries! Simply boil the chicken breast in water for about 15 minutes until fully cooked through. Then, let it cool slightly and shred or cube it. This tender chicken will soak up all the dressing’s flavors for irresistible bites.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth, creamy dressing. This dressing is the heart of the Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe—it brings creaminess with a zing that brightens all the ingredients.
Step 5: Combine Salad Ingredients
Grab a large bowl and toss together the shredded chicken, celery, apples, grapes, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over this mixture and gently toss until everything is nicely coated. It’s here that the flavors blend beautifully, creating a melody of sweet, crunchy, creamy, and savory notes.
Step 6: Add the Lettuce
Gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce last to keep its crispness intact. This adds a fresh, green element that’s light and crunchy—a perfect balance to the rich dressing and hearty chicken.
Step 7: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve your salad straight away to enjoy the fresh textures, or chill it in the fridge for 30 to 60 minutes if you prefer the flavors melded and deeper. Both ways are absolutely delicious, so it really depends on your mood or timing!
How to Serve Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe
Garnishes
For a lovely finishing touch, sprinkle extra toasted walnuts or a few fresh parsley leaves on top before serving. If you want to add a little extra zest, a light drizzle of honey or a dash of paprika can elevate the presentation and flavor even more.
Side Dishes
This Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread, warm pita, or even as a filling inside a wrap for a heartier meal. It also complements grilled veggies or a light soup perfectly, making it a versatile star for any meal occasion.
Creative Ways to Present
Imagine serving this salad in crisp apple bowls or on a bed of mixed greens for a stunning look. You can even spoon it onto endive leaves for bite-sized appetizers that are sure to impress guests with their elegance and flavor burst.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to 2 days. To maintain the crispness of the apples and lettuce, it’s best not to mix in the dressing until you’re ready to serve if storing for a longer period.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh produce and creamy dressing, which can separate and become watery once thawed. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated within a couple of days.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. If you want warm chicken, consider heating the chicken separately and then mixing it with the rest of the cold ingredients just before eating.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds work wonderfully in this salad and add their own unique crunch and flavor. Just toast them as you would the walnuts for the best taste.
Is Greek yogurt necessary in the dressing?
Greek yogurt adds a tangy lightness that balances the mayo’s richness, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with sour cream or extra mayonnaise for a creamier texture.
Can I make this salad vegan?
You can make a vegan version by swapping the chicken for chickpeas or tofu and using vegan mayo or a plant-based yogurt alternative in the dressing. The fresh fruits and nuts keep the salad delightful and satisfying.
How long does the Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe stay fresh?
When properly stored in the refrigerator, the salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 days. For the best texture, keep the dressing separate until serving if you plan to keep it longer.
What’s the best way to dice the apples without them browning?
Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice right after cutting to keep them looking fresh and vibrant throughout the preparation and serving.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe inspires you to bring a fresh, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish into your kitchen. It’s a classic for a reason—perfect balance of textures and flavors that feel like a celebration in every bite. Give it a try at your next lunch or gathering, and watch it become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
Print
Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This refreshing Chicken Waldorf Salad combines tender cooked chicken, crisp green apples, juicy red grapes, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Served over chopped romaine lettuce, this easy-to-make salad is perfect for a light lunch or a delightful side dish.
Ingredients
Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 1 cup green apple, diced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Produce: Wash and dry all produce. Dice the green apples, halve the red grapes, thinly slice the celery, and chop the romaine lettuce.
- Toast Walnuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the walnuts for 3 to 5 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat, let cool, then roughly chop.
- Cook Chicken: If your chicken is not pre-cooked, place chicken breasts in boiling water and cook for 15 minutes or until cooked through. Let cool, then shred or cut into cubes.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, sliced celery, diced apples, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts. Add the dressing and toss everything together to coat evenly.
- Add Lettuce: Gently fold in the chopped romaine lettuce, taking care not to bruise the leaves.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for a crisp texture, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes to allow flavors to meld for deeper taste.
Notes
- For best texture, add the lettuce last and serve shortly after tossing or chilled.
- To reduce fat, use low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
- To make the salad ahead, keep dressing separate and add just before serving.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds if preferred.
- Use crisp, tart green apples such as Granny Smith for best flavor contrast.
