If you’re craving a meal that’s both light and satisfying, with a delightful blend of crunch, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness, the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. This classic American favorite takes tender chunks of chicken and pairs them with crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and a tangy, creamy dressing, creating an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning a sunny picnic, a quick weekday lunch, or a special family gathering, this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe delivers freshness in every bite and can be dressed up or down however you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each bringing its own charm to the table. Don’t be tempted to skip any, because together, they form the unique character, lively textures, and colorful beauty that make the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe so unforgettable.
- Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, chopped or shredded): The hearty centerpiece of the salad; rotisserie chicken makes prep even faster!
- Seedless Red Grapes (1 cup, halved): Sweet pops of flavor that balance the savory chicken and tangy dressing.
- Celery (1 stalk, finely chopped): Essential for crunch and a refreshing, slightly peppery note.
- Green Apple (1, chopped): Adds a zesty tartness and crisp, juicy texture; granny smiths are especially lovely here.
- Toasted Walnuts (1/2 cup, chopped): Bring deep, nutty flavor and the perfect crunch—toast them briefly to enhance both.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup): Provides the creamy base that ties the whole salad together; full-fat delivers the best richness.
- Plain Greek Yogurt (2 tablespoons): Lightens the dressing with tangy creaminess and boosts protein.
- Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens the flavors and helps the apples resist browning.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for bringing every ingredient to life; taste as you go for seasoning perfection.
- Butter Lettuce Leaves (optional, for serving): Delicate, slightly sweet, and the perfect vehicle for scooping up your salad.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Main Ingredients
Start by chopping or shredding your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Halve the grapes, chop the celery finely, dice the green apple, and roughly chop your toasted walnuts. If you’re looking for speed, rotisserie chicken works beautifully. Arrange everything in a big mixing bowl—you want a variety of textures in every forkful.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The combination of mayo and Greek yogurt gives the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe a creamy yet slightly tangy kick, lightening things up without sacrificing richness.
Step 3: Toss Everything Together
Pour the creamy dressing over your chopped chicken, fruit, celery, and walnuts. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss everything so all those wonderful flavors and textures are evenly coated. Take your time and enjoy how fresh and colorful it looks—it’s worth the anticipation.
Step 4: Chill for Best Flavor
Cover the mixing bowl and transfer your salad to the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes; this allows the flavors to mingle and everything to set up perfectly. If you’re pressed for time you can serve it right away, but patience truly pays off with this classic salad.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe onto a bed of butter lettuce, pile it into sandwiches, wraps, or enjoy it just as it is. Feel free to get creative with your presentation—every serving looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts on top adds irresistible crunch and a touch of elegance. For even more color, scatter a few additional halved grapes or some thin apple slices. A leafy bed of butter lettuce, or even a sprig of fresh parsley, will make every plate look restaurant-worthy.
Side Dishes
This bright, fresh salad shines alongside crusty sourdough bread, a cozy bowl of soup (like butternut squash or tomato basil), or a light side such as cucumber salad. For lunchbox meals, serve with whole grain crackers and crisp carrot sticks—it’s a wholesome, crowd-pleasing combo.
Creative Ways to Present
Try scooping the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe into avocado halves for a show-stopping party starter, or stuff it into mini croissants for a brunch crowd-pleaser. It’s also fantastic spooned into endive leaves or layered in mason jars for picnic-ready meals with a little flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftover Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to three days, perfect for easy grab-and-go lunches or snacks.
Freezing
This salad doesn’t freeze well because the fresh fruits and creamy dressing lose their texture after thawing. For best results, enjoy it fresh or refrigerated. If you need to save time, prep the chicken and walnuts ahead and freeze them separately, then assemble the salad when ready to eat.
Reheating
The Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed chilled or at a cool room temperature—no reheating necessary! If you prefer bringing it up to temp just slightly, let it sit out of the fridge for about 10 minutes before serving. Stir gently before eating to refresh the dressing.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Salad
Absolutely! While green apples provide a lovely tartness, sweet red apples or a combination of your favorites work just as well. The key is to choose something crisp that won’t go mushy in the salad.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative or simply use all mayonnaise. Vegan mayonnaise works well, too—just make sure your choice fits your dietary needs.
What’s the best chicken to use for Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe?
Cooked, cooled chicken breast is classic, but you can use leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even poached chicken. Shredded or chopped works; just be sure it’s not too heavily seasoned so the salad flavors shine through.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss the chopped apples in the lemon juice as soon as you cut them, or add them to the salad just before serving. The acidity from the dressing also helps keep them looking fresh.
Can I make Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! This salad is a fantastic make-ahead option. Prepare all components separately, and toss with the dressing shortly before serving for the best texture, especially if making for a party or picnic.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing food that feels like a classic, and the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly that—a dish brimming with color, crunch, and comfort. Whether you’re making it for a weekday lunch or bringing it to your next gathering, it’s sure to become a favorite. Give it a try, make it your own, and enjoy every flavorful, fresh bite!
Print
Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe that combines tender chicken with sweet grapes, crunchy celery, crisp apple, and toasted walnuts in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Butter lettuce leaves for serving
Salad:
Dressing:
Optional:
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, grapes, celery, apple, and walnuts.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Serve on a bed of butter lettuce or in sandwiches, wraps, or on its own.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lighter version, increase the Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise.
- If prepping ahead, wait to add the apples until just before serving to avoid browning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
