If you are looking for a fresh, vibrant, and wonderfully satisfying salad to brighten up your lunch or dinner, the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is an absolute must-try. Combining crisp apples, juicy grapes, and tender chicken with a creamy, tangy dressing, this dish offers a fantastic medley of textures and flavors that dance delightfully on your palate. The toasted walnuts add a perfect crunchy contrast, making this salad not just a meal but a joyful eating experience you’ll want to share with everyone you know.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and how every ingredient plays a crucial role in delivering its classic, comforting profile. Each component adds a unique layer — from the crunch and earthiness of walnuts to the sweet juiciness of grapes and apples, and the creamy zing from the dressing.
- â…” cup walnuts, roughly chopped: Toasted walnuts bring warm nuttiness and satisfying crunch that elevates every bite.
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed: A lean, protein-packed base that provides heartiness and balances the sweetness.
- 3 ribs celery, trimmed and finely chopped: Adds refreshing crispness and a subtle bitterness that complements the fruit.
- 2 apples, cored and cubed: Choose your favorite crunchy variety; they bring natural sweetness and bright freshness.
- 1 cup seedless red or green grapes, halved: Their juicy burst adds a pop of color and delightful juiciness.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creamy and rich, mayo is the perfect base for the dressing without overpowering the salad.
- ½ cup Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy lift and creamy texture with a healthier touch.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens the dressing and prevents the apples from browning.
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness and creaminess.
- â…› teaspoon ground black pepper: A subtle hint of heat to round out the flavor profile.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Toast the Walnuts
Start by warming a dry frying pan over medium-low heat, then add the roughly chopped walnuts. Toast them for about five minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. This simple step unlocks the deep, toasty flavor of the nuts and adds an irresistible crunch that’s essential to the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe. Once toasted, remove and let them cool completely to avoid wilting your salad.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and creamy. Season this mixture generously with kosher salt and a touch of ground black pepper. This dressing is where the magic happens — it’s creamy yet bright, perfectly complementing the sweet and savory ingredients to come.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
Into the bowl with your dressing, add the cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, cubed apples, halved grapes, and the cooled walnuts. Gently toss everything until every piece is lightly coated with the luscious dressing. This step ensures all the flavors mingle beautifully while keeping the textures distinct and delightful.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust
Before you serve, take a moment to taste your creation. Adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a pinch more salt or a squeeze of lemon juice. This finishing touch personalizes the salad to your liking and guarantees that each bite is bursting with balanced flavor.
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra toasted walnuts on top adds irresistible crunch and visual appeal, while a few fresh lettuce leaves can frame the salad beautifully. If you love a touch of color, try adding some finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a hint of herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
This Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is hearty enough to be a main dish but pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or warm dinner rolls. For a lighter meal, serve it alongside a simple green salad or vegetable soup to keep things fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve this salad in crisp lettuce cups or hollowed-out apples for a stunning presentation. Alternatively, pile it high on a bed of mixed greens or stuff it into a pita pocket to add a fun, handheld twist to an all-time favorite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe tastes amazing chilled, making leftovers a real treat. Store any uneaten salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain freshness and texture. Keep in mind that the apples and celery might soften a bit over time, so freshness is best within the first day.
Freezing
This salad does not freeze well because the grapes, apples, and celery tend to become mushy once thawed. It’s best to prepare the salad fresh for the best texture or keep components like cooked chicken and dressing separately frozen if you want to save time later.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is not recommended. Instead, enjoy it straight from the fridge to experience the crisp textures and refreshing flavors that make the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe so beloved.
FAQs
Can I use roasted chicken instead of boiled chicken?
Absolutely! Roasted chicken adds a bit more depth and flavor to your salad. Just make sure it’s cooled and shredded or cubed before mixing it in.
What kind of apples work best for this dish?
Crunchy apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they stay firm and add a nice balance of tartness or sweetness, complementing the other ingredients perfectly.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond yogurt and use a vegan mayonnaise to keep the creamy texture intact.
Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?
Certainly! Pecans are a fantastic alternative with a similar texture and flavor profile. Just toast them the same way to get that perfect crunch.
How far ahead can I make the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe before serving?
It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours of making, preferably chilled, to keep the fruits fresh and the textures lively. If making earlier, store the dressing and salad components separately and combine them just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something refreshing, satisfying, and packed with complimentary flavors, I wholeheartedly recommend trying this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a timeless classic that’s easy to prepare yet impressively delicious every single time. Whether you’re serving it for a family lunch, a picnic, or a light dinner, this salad has a wonderful way of making mealtime feel special and joyful.
Print
Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This classic Waldorf Chicken Salad combines tender cooked chicken with crunchy walnuts, crisp celery, fresh apples, and juicy grapes, all tossed in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. It’s a quick and refreshing dish perfect for a light lunch or picnic.
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: Heat a dry frying pan over medium-low heat and add the walnuts. Toast them for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they become fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from heat and let them cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Season the mixture with kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste, ensuring the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, chopped celery, cubed apples, halved grapes, and cooled toasted walnuts into the bowl with the dressing. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve the Waldorf Chicken Salad chilled for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- For best results, use day-old cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Apples can be tossed in a little lemon juice before adding to prevent browning if preparing ahead of time.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans for a different nutty flavor.
- This salad can be served on a bed of lettuce or as a sandwich filling.
