Waldorf Chicken Salad

There’s something incredibly refreshing about a well-made Waldorf Chicken Salad. It brings me back to those sunny summer days when I’d spend hours enjoying picnics in the park with friends and family. The combination of crunchy apples, juicy grapes, and tender chicken tossed in a creamy dressing is pure bliss. I can’t help but smile when I think about how this dish can elevate any gathering, whether it’s a casual lunch or a festive dinner. This salad is more than just a recipe; it’s a delicious connection to those special moments.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Waldorf Chicken Salad

When it comes to crafting the perfect Waldorf Chicken Salad, the ingredients play a crucial role. Each component contributes to the overall flavor and texture of the dish, creating a delicious blend that is both refreshing and satisfying. The key players in this recipe include hearty chicken, crisp celery, sweet apples, and the delightful crunch of walnuts. Together, these ingredients work in harmony to create a salad that is perfect for summer gatherings.

• ⅔ cup walnuts (roughly chopped) – These nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast – The star of the show, providing protein and substance.
• 3 ribs celery (trimmed and finely chopped) – Adding a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
• 2 apples (cored and cubed, no need to peel) – They bring a refreshing sweetness that balances the savory elements.
• 1 cup seedless red or green grapes (halved) – Juicy and sweet, they add bursts of flavor in every bite.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – This creamy base melds all the flavors together.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt – Enhancing the creaminess while adding a tangy flavor.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon) – Brightens the dish and adds a zesty kick.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt – Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper – A simple spice that can elevate the taste.

The Method for Waldorf Chicken Salad

Making Waldorf Chicken Salad is a breeze and can easily be accomplished in just a few simple steps. Let’s dive into the preparation process, ensuring that you achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Follow along as I guide you through each step, from toasting the walnuts to combining all the ingredients.

1. Start by toasting the walnuts in a dry frying pan over low-medium heat for around five minutes. Stir them frequently to ensure they don’t burn. They should become fragrant and take on a lovely golden color. This step really enhances their flavor.
2. Once the walnuts are toasted, tip them onto a plate and allow them to cool completely. This is important because adding warm nuts to the salad can affect the dressing’s texture.
3. Next, make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Stir well until it’s creamy and smooth. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
4. Now, it’s time to add the main ingredients. Start with the cold, cooked chicken. Since it’s already cooked, you can chop it into bite-sized pieces or shred it, depending on your preference. Add it directly into the dressing.
5. Next, add the chopped celery, apples, grapes, and cooled walnuts to the bowl. Each ingredient brings a unique flavor and texture, so be sure to include them all.
6. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Take care not to mash the apples or grapes; you want them to hold their shape.
7. After combining, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you feel it needs more tang, add a bit more lemon juice. If it feels too thick, a splash of water can help loosen it up.
8. Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about half an hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
9. When you’re ready to serve, give the salad another gentle toss to mix everything well. You can serve it in a bowl or scoop it into lettuce cups, on croissants, or in pita pockets for a fun twist.
10. Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Waldorf Chicken Salad with friends and family!

Recipe Tips about Waldorf Chicken Salad

If you’re looking to elevate your Waldorf Chicken Salad, consider these helpful tips. They’ll ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time and can be adapted based on your preferences and what you have available.

• Storage: Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days for optimal freshness.
• Freezing: While it’s not recommended to freeze this salad due to the ingredients, you can freeze the chicken beforehand and add it later.
• Pairing: Serving this salad with crusty bread or chips makes for a perfect light lunch or dinner.
• Variations: Feel free to experiment! Including dried fruits like cranberries or raisins can add a sweet contrast to the salad.
• Make it ahead: You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance. Just add the walnuts just before serving to keep their crunch.
• Customize: If you have other fruits or nuts you enjoy, don’t hesitate to mix things up based on what you love!

What Goes Well With This Waldorf Chicken Salad

• Crusty Breads: This salad pairs beautifully with slices of crusty baguette or artisan bread, perfect for soaking up any extra dressing.
• Fresh Greens: Serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light, salad-based meal that adds freshness.
• Pita Pockets: Filling pita pockets with this salad creates a fun handheld meal, ideal for picnics or lunchboxes.
• Lettuce Cups: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves to create delightful wraps filled with the salad.
• Seasonal Fruits: Adding seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or pears, can enhance the salad’s flavor profile while providing a fresh touch.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Waldorf Chicken Salad is a great dish for brunches or summer barbecues, where it can serve as a refreshing side dish.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Waldorf Chicken Salad is a delightful dish that combines vibrant flavors and textures, making it a standout choice for any occasion. Its versatility and ease of preparation allow you to enjoy it in countless ways, whether as a refreshing lunch or a side at dinner. I encourage you to try making this salad yourself; it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!

Waldorf Chicken Salad

The ultimate refreshing dish for summer gatherings - Waldorf Chicken Salad. This easy weeknight dinner combines tender chicken, crunchy nuts, and sweet fruits in a creamy dressing. Perfect for picnics or quick lunches, it's a must-try that will leave you craving more!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Salads

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Chef's Knife
• Wooden Spoon
• Skillet
• Frying Pan
• Peeler

Ingredients

  

• ⅔ cup walnuts roughly chopped
• 2 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 3 ribs celery trimmed and finely chopped
• 2 apples cored and cubed no need to peel
• 1 cup seedless red or green grapes halved
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 lemon
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

 

• Start by toasting the walnuts in a dry frying pan over low-medium heat for around five minutes. Stir them frequently to ensure they don’t burn. They should become fragrant and take on a lovely golden color. This step really enhances their flavor.
• Once the walnuts are toasted, tip them onto a plate and allow them to cool completely. This is important because adding warm nuts to the salad can affect the dressing's texture.
• Next, make the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Stir well until it’s creamy and smooth. Season with kosher salt and ground black pepper, mixing until everything is well incorporated.
• Now, it's time to add the main ingredients. Start with the cold, cooked chicken. Since it's already cooked, you can chop it into bite-sized pieces or shred it, depending on your preference. Add it directly into the dressing.
• Next, add the chopped celery, apples, grapes, and cooled walnuts to the bowl. Each ingredient brings a unique flavor and texture, so be sure to include them all.
• Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Take care not to mash the apples or grapes; you want them to hold their shape.
• After combining, taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you feel it needs more tang, add a bit more lemon juice. If it feels too thick, a splash of water can help loosen it up.
• Once you're satisfied with the flavor, cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about half an hour. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
• When you're ready to serve, give the salad another gentle toss to mix everything well. You can serve it in a bowl or scoop it into lettuce cups, on croissants, or in pita pockets for a fun twist.
• Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Waldorf Chicken Salad with friends and family!

Notes

Warm chicken can thin the dressing and make the salad watery. Let it chill in the fridge first if freshly cooked.

Make sure to pat the apples and grapes dry after washing to prevent them from making the dressing runny.

Toasting the walnuts really enhances their flavor. I like to toast them in a pan, but you can also bake them at 350°F for 8 minutes.

If you want to replace some or all the mayonnaise with yogurt, reduce the amount of lemon juice to prevent the salad dressing from becoming too tart.

Feel free to add in ¼ cup of raisins or dried cranberries for a little extra sweetness.

For a little sharpness, add ½ of a finely chopped red onion or a few sliced scallions.

This salad is best served straight away; however, you can store it in the fridge for up to 2-3 hours before serving.

It’s delicious scooped into lettuce cups, croissants, or pita pockets for easy lunches.

Keyword Easy Chicken Salad, healthy chicken salad, summer salad recipe, Waldorf Chicken Salad

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Meet Olivia Bennett

For me, cooking is about connection. Whether I’m making a quick breakfast or a three course dinner, I focus on the feeling the food gives you. I love the entire process of food blogging, from chopping the first onion to adjusting the lighting for the final photo. I’m the one who reminds the team to slow down and really taste the food as we go, ensuring every recipe has that “home-cooked” warmth.