If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic chicken salad, the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is your new best friend. Bursting with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and juicy grapes, all tossed in a creamy yet tangy dressing, this salad brings a refreshing balance of textures and flavors that’s both simple and sensational. It’s a perfect way to turn cooked chicken into something fresh, vibrant, and just a little bit fancy, all while being unbelievably easy to put together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients, each adding its own magic. From crunchy celery and toasted walnuts to creamy yogurt and mayonnaise, every element plays a vital role in creating that perfect harmony of taste, texture, and color.
- Walnuts (⅔ cup, roughly chopped): Toast them lightly to bring out an irresistible depth and crunch that elevates the salad.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or cubed): The hearty base that makes this salad a satisfying meal, whether from rotisserie or leftovers.
- Celery (3 ribs, finely chopped): Adds a fresh, crisp bite that keeps the salad lively and bright.
- Apples (2, cored and cubed): Sweet and tart, they introduce a juicy crunch and vibrant color.
- Seedless grapes (1 cup, halved): Their natural sweetness balances the savory elements wonderfully.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Provides creaminess and helps bind all the flavors together.
- Greek yogurt (½ cup): Adds a touch of tanginess and lightness, making the dressing less heavy.
- Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Brightens the dressing and prevents the apples from browning.
- Kosher salt (¼ teaspoon): Enhances every ingredient subtly without overpowering.
- Ground black pepper (⅛ teaspoon): Offers a gentle kick 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 walnuts. Toast them while stirring frequently for about 5 minutes until they’re fragrant and lightly browned. This simple step transforms the nuts, releasing their oils and elevating their crunchy texture. Let them cool completely before combining with other ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. This combo creates a creamy, tangy dressing that beautifully coats every bite of salad. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste, adjusting carefully to keep the balance just right.
Step 3: Combine Salad Ingredients
Now it’s time to bring all the flavors together. Add the cooked chicken, finely chopped celery, cubed apples, halved grapes, and cooled toasted walnuts directly into the bowl with your dressing. Gently toss everything until the salad is evenly coated, ensuring every mouthful delivers a perfect mix of texture and flavor.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
Give your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe a final taste test and tweak the seasoning if needed. You might want a pinch more salt or a squeeze more lemon juice. Serve this salad chilled for the most refreshing and satisfying experience. It’s ready to enjoy immediately or chill to deepen the flavors.
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of additional toasted walnuts on top adds visual appeal and a lovely crunch right before serving. Consider a few fresh apple slices or a dusting of freshly cracked black pepper to enhance presentation and taste.
Side Dishes
This Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe shines as a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with artisan bread, crisp crackers, or even wrapped in a buttery croissant. For a more substantial meal, serve alongside a light vegetable soup or a garden salad dressed with vinaigrette for contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Scoop the salad into hollowed-out apples or serve it atop a bed of leafy greens for added color and freshness. Mini lettuce cups also make charming handheld bites perfect for entertaining. The versatility here means you can tailor presentation to the occasion while keeping it effortlessly delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed sooner rather than later to maintain the crispness of the apples and celery.
Freezing
This salad isn’t ideal for freezing because the fresh ingredients like apples, celery, and grapes can become mushy upon thawing. It’s best to prepare fresh each time or use leftovers quickly for the best texture.
Reheating
Since this salad is designed to be served cold, reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm chicken salad option, consider using fresh ingredients without the fruit and yogurt, or transform leftovers into a warm chicken sandwich filling instead.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts instead of walnuts?
Absolutely! Pecans or almonds can provide a similar crunch and flavor, though walnuts are classic to this recipe for their distinctive earthiness. Just toast them lightly to maximize flavor.
Is Greek yogurt necessary in the dressing?
Greek yogurt adds tang and lightness, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise. You can substitute with all mayonnaise if preferred, but the yogurt brightens the dressing and reduces heaviness.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the chicken or replace it with chickpeas or tofu. For a vegan version, use dairy-free yogurt and vegan mayo, and choose plant-based protein alternatives.
How do I keep apples from browning?
Lemon juice is key to preventing apple slices from browning. Tossing the apples with lemon juice immediately after cutting helps maintain their fresh appearance and crispness.
Can I prepare the components in advance?
Yes! You can toast the walnuts and chop the fruits and veggies ahead of time, storing them separately. Mix everything with the dressing right before serving to keep textures vibrant and fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is truly a delightful classic made easy and fresh for any occasion. Its combination of crisp, creamy, sweet, and savory is guaranteed to brighten your lunch or dinner table. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes to impress family and friends with a dish that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Give it a whirl—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Waldorf Chicken Salad is a fresh, crunchy, and creamy dish combining tender chicken, crunchy walnuts, crisp celery, sweet apples, and juicy grapes, all coated in a tangy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing with a hint of lemon. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing summer meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- ⅔ 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 Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Toast Walnuts: Heat a dry frying pan over medium-low heat. Add the roughly chopped walnuts and toast them, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until they become 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 with kosher salt and ground black pepper, mixing well to combine the flavors evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked shredded or cubed chicken, finely chopped celery, cubed apples, halved grapes, and the cooled toasted walnuts into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together to ensure the salad is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Serve: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper to your preference. Serve the Waldorf Chicken Salad chilled for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For best texture, use crisp apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans if preferred.
- The salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator to allow flavors to meld.
- For a lighter variation, reduce the mayonnaise quantity or use all Greek yogurt.
- Serve the salad on a bed of fresh lettuce or inside a wrap for a delicious meal option.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
