Bright, crunchy, and creamy with just the right touch of sweetness, this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is the salad you’ll crave every time you need something refreshing yet utterly satisfying. It’s got everything you love in a classic chicken salad—juicy chicken, crisp apples, snappy celery, tender grapes, and toasty walnuts—all tossed together in a tangy-sweet dressing. Serve it piled high on fresh lettuce leaves, tucked into a sandwich, or with crackers for a delicious lunch that feels special but comes together in a flash.

Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe turns simple, everyday ingredients into a dazzling salad bursting with flavors and textures. Each component brings its own magic: crunch, color, juiciness, or richness. Here’s everything you’ll want to gather before you start:

Cooked chicken breast (3 cups, diced): Tender, mild chicken is the heart of the salad, soaking up all the delicious flavors from the dressing and mix-ins.
Red seedless grapes (1 cup, halved): These juicy little gems offer sweetness and a pop of color with every bite.
Celery (1 cup, chopped): Celery adds that signature fresh crunch and a subtle, grassy note.
Large apple (1, cored and diced): Apple brings crispness and tangy-sweet flavor—go for something firm like Gala or Honeycrisp!
Walnuts (1/2 cup, roughly chopped): Earthy walnuts give the salad rich, nutty undertones and a satisfying bite.
Dried cranberries (1/4 cup, optional): A little hint of tartness and color that complements the fruitiness and offers a chewy contrast.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creamy mayo binds everything together and gives the salad its classic richness.
Plain Greek yogurt (1/4 cup): Yogurt lightens the dressing and adds a subtle tang, making the salad taste fresher.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Bright lemon juice keeps the flavors sharp and the apples from browning.
Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon): This little bit of mustard perks up the entire dish with just a mild-savory kick.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors perfectly.
Lettuce leaves (for serving): Crisp leaves like butter, Bibb, or romaine make the perfect edible bowl for your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe.

How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Before you begin mixing, take a few minutes to dice the chicken, halve your grapes, chop the celery, dice the apple, and roughly chop the walnuts. If you’re including dried cranberries, measure them out as well. Prepping everything first means assembly will be a breeze!

Step 2: Combine the Salad Base

In a large mixing bowl, add your diced chicken, halved grapes, chopped celery, diced apple, walnuts, and cranberries if you’re using them. Gently toss the ingredients by hand or with a large spoon, making sure each bite will have a little bit of everything.

Step 3: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is silky smooth. The balance between creamy, tangy, and savory makes this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe shine.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the dressing over your chicken and fruit mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the salad together until every chunk is beautifully coated in the creamy dressing—try not to mash the fruit or chicken as you mix!

Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor

Cover your loaded salad and pop it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This gives the flavors time to mingle and the dressing to seep deliciously into all the ingredients, making every bite taste even better.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange crisp lettuce leaves on a platter or plates and generously spoon your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe on top. You can also scoop it into a sandwich, wrap it, or pair with crackers—however you like it!

How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A few pretty garnishes can take your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe from simple to stunning. Sprinkle extra toasted walnuts or a handful of fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives right before serving for added crunch and pop of green. For a little sparkle, a few whole red grapes or thin apple slices look beautiful on top.

Side Dishes

This salad packs plenty of flavor and texture on its own, but you can make lunch feel like a feast with some simple accompaniments. Serve it alongside a bowl of creamy tomato soup, a handful of kettle-cooked chips, or a pile of crisp cucumber slices for an extra-refreshing touch. A cold sparkling lemonade or fresh iced tea rounds out the meal wonderfully!

Creative Ways to Present

Get festive and scoop your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe into hollowed-out apple halves for adorable individual servings, or stuff it into mini croissants or pita pockets for a fun finger food. If you’re hosting a brunch or light lunch, arrange the salad as part of a colorful platter with crackers, sliced baguette, and a rainbow of fresh fruit for people to build their own bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is a lifesaver when you need a quick meal or snack. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for up to three days. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.

Freezing

While freezing is a handy trick for some chicken salads, it doesn’t work so well for this particular recipe. The fresh fruits and creamy dressing can separate and become watery or mushy upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed freshly made or refrigerated for a few days.

Reheating

No need to reheat—this salad is served chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead option for picnics and lunchboxes. Just spoon it straight from the fridge onto your serving dish, give it a fluff, and dig in!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is tender, flavorful, and makes this dish even quicker to prepare. Just be sure to remove the skin and dice the meat before adding it to your salad base.

What kind of apple works best in Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe?

Firm, crunchy apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are perfect since they hold their shape and offer wonderful sweetness without getting mushy. A tart apple like Granny Smith also works for a more tangy twist.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Substitute the Greek yogurt with your favorite plain dairy-free yogurt or simply use extra mayonnaise. Just be sure to check labels for any added sugars or thickeners that might change the flavor or texture.

Can I use a different nut or leave them out?

Yes, pecans make a great alternative if you’re not a walnut fan. If you have a nut allergy or just don’t want nuts, simply skip them—this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe is still fantastic and full of crunch from the celery and apples.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

It’s a meal prep hero! Make a big bowl at the start of the week, then scoop out individual portions as needed. Just keep the salad tightly covered in the fridge and, if possible, add the nuts or a little extra dressing right before serving to keep everything at its best.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so timeless and irresistible about this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe—it’s fresh, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser, whether for a cozy solo lunch or a cheerful gathering. Give it a try soon, and I promise it’ll become one of your go-to favorites, too!

Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

This Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe is a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad, combining tender chicken breast with juicy grapes, crunchy celery, sweet apples, and nutty walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a refreshing picnic dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
1 cup celery, chopped
1 large apple, cored and diced
1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)

Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves for serving

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, mix chicken, grapes, celery, apple, walnuts, and cranberries if using.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Toss: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until evenly coated.
Chill: Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Serve: Serve on lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.