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Home » Recipes

Chicken Waldorf Salad

Chicken Waldorf Salad is a classic American recipe that combines tender chicken, crisp apples, celery, and grapes with creamy mayonnaise and pecans. It's a light and refreshing salad perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch. The sweet and tangy flavors, along with the satisfying crunch of the apples and celery, make it a timeless favorite.

Chicken Waldorf salad.

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Serve it for a quick and easy lunch, light dinner, side dish, or as meal prep!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

There are many reasons why you will love this chicken Waldorf salad recipe. Here are just a few:

  • It is made with simple, fresh ingredients.
  • This chicken salad is a healthy and nutritious meal.
  • It is easy to make, even for beginners.
  • It is a versatile dish that can be served in many different ways.
  • Everything comes together in just 5 minutes.
  • This is a great way to use up leftover chicken.
  • This recipe is high in protein.
  • Great for lunch, dinner, side dishes, and meal prep.
  • Check out this Loaded Chicken Salad for another healthy lunch recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutes

These are the ingredients for this Chicken Waldorf salad. Scroll down to the recipe card below for the entire recipe.

First, use cooked chicken breast. Dice or shred the chicken.

Use a crisp apple type. Honey crisp and Granny Smith work best for chicken salad.

Cut the seedless grapes in half. Red and green both work well.

Dice the celery.

For some added crunch, add in walnuts or pecans.

To make the dressing, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Finally, top with fresh herbs if desired.

Healthy lunch plates.

Taste & Texture

Chicken Waldorf salad has a delicious flavor that is both sweet and savory.

The chicken is tender and juicy, and the apples add a crispness and natural sweetness.

The grapes add a burst of fruity flavor, and the walnuts or pecans provide a nutty crunch.

The dressing is creamy and flavorful. It brings all of the ingredients together perfectly!

How to Make

Step 1

Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Step 2

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and walnuts.

Step 3

Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4

Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich, or with whole-grain crackers!

Expert Tips for Success

Here are a few expert tips and tricks to help you make the perfect chicken Waldorf salad:

Use good quality ingredients, especially the chicken and apples.

Be sure to chop the ingredients into small, uniform pieces.

Gently toss the ingredients together so that they do not become mushy.

Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Grapes with kale.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

There are many different ways to flavor chicken Waldorf salad. Here are a few ideas:

Add a tablespoon of honey to the dressing for a sweeter flavor.

Use dried cranberries instead of fresh grapes.

Add a handful of chopped celery for a crunchier texture.

Stir in a tablespoon of chopped parsley for a fresh flavor.

How to Serve & Store

Chicken Waldorf salad can be served in many different ways.

It is delicious served on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich filling, or as a wrap.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best type of chicken to use for this salad?

Rotisserie chicken is a great option because it is already cooked and shredded. Or, use up leftover grilled chicken.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time, but it is best to serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture.

What type of apple is best for this salad?

Crisp and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are ideal for balancing the sweetness of grapes.

Plate with chicken and grapes.

Equipment Needed

Pyrex 3 Glass Mixing Bowls: We always use these mixing bowls when making a big batch of chicken Waldorf salad.

You May Also Enjoy

  • Green Goddess Chicken Salad
  • Homemade Chicken Salad
  • Sour Cream and Onion Chicken Salad
  • Curry Chicken Salad
  • Chicken Taco Salad

If you enjoyed this Chicken Waldorf salad recipe, please leave a rating and comment! For more inspiration, check out my Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest. For 5 free weekly meal plans and more free resources, sign up to receive my free newsletter! Check out these Dinner Recipes for more healthy and easy family dinner ideas.

Chicken Waldorf salad.

Chicken Waldorf Salad

This Chicken Waldorf salad is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a versatile option for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish. The creamy dressing complements the fresh ingredients, creating a refreshing and satisfying meal!
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Sides
Cuisine: American
Method: Too Easy
Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Servings: 4 servings
Save Recipe Saved!

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded)
  • 1 cup diced apple (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1 cup seedless grapes (halved)
  • ½ cup celery (diced)
  • ¼ cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
  • ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • fresh herbs like parsley or dill (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
  • Toss Salad: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss until everything is well coated. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Serve on a bed of lettuce, as a sandwich, or with whole-grain crackers!

Notes

  • Use a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a refreshing crunch that balances the sweetness of the grapes and richness of the dressing.
  • Leftover or rotisserie chicken works great for convenience, and you can substitute with turkey for a different twist.
  • If you’re avoiding walnuts, pecans or slivered almonds can be used for a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
  • For a healthier option, stick with just Greek yogurt and skip the mayonnaise, or use a low-fat version for added creaminess.
  • Serve the salad over greens for a lighter meal, or use it as a sandwich filling for a more hearty lunch option.
  • Check out all of our Kitchen Favorites!
    Nutrition Facts
    Nutrition Facts
    Chicken Waldorf Salad
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 239 Calories from Fat 90
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 10g15%
    Saturated Fat 2g13%
    Trans Fat 0.01g
    Polyunsaturated Fat 4g
    Monounsaturated Fat 4g
    Cholesterol 62mg21%
    Sodium 90mg4%
    Potassium 368mg11%
    Carbohydrates 13g4%
    Fiber 2g8%
    Sugar 10g11%
    Protein 24g48%
    Vitamin A 120IU2%
    Vitamin C 5mg6%
    Calcium 40mg4%
    Iron 1mg6%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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