Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that strikes the perfect balance between creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory, look no further than Chicken Waldorf Salad. Bursting with vibrant apples, juicy grapes, hearty chicken, and dressed in a tangy yogurt sauce, this classic salad is just as perfect for lunch al fresco as it is for a family gathering. Whether you’re whipping it up as a fresh meal-prep star or making a big bowl to share with friends, this medley is guaranteed to surprise and delight everyone at the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Chicken Waldorf Salad lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients—each one adds its own note to the symphony of flavors and textures. Let’s break down how every component shines in the finished dish.

• Cooked chicken: A classic starting point; use rotisserie for convenience and robust flavor or your own gently poached chicken for extra tenderness.
• Apple (red recommended): Brings juicy sweetness plus gorgeous pops of color—pick a firm, crisp apple for best results.
• Grapes (red or green): Half these for bursts of juicy freshness that perfectly complement the apples and chicken.
• Celery: Adds that signature crunch and a light, refreshing taste to every bite; dice it small for perfect forkfuls.
• Chopped walnuts (or pecans): Classic, buttery crunch; toasting lightly in a dry skillet brings out even more flavor.
• Dried cranberries (or raisins, optional): Lend a sweet-tart pop and a pretty sparkle of color that makes the salad feel festive.
• Greek yogurt (plain): The creamy, protein-rich base for the dressing—Greek or Icelandic yogurt will keep it thick and tangy.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything and keeps the apples from browning.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the tang of the yogurt and the zestiness of the lemon.
• Salt: Just enough to bring all the flavors together without overpowering the natural notes of the other ingredients.
• Black pepper: Adds a whisper of warmth that ties the dressing together.
• Black poppyseeds: Little pops of crunch and an attractive finish to your salad—totally worth including for the fun crunch alone!

How to Make Chicken Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Prep Your Main Ingredients

Start with the essentials—chop up your cooked chicken into hearty, bite-sized cubes, and get your apple cored and diced (leaving the skin on adds both nutrients and a lovely speckle of color). Slice the grapes in half for the juiciest bursts of flavor, dice your celery nice and thin, and get your nuts and cranberries ready to join the party.

Step 2: Mix the Yogurt Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, black pepper, and black poppyseeds. This dressing should come together silky-smooth, with a balance of tanginess, sweetness, and little flecks of poppyseed. Give it a taste and adjust the salt or honey if you’d like before moving on.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Place your chicken, apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, and cranberries in a large mixing bowl. Pour the yogurt dressing over the top and toss gently with a large spoon or spatula, making sure every ingredient is evenly coated with that creamy, tangy goodness.

Step 4: Chill (If You Can Wait!)

You can serve Chicken Waldorf Salad immediately if you’re hungry, but if you have 15 minutes to spare in the fridge, let the flavors marry and mingle—this short chill time makes a world of difference in taste and texture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon your finished Chicken Waldorf Salad over a bed of tender greens or into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing main dish. Or, get creative and pack it into sandwiches, pita pockets, or wraps. However you serve it, expect rave reviews!

How to Serve Chicken Waldorf Salad

Garnishes

For that extra special touch, sprinkle a few more chopped walnuts or pecans on top right before serving. A scattering of fresh herbs like finely chopped parsley or chives can add both gorgeous green color and a gentle herbal lift to every bite.

Side Dishes

Chicken Waldorf Salad pairs well with just about anything light and crunchy. Try a bowl of soup, a slice of hearty sourdough bread, or a side of fresh fruit. Even a cup of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon makes a vibrant lunch feel complete!

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to have fun with your presentation. Scoop the Chicken Waldorf Salad into halved avocados, stuff it into hollowed tomatoes, or use mini croissants for party-ready sliders. Layer it in parfait glasses for a playful, elegant starter at brunch or a shower.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Chicken Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more as it sits, but the apples may soften a bit after the first day—give the salad a gentle toss before serving again to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze Chicken Waldorf Salad as the fresh fruit, celery, and creamy yogurt dressing won’t hold up well to freezing and thawing. The texture becomes watery and the apples lose their crispness, so it’s worth making this dish fresh.

Reheating

Chicken Waldorf Salad is designed to be enjoyed cold or at cool room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—simply scoop from the fridge, give it a quick stir, and it’s picnic- or lunchbox-ready in seconds.

FAQs

Can I use leftover turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Leftover roasted or smoked turkey tastes fantastic in this salad—just chop or shred it and use in place of the chicken. It’s a great way to reinvent holiday leftovers.

What type of apples work best?

Crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work beautifully in Chicken Waldorf Salad because they hold their shape and offer a sweet-tart flavor. Grannies are good too if you want extra tang.

How can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad dairy-free?

Swap the Greek yogurt for a thick, unsweetened dairy-free alternative like coconut, soy, or almond yogurt. Just be sure to taste and adjust the lemon juice and honey since plant-based yogurts can vary in flavor.

Is it possible to make this nut-free?

You can easily omit the walnuts or pecans if you have a nut allergy. Try toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a similar crunch without nuts.

How far in advance can I prepare this salad?

Chicken Waldorf Salad can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead, making it ideal for meal prep or entertaining. For the freshest apple crunch, you can dice and add the apples just before serving.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Waldorf Salad is one of those timeless recipes that feels fresh, satisfying, and just a touch special every single time. Give it a try and watch it become your new go-to for anything from weekday lunches to celebration spreads—you may never look at chicken salad the same way again!

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