Chicken Waldorf Salad
This delicious Chicken Waldorf Salad brings together the perfect mix of sweet and savory flavors that everyone at your table will absolutely love! It’s packed with juicy chicken, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts – plus it’s ready in just 15 minutes. You’ll have a healthy, filling meal that tastes like it took hours to make.
Recipe Details
Timing & Servings: Cook Time: 15 minutes, Total Time: 15 minutes, Serves: 4 people with about 1 1/2 cups each.
Nutrition Profile: Dairy-Free, Healthy Aging, High-Protein, Gluten-Free, Low-Calorie
Nutrition Facts (per serving): 356 Calories, 17g Fat, 23g Carbs, 31g Protein
Ingredients You’ll Need
Low-fat mayonnaise: You’ll need 1/3 cup of this creamy base that keeps the salad light but still delicious. It’s the perfect way to cut calories without losing that rich taste we all love!
Plain yogurt: Another 1/3 cup of nonfat or low-fat yogurt adds extra creaminess and a little tangy flavor. This also bumps up the protein, which is always a win in my book.
Fresh lemon juice: Just 2 teaspoons will brighten up all the flavors and keep your apples from turning brown. Fresh squeezed is best, but bottled works great too.
Salt: A simple 1/4 teaspoon brings out all those wonderful flavors. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, you can skip this since it’s already salty.
Cooked chicken breast: You’ll need 3 cups chopped up into bite-sized pieces. Leftover grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken from the store makes this super easy!
Red apple: One medium apple diced up gives you that classic Waldorf crunch and sweetness. I love leaving the skin on for extra color and nutrients.
Grapes: 1 cup of red or green grapes cut in half adds the most amazing juicy sweetness. Pick whichever color looks best at the store!
Celery: 1 cup sliced gives you that perfect crisp texture that makes this salad so satisfying. Don’t skip this – it’s what makes Waldorf salad special.
Walnuts: 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, divided in half. Toasting them first makes them extra nutty and delicious, but they’re great either way.
How to Make Chicken Waldorf Salad
Step 1: Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together your mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt until it’s nice and smooth. This creamy dressing is what brings everything together beautifully.
Step 2: Add your chopped chicken, diced apple, halved grapes, sliced celery, and 1/4 cup of the walnuts to the bowl. Gently stir everything together until it’s all coated with that delicious dressing.
Step 3: Serve it up in bowls or on plates, then sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup walnuts on top for extra crunch. That’s it – you’re done!
Easy and Quick Chicken Waldorf Salad Version
Want to make this even faster? You bet you can! Grab a rotisserie chicken from the store and just pull off 3 cups of meat – no cooking needed. Use pre-washed, pre-cut celery from those veggie trays at the grocery store. You can even buy pre-chopped walnuts to save time. The whole thing will come together in under 10 minutes, and it tastes just as amazing!
Serving Ideas
This hearty salad makes a complete meal all on its own, especially with all that protein-packed chicken. I love serving it over a bed of fresh watercress or mixed greens for extra color. A chunk of crusty whole-grain bread on the side is perfect for scooping up any leftover dressing – trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!
Storage
Store your leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors actually get even better after sitting for a few hours! Just give it a quick stir before serving since the dressing might settle a bit.
Substitutions
No walnuts? Try chopped pecans or almonds instead – they’re just as delicious. You can swap the red apple for a green Granny Smith if you like things more tart. Greek yogurt works great in place of regular yogurt if that’s what you have on hand. Turkey works just as well as chicken if you have leftovers from the holidays!
Pro Tips
• Toast those nuts: Heat them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2-4 minutes, stirring constantly. The smell will tell you when they’re perfect!
• Apple prep trick: Dice your apple right before mixing to keep it from browning, or toss it with a little extra lemon juice.
• Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better after the flavors have time to meld together in the fridge.
• Serving size: This makes generous portions, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot – it’s filling but still light and healthy.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad ahead?
Absolutely! Keep the salad covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors actually get better as they sit together.
How do I toast chopped nuts?
To toast chopped, small or sliced nuts, cook in a small dry skillet over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 to 4 minutes. You’ll smell when they’re ready!
What should I serve with Chicken Waldorf Salad?
This salad can make a satisfying light lunch or dinner, especially with all that chicken breast. If you want to add more, you could serve it with something crispy like a squash fritter or add a pizza with your favorite toppings on a cauliflower crust. Including fresh whole-grain baguettes or rolls is a must because you’ll want to mop up any leftover dressing.
Can I use a different type of apple?
Sure! Any crisp apple works great. Granny Smith adds tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala bring more sweetness. Just pick whatever looks good at the store!
I’d love to hear how your Chicken Waldorf Salad turns out! Drop me a comment and let me know what you think – or share any fun variations you tried. Happy cooking, friends!
