The Perfect Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe for Lunch Lovers

Waldorf chicken salad represents a delightful culinary symphony where textures dance and flavors intertwine with elegant simplicity.

Classic ingredients refine ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences that spark conversation and delight taste buds.

Fresh components create a harmonious blend that feels simultaneously sophisticated and comforting.

Generations have embraced this nostalgic recipe, celebrating its delicate balance between crunch and creaminess.

Nutritious elements merge in a celebration of contrasting sensations that tantalize the palate.

Each bite promises a journey through carefully selected ingredients that elevate simple chicken to gourmet status.

This beloved dish offers a perfect balance of protein, fruits, and nuts that satisfies multiple cravings.

Why Waldorf Chicken Salad Is Always a Refreshing Favorite

• Burst with Fresh Flavors: Savor the delightful combination of juicy grapes, crisp apples, and tender chicken that creates a symphony of taste in every bite.
• Texture Paradise: Enjoy the delightful crunch of walnuts and celery contrasting with the smooth, creamy mayonnaise dressing, offering a perfect balance of textures.
• Quick and Versatile Meal: Whip up this no-cook recipe in minutes, transforming it into a sandwich, salad, or appetizer that suits any occasion from picnics to quick lunches.

What Goes Into This Sweet, Crunchy, Creamy Classic

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides the base for the salad and adds substantial texture and flavor.
• Walnuts: Crunchy nuts that offer protein, healthy fats, and a nutty dimension to the salad.

• Grapes, Apples, Celery: Crisp fruits and vegetables that bring sweetness, tartness, and refreshing crunch to the salad.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that helps bind ingredients and provides rich, smooth texture.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic component that adds tanginess and helps prevent fruit from browning.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the tangy lemon and adds subtle depth to the dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.

How to Make a Balanced and Flavorful Waldorf Salad

Step 1: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Honey

Blend until smooth and adjust flavors by adding more lemon or honey to taste.

Step 2: Combine and Season Salad

Gently fold all chopped ingredients together in a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Mix carefully to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Serve and Enjoy

• Stuff inside soft pita pockets
• Spread on crispy crackers
• Layer between bread slices for a delicious sandwich
• Enjoy chilled as a refreshing standalone salad

Best served cold or at room temperature for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Tips to Keep Apples Crisp and Chicken Juicy

• Chill for Crispness: Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and enhance the crunchiness of apples and celery.
• Select Sweet Grapes: Choose ripe, seedless grapes that are firm and sweet to add a burst of natural sweetness to the chicken salad.
• Dice Uniformly: Cut chicken, apples, and celery into consistent bite-sized pieces for a balanced texture and easier eating experience.
• Substitute Smartly: Replace walnuts with almonds or pecans if desired, maintaining the nutty crunch and nutritional value.
• Dress Lightly: Add dressing gradually to prevent the salad from becoming soggy, ensuring each ingredient remains distinct and flavorful.

How to Store Waldorf Salad Without It Turning Watery

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of preparation. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Prevent Sogginess: Keep the salad crisp by storing the dressing separately from the chicken mixture if possible. Mix dressing just before serving to preserve the crunchy texture of apples, celery, and walnuts.
• Reheating: Consume this salad chilled for the best taste and texture. Gently stir the salad before serving to redistribute the dressing and revive the ingredients. Discard any portions left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.

Best Flavors to Serve with Waldorf Chicken Salad

• Craft a Crisp Wine Companion: Select a crisp, light white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the salad's fresh and tangy flavors. The wine's acidity will perfectly balance the creamy mayonnaise and bright lemon notes.
• Pair with Sparkling Refreshment: Serve alongside a sparkling water with a slice of lemon or a light, effervescent kombucha. These refreshing drinks will cut through the richness of the chicken and mayonnaise while enhancing the salad's bright, crisp elements.
• Create a Crunchy Side Kick: Add a side of toasted multigrain crackers or rustic sourdough bread to provide a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the salad's creamy texture. The additional crunch will elevate the overall eating experience and add a delightful textural dimension.
• Match with Herbal Iced Tea: Brew a cool, unsweetened green or mint iced tea to serve alongside the Waldorf chicken salad. The herbal notes will beautifully complement the salad's fresh ingredients and provide a light, cooling beverage that doesn't overpower the dish's delicate flavors.

Tasty Twists on the Classic Waldorf Chicken Combo

• Mediterranean Marvel: Swap chicken with grilled lamb, replace walnuts with pine nuts, and add crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with olive oil and za'atar seasoning for a Middle Eastern-inspired version.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Use shredded rotisserie chicken, swap grapes for roasted corn, and add diced jalapeños. Mix in cilantro and replace honey with chipotle sauce for a zesty kick.
• Asian Fusion Flair: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, add mandarin orange segments, and swap walnuts for toasted sesame seeds. Incorporate a touch of rice vinegar and ginger for an eastern-inspired profile.
• Veggie Protein Power: Substitute chicken with cubed firm tofu or chickpeas, keep the original dressing, and add extra crunchy vegetables like bell peppers and radishes for a plant-based alternative.

Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Waldorf chicken salad brings classic American elegance to your plate with crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken. Creamy dressing and fresh herbs create a perfect balance of flavors you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) chopped cooked chicken

Fruits and Vegetables:

• 1 cup (240 ml) diced apples
• 1 cup (240 ml) seedless grapes (cut in half)
• ½ cup (120 ml) diced celery

Nuts and Dressing:

• ½ cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts
• ¼ cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
• 1–2 teaspoons (5–10 ml) honey
• Salt
• Pepper

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Instructions

1. Gather cooked chicken, crisp red or green grapes, tart green apples, crunchy celery, and toasted walnuts in a spacious mixing bowl.
2. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and golden honey in a separate small bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-incorporated.
3. Taste the dressing and fine-tune the balance of tangy and sweet notes by adjusting the lemon juice or honey according to your preference.
4. Gently fold the prepared dressing into the chicken mixture, ensuring each ingredient is delicately coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Season the salad with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, distributing the seasonings evenly for a harmonious flavor profile.
6. Allow the salad to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling the ingredients to meld and the flavors to develop fully.
7. Serve the Waldorf chicken salad chilled or at room temperature, nestled inside whole wheat pitas, spread on artisan crackers, layered between rustic bread slices, or atop a bed of crisp mixed greens for a versatile and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Discover a delightful twist on the classic Waldorf salad by transforming it into a protein-packed chicken version.
• Fresh ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of textures from crisp apples to crunchy walnuts and tender chicken.
• Homemade dressing brings magic, blending tangy lemon with sweet honey for a creamy and irresistible coating.
• Versatile recipe allows for multiple serving options, from elegant lunch plates to quick picnic-ready sandwiches.
• Perfect make-ahead dish that stays fresh and flavorful, ideal for meal prepping or unexpected guests.
• Nutritious and satisfying combination delivers a balance of protein, fruits, and nuts in every delicious bite.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Sugar: 14g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 16g
• Cholesterol: 60mg