Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

The Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for decades. It’s a great choice for a light lunch, elegant brunch, or even as a side dish. The combination of crunchy walnuts, juicy grapes, and tender chicken is sure to please your palate.

Photos of Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

The ingredients for this recipe are quite common and should be readily available in most supermarkets. One ingredient that may not be in your pantry is Greek yogurt, which is a healthier alternative to mayonnaise that adds a creamy texture and a tangy flavor to the salad. If you can’t find it, you can use more mayonnaise instead.

Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight Ingredients

Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt adds a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavor to the salad.

Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is used to add richness and creaminess to the salad.

Lemon juice: Lemon juice adds a fresh and tangy flavor, and also helps to balance out the sweetness of the fruits.

Chicken breast: The chicken breast is the main source of protein in this salad.

Celery stalks: Celery adds a nice crunch and freshness to the salad.

Apple: Apples add a sweet and slightly tart flavor, as well as a nice crunch.

Grapes: Grapes add a burst of sweetness and juiciness to the salad.

Walnuts: Walnuts add a nice crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.

Boston lettuce leaves: The lettuce cups serve as the base of the salad, adding a crisp and refreshing element.

One reader, Juliet Griffis says:

This waldorf chicken salad delight recipe is a game-changer! The combination of juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken in a creamy dressing is simply divine. It's a refreshing and satisfying dish that's perfect for a light lunch or a picnic. I highly recommend trying it out!

Juliet Griffis

Techniques Required for Making Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight

How to bake walnuts: Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes, then allow them to cool.

How to make the dressing: In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.

How to assemble the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken, diced celery, chopped apple, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts with the prepared dressing.

How to serve: Spoon the Waldorf chicken salad into individual Boston lettuce leaves and serve immediately.

How To Make Waldorf Chicken Salad

Refreshingly flavorful, filled with apple, lettuce, and cooked chicken tossed in tasty dressing, this filling chicken salad is easily made, best for lunch!

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 5 minutes

Total: 15 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

¼cupGreek yogurt,plain
¼cupmayonnaise,such as canola oil mayo
1tbsplemon juice
½tspsalt
fresh ground black pepper
1chicken breast,cooked, diced
2celery stalks,chopped
1apple,chopped
1cupgrapes,halved
1cupwalnuts,toasted, chopped
6Boston lettuce leaves

Instructions

Place the walnuts on a baking sheet and bake at 350 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Cool.
In a small mixing bowl, mix the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper together.
In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, celery, apple, grapes, walnuts, and the dressing.
Spoon into lettuce cups and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

If desired, use leftover rotisserie chicken or bake, grill, or cook the chicken in the Instant Pot. Place an (8 to10 ounce) chicken breast in the bottom of the slow cooker with ¼ cup of water. Sprinkle with some onion, salt, paprika, and pepper. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with a 5 minutes slow-release, followed by a quick release.

Nutrition

Calories: 253.10kcal
Fat: 16.96g
Saturated Fat: 3.53g
Trans Fat: 0.05g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.55g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 8.07g
Carbohydrates: 15.24g
Fiber: 2.06g
Sugar: 11.63g
Protein: 11.24g
Cholesterol: 35.86mg
Sodium: 427.55mg
Calcium: 37.86mg
Potassium: 302.40mg
Iron: 0.74mg
Vitamin A: 29.95µg
Vitamin C: 5.69mg

Helpful Technique for Perfecting Your Waldorf Chicken Salad

When toasting the walnuts, keep a close eye on them as they can easily burn. The moment they start releasing their nutty aroma, they're done. This not only enhances their flavor but also adds a delightful crunch to the Waldorf Chicken Salad.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Waldorf Chicken Salad

Prep ahead: Chop and store the celery, apple, and grapes in advance to save time when assembling the salad.

Use rotisserie chicken: Save time by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking and shredding a chicken breast.

Buy pre-chopped walnuts: Purchase pre-chopped walnuts to skip the step of chopping them yourself.

Multi-task: While the walnuts are toasting, prepare the dressing and chop the ingredients to maximize efficiency.

Make extra: Double the recipe and store the extra salad in the fridge for a quick and convenient meal later in the week.

Substitute Ingredients For Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

Greek yogurt - Substitute with plain yogurt: Plain yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture, making it a suitable replacement for Greek yogurt in this recipe.
Mayonnaise - Substitute with plain Greek yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise, providing a creamy texture and tangy flavor while reducing the overall fat content.
Lemon juice - Substitute with white wine vinegar: White wine vinegar offers a similar level of acidity and a slightly fruity flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the salad.
Salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt provides a similar level of salinity and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Fresh ground black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a milder alternative to black pepper, providing a subtle heat and earthy flavor to the salad.
Chicken breast - Substitute with turkey breast: Turkey breast can be used as a leaner alternative to chicken breast, offering a similar texture and flavor profile.
Celery stalks - Substitute with fennel bulb: Fennel bulb provides a crunchy texture and a mild, slightly sweet flavor, serving as a suitable replacement for celery in the salad.
Apple - Substitute with pear: Pears offer a similar crisp texture and sweet, juicy flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the salad.
Grapes - Substitute with dried cranberries: Dried cranberries provide a sweet and slightly tart flavor, adding a burst of fruity goodness to the salad.
Walnuts - Substitute with pecans: Pecans offer a similar nutty flavor and crunchy texture, making them a great alternative to walnuts in the recipe.
Boston lettuce leaves - Substitute with butter lettuce leaves: Butter lettuce leaves have a similar delicate texture and mild flavor, serving as a suitable replacement for Boston lettuce in the salad.

Presenting Your Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight

Elevate the plating: Arrange the Waldorf chicken salad delight in a visually appealing manner, ensuring each ingredient is showcased beautifully.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a variety of textures by delicately placing the crispy walnuts, juicy grapes, and tender chicken to create a harmonious balance.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the vibrant colors and textures of the salad to stand out.
Garnish with microgreens: Add a touch of freshness and elegance by garnishing the dish with delicate microgreens for a pop of color and flavor.
Emphasize symmetry: Create a sense of balance and harmony by arranging the components symmetrically, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the dish.
Highlight the lettuce cups: Showcase the Waldorf chicken salad delight within the boston lettuce cups, ensuring they are neatly presented and easily accessible for diners.

Essential Tools for Making Waldorf Chicken Salad

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for chopping, slicing, shredding, and pureeing ingredients. It can be helpful for quickly preparing the chicken, celery, and walnuts for the Waldorf chicken salad delight recipe.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the dressing ingredients and tossing the chicken, celery, apple, grapes, and walnuts together for the salad.
Baking sheet: A baking sheet is used to evenly spread and bake the walnuts for the Waldorf chicken salad delight recipe.
Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for cutting the chicken, celery, apple, and grapes for the salad.
Lemon squeezer: A lemon squeezer can be used to extract the juice from the lemon for the dressing.
Salad spinner: A salad spinner can be used to wash and dry the lettuce leaves before using them as cups for serving the Waldorf chicken salad delight.

Storing and Freezing Waldorf Chicken Salad

To store the waldorf chicken salad in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep fresh for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to prepare the salad ahead of time, mix all the ingredients except for the walnuts and lettuce. Store the mixture in the refrigerator, and add the nuts and lettuce just before serving to prevent them from getting soggy.
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken salad mixture (without the walnuts and lettuce) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator before adding the walnuts and lettuce, and serving.
If you have leftover salad that has already been mixed with the dressing, it's best to consume it within 1-2 days for optimal taste and texture. The lettuce and walnuts may lose their crispness over time.
To keep the apples and celery fresh and crunchy, you can store them separately in cold water mixed with a bit of lemon juice until ready to add to the salad.

Interesting Fact About Waldorf Chicken Salad

The Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight recipe is a modern twist on the classic Waldorf salad, incorporating the delicious flavors of chicken, walnuts, grapes, and apples. This dish is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, providing a delightful combination of textures and tastes. It's a versatile recipe that can be served as a light lunch, a refreshing appetizer, or a satisfying main course. The addition of Greek yogurt in the dressing not only enhances the creaminess but also adds a healthy touch to the dish. This recipe is a great way to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal.

Is Making Waldorf Chicken Salad at Home Cost-Effective?

This Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight recipe offers a good balance of cost-effectiveness. The use of affordable ingredients like chicken breast, celery, apples, and grapes makes it budget-friendly. However, the inclusion of walnuts may slightly increase the overall cost. With careful shopping, this recipe can be prepared for approximately $15, making it a reasonable choice for a household of 4. The delightful blend of flavors and textures earns this recipe a solid 8/10 rating, making it a worthwhile and economical option for a family meal.

Is Waldorf Chicken Salad Healthy or Unhealthy?

The Waldorf chicken salad delight recipe is a relatively healthy dish with a good balance of protein, fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients:

Greek yogurt and mayonnaise: These provide a creamy base for the dressing, with Greek yogurt offering a healthier alternative to traditional mayonnaise.
Chicken breast: A lean source of protein.
Celery and apple: These add fiber, vitamins, and minerals to the dish.
Grapes: A source of natural sweetness and antioxidants.
Walnuts: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients.
Boston lettuce: A low-calorie, nutrient-rich leafy green.

While this salad is generally healthy, there are a few ways to make it even more nutritious:

Opt for a low-fat or fat-free Greek yogurt to reduce the overall fat content of the dressing.
Use a light or olive oil-based mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise.
Increase the proportion of celery and apple to boost the fiber content.
Toast the walnuts to enhance their flavor without adding extra oil.
Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens to increase the variety of nutrients.
Consider adding other healthy ingredients, such as dried cranberries or diced red onion, for added flavor and nutrition.

By making these small adjustments, you can elevate the Waldorf chicken salad delight recipe into an even healthier and more satisfying meal.

Editor's Opinion on This Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

This Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy dressing made with Greek yogurt and mayonnaise perfectly complements the tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet apples, juicy grapes, and toasted walnuts. The addition of lemon juice adds a refreshing zing, while the Boston lettuce cups provide a light and fresh base for serving. This dish is a perfect balance of savory and sweet, making it a versatile and satisfying meal option.

Enhance Your Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes with a hint of roasted garlic, perfect for pairing with the Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight.

Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Zest: Tender asparagus spears grilled to perfection and finished with a sprinkle of fresh lemon zest, a refreshing side dish to accompany the Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight.

Cranberry Orange Quinoa Salad: A light and refreshing quinoa salad with tangy cranberries and zesty orange flavors, a delightful side to serve alongside the Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight.

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Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry: This beef and broccoli stir fry is a quick and easy dish that is packed with flavor. The tender beef, crisp broccoli, and savory sauce make for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

Appetizer and Dessert Pairings for Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a delectable appetizer by stuffing mushrooms with a savory mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a crowd-pleasing starter.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Whip up a batch of crispy zucchini fritters by combining shredded zucchini with herbs, spices, and a hint of cheese. Pan-fry until golden brown and serve with a dollop of creamy dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and creamy chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The smooth texture and decadent flavor will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Strawberry Cheesecake: Savor the creamy and tangy goodness of a classic strawberry cheesecake, topped with a luscious strawberry compote. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why trust this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful twist on the classic Waldorf salad, incorporating chicken for a protein boost. The use of greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates a creamy and tangy dressing, while the addition of grapes and apples provides a sweet and juicy contrast. The toasted walnuts add a satisfying crunch, and the celery brings a refreshing crispness. With a balanced blend of flavors and textures, this Waldorf Chicken Salad Delight is a trustworthy and delicious choice for a satisfying meal.

Share your thoughts on the Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe in the Recipe Sharing forum and let us know if you have any tips or variations to make this classic dish even better!

FAQ:

What type of apple is best for this recipe?

I recommend using a sweet and crisp apple such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture in the salad.

Can I use something other than walnuts?

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or prefer a different nut, you can substitute walnuts with pecans, almonds, or even cashews for a delicious variation.

How long can I store the chicken salad?

The chicken salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a good stir before serving if it has been refrigerated.

Can I use something other than Greek yogurt?

Yes, you can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or plain yogurt if you prefer. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor and texture of the dressing.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the chicken salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. However, I recommend adding the dressing and tossing the salad just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.