chicken salad waldorf recipe

The Best chicken salad waldorf recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite chicken salad Waldorf recipe. This dish has been a staple in my household for years, and it’s always a hit with my family and friends. The combination of juicy chicken, crunchy grapes, and sweet apples, all mixed with a hint of mayonnaise and a sprinkle of celery, is absolute perfection.

Whether I’m serving it at a casual dinner party or packing it in my kids’ lunches for school, this recipe never fails to impress. I love how easy it is to customize to your taste – want more or less mayonnaise? Add some chopped pecans for crunch?

It’s the perfect recipe for any occasion, and I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I do. The history of chicken salad goes back to the early 20th century, when it was first popularized by the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City. The original recipe included chicken, grapes, and walnuts, but over time it has evolved into many different variations.

This particular recipe is a classic take on the original, with the added bonus of being incredibly healthy. The combination of protein-rich chicken, fiber-rich grapes and apples, and healthy fats from the mayonnaise makes this dish a guilt-free option that’s perfect for any meal or snack. One of the things I love most about this recipe is how versatile it is.

You can serve it on its own as a main course, or use it as a topping for salads or wraps. You can even make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours – just be sure to give it a good stir before serving. The key to making this recipe truly shine is in the technique.

Don’t be afraid to get in there with your hands and mix everything together until it’s just combined – you want to preserve that lovely texture from the grapes and apples. And don’t overdo it with the mayonnaise – you want just enough to hold everything together without overpowering the other flavors.

Chicken Salad Waldorf

4.9 from 555 votes

A classic Waldorf salad with tender chicken, crisp apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. This refreshing dish is perfect for lunch or a light dinner.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 380 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
1 large apple (such as Granny Smith), diced
1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
2 celery stalks, diced
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

For the Dressing

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Salt and black pepper to taste

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and walnuts.
2Toss with lemon juice to prevent the apple from browning.
3In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
4Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
6Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
7Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers.
8Garnish with additional walnuts or apple slices if desired.

🔧Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Small mixing bowl
Whisk
Chef’s knife
Cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 380 kcal🧈Total Fat: 22g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 65mg🧂Sodium: 480mg🌾Total Carbs: 20g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 14g🥩Protein: 28g

📝Notes

For a lighter version, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant for extra crunch.

Watch Video Of How Chicken Salad Waldorf Works

To store this chicken salad waldorf recipe, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually meld together and taste even better the next day. If you are serving it later, wait to add the walnuts until right before serving so they stay crunchy.

For reheating, this salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so there is no need to heat it up. Just take it out of the fridge about 15 minutes before serving to take off the chill. For serving ideas, I love piling this salad onto a croissant or toasted sourdough for a hearty sandwich.

It also works well scooped into lettuce cups for a low carb option, or served alongside a bowl of tomato soup. For family gatherings, I put it in a pretty bowl with a sprinkle of extra walnuts and a few apple slices on top. It is always a hit at potlucks, picnics, and holiday brunches because it is familiar but a little special.

This recipe is a reliable go to that pleases everyone without much fuss.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Salad Waldorf

Q: What type of chicken should I use?

A: For this recipe, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. If you’re using breast meat, make sure to cook it until it’s nice and tender before chopping it up.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes! One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up to being made ahead of time. Simply chop all the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance, then mix everything together when you’re ready to serve.

Q: How do I store leftover chicken salad?

A: If you’re not planning on serving this within an hour or two of making it, be sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just be sure to give it a good stir before reheating.

Q: Can I substitute different types of fruit?

A: While grapes are traditional in this recipe, feel free to experiment with other types of fruit like berries or diced pineapple. Just keep in mind that using sweeter fruits may require adjusting the amount of mayonnaise used.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

A: Unfortunately not – while there are plenty of delicious vegetarian options out there, this particular recipe relies on chicken as its main protein source.

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