Salads
Chicken Waldorf Salad
The classic Waldorf salad — crisp apples, celery and walnuts in a creamy dressing — gets a heartier, main-dish upgrade with the addition of diced chicken and halved grapes. It's an easy make-ahead lunch that stays fresh in the fridge for a few days.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Sweet-savory balance of apples, grapes and celery
- Hearty enough to be a full meal with chicken added
- Make-ahead friendly for lunches
- No cooking required if using pre-cooked chicken
Ingredients
Full ingredient list below — check off items as you shop or cook.
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, apples, celery, grapes and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and honey until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over lettuce leaves, in a sandwich, or on its own, chilled.
Tips for success
- Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice before mixing to help slow browning.
- Toasting the walnuts briefly in a dry skillet deepens their flavor noticeably.
- This salad keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, though the apples soften slightly over time.
- Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here and saves a cooking step.
Frequently asked questions
What apples work best in Waldorf salad?
Crisp, slightly tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith hold their texture and add good contrast to the creamy dressing.
Can I make chicken Waldorf salad ahead?
Yes, it keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a good make-ahead lunch option.
Can I use yogurt instead of mayonnaise entirely?
Yes, for a lighter version, replace all the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt; the flavor will be a bit tangier.
What can I serve chicken Waldorf salad with?
It's great on its own, over lettuce, stuffed into a croissant, or piled onto crackers.
Nutrition (per serving)
| Calories | 428 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbs | 20g |
| Fat | 27g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Sugar | 15g |
Nutrition values are estimates and will vary based on exact ingredients and brands used.
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