This Chicken Waldorf Salad recipe is a refreshing twist on a timeless classic. Crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken are tossed in a creamy dressing that’s light, tangy, and slightly sweet. It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a favorite for lunches, brunches, or a light dinner.

Originally created in the 1890s at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, this elegant salad has stood the test of time—and for good reason. It’s simple to prepare, beautiful to serve, and incredibly versatile. Serve it on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or spooned into a croissant for a delicious, classy bite.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

This salad is fresh, satisfying, and comes together in minutes. It’s packed with protein from the chicken, natural sweetness from the fruits, and a delightful crunch from the celery and nuts. The creamy dressing ties it all together without feeling heavy.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or making a quick dish for entertaining, this Chicken Waldorf Salad is a go-to. It’s naturally gluten-free, can easily be made low-carb, and is adaptable to whatever fruits or nuts you have on hand.

Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken or Leftovers?

Absolutely! This recipe is a great way to repurpose leftover chicken or grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. The key is to use cooked chicken that’s tender and well-seasoned. Breast meat or a mix of white and dark works well. Just make sure it’s chopped or shredded into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.

Ingredients for the Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

Each ingredient adds a unique flavor and texture that makes this salad special:

Cooked chicken – The hearty protein base of the salad, adding flavor and substance.
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – Crisp and slightly tart for refreshing crunch.
Red grapes – Juicy bursts of sweetness to balance the savory notes.
Celery – Adds crispness and subtle bitterness.
Chopped walnuts – Earthy crunch that complements the fruit.
Romaine lettuce – A bed of greens to serve the salad on, adding freshness.
Mayonnaise – Forms the base of the creamy dressing.
Plain Greek yogurt – Lightens the dressing with a tangy twist.
Lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and prevents the apples from browning.
Salt & black pepper – For essential seasoning and balance.

How To Make the Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Core and dice the apples, slice the grapes in half, and thinly slice the celery. Roughly chop the walnuts.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, gently toss the chicken, apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over and mix until everything is coated evenly.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve over romaine lettuce, in a wrap, or with crackers.

How to Serve and Store Chicken Waldorf Salad

This salad is incredibly versatile and serves about 4 generous portions. It’s perfect served chilled on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce, in a sandwich or croissant, or tucked into a tortilla wrap for a quick lunch. You can also plate it up with crackers or serve it in lettuce cups for a light appetizer.

To store, keep the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Be sure to give it a gentle stir before serving, as the dressing may settle. If you’re prepping ahead, consider adding the apples and walnuts right before serving to preserve their crunch.

What to Serve With Chicken Waldorf Salad?

Croissants or Toasted Bread

Soft and buttery croissants or toasted sourdough pair beautifully with this creamy salad.

Fresh Fruit

Serve with sliced melons, berries, or citrus for a vibrant side.

Iced Tea or Lemonade

Light and refreshing drinks that complement the crisp fruit flavors.

Cheese and Crackers

A mini charcuterie board turns it into a full, no-cook lunch.

Deviled Eggs

A protein-rich and Southern-style side that complements the salad’s texture.

Sweet Potato Chips

Add crunch and a touch of sweetness for a snacky balance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad ahead of time?
Yes! It’s best enjoyed within a day or two. Add the apples and nuts right before serving for the freshest texture.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Definitely. Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces.

Is there a dairy-free version?
You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt and ensure your mayo is dairy-free.

What apples work best?
Granny Smith adds tartness and crunch, while Honeycrisp offers a sweet balance. Both are great choices.

Can I make it low-carb?
Yes! Reduce the fruit amount or swap grapes with chopped celery or cucumber.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest healthy lunch board so you can come back to it any time.

Tried this salad already? Let me know how you served it—on toast, in a wrap, or as a side? I’d love to hear your twist!

For more wholesome recipes and beautiful salad ideas, visit Tanya Recipes on Pinterest and follow along!

Conclusion

Chicken Waldorf Salad is a crisp, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that’s ideal for light lunches, brunch spreads, or a refreshing dinner. With a balance of savory chicken, fresh fruits, and creamy dressing, it’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.

Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

Author: Tanya Rivers
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Chicken Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and creamy blend of tender chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts—all coated in a tangy, light dressing. This easy salad makes a perfect quick lunch, elegant brunch dish, or healthy dinner idea. Whether served in a croissant, over greens, or in a wrap, it’s a versatile and satisfying option. Great for meal prep, potlucks, or anyone seeking wholesome, no-cook food ideas.