Chicken Waldorf Salad

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I have a soft spot for classic recipes with a fresh twist, and this Chicken Waldorf Salad is one of those dishes that never fails to impress. It’s light yet satisfying, colorful yet comforting, and hits all the right notes of texture and flavor. Between the crunch of apples and walnuts, the tender chicken, the crisp greens, and the burst of sweetness from grapes—all pulled together with a creamy dressing—this salad is a bowl of simple elegance.

I often find myself making this when I need a quick lunch that doesn’t feel boring or another bland salad. It’s also perfect when I have leftover roast chicken and want something refreshing yet protein-packed. Whether you’re after a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or an elevated potluck option, this Chicken Waldorf Salad will more than deliver.

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Why You’ll Love This Chicken Waldorf Salad

This salad is a true flavor and texture adventure—from juicy grapes and crisp apples to tender chunks of chicken and crunchy walnuts. It’s incredibly easy to throw together and even easier to love. It checks all the boxes: balanced, refreshing, and just a little bit indulgent thanks to that creamy dressing. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken and it keeps well, making it ideal for meal prep too.

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What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Chicken Waldorf Salad?

You’ve got plenty of options here, and that’s the beauty of it. I typically use grilled or roasted chicken breast because it adds a savory depth without overpowering the freshness of the salad. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver when you’re short on time—it’s tender, flavorful, and shreds beautifully. If you’re starting from scratch, simply poach or bake a couple of chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Just avoid heavily seasoned or breaded chicken, as it can clash with the salad’s sweet and tangy profile.

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Options for Substitutions

One of the reasons I love this salad is how adaptable it is. If you’re missing an ingredient or want to tweak it to your taste or dietary needs, here are some simple swaps:

• Greek Yogurt instead of Mayo: For a lighter dressing with added protein, use plain Greek yogurt or a half-yogurt, half-mayo mix.
• Pecans or Almonds instead of Walnuts: These add a different kind of crunch and slightly different flavor profile—both work beautifully.
• Pear instead of Apple: Pears are softer and sweeter, offering a different bite that still pairs well with chicken and grapes.
• Red Grapes or Green: Use whichever you have on hand, or mix both for color and variety.
• Lettuce Options: Romaine is great for crunch, but butter lettuce or even baby spinach can work if you prefer softer greens.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap chicken for chickpeas or grilled tofu and use a plant-based mayo or yogurt for the dressing.

The key is to keep that balance of creamy, crunchy, savory, and sweet—it’s what makes this salad shine.

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Ingredients for This Chicken Waldorf Salad

• Cooked Chicken Breast
  This is the heart of the salad, adding satisfying protein and substance. You can use grilled, poached, or rotisserie chicken.
• Green Apple
  Its tart crunch gives the salad a refreshing brightness and pairs well with the creamy dressing.
• Red Grapes
  These bring a natural sweetness and juicy texture that balances the savory notes.
• Chopped Walnuts
  For rich, earthy crunch and a bit of toasted flavor that elevates the salad’s texture.
• Romaine Lettuce
  A crisp, sturdy base that holds up well under the creamy dressing and heavier toppings.
• Mayonnaise (or Greek Yogurt)
  Acts as the creamy binder for the dressing, giving the salad its classic richness.
• Lemon Juice
  Adds a tangy freshness and prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
• Salt and Black Pepper
  Essential for seasoning—these two simple ingredients bring the whole dish into balance.

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Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

Start by chopping the cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes or strips. Wash and dice the green apple, slice the grapes in half if preferred, and roughly chop the walnuts. Rinse and chop the romaine lettuce into manageable pieces.

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Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with a splash of lemon juice. Whisk it until smooth, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

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Step 3: Toss the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, add the lettuce, chicken, apples, grapes, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss everything together until evenly coated. Be careful not to overmix—you want the ingredients to hold their shape and stay fresh.

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Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately

You can serve it right away, or refrigerate it for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Either way, it’s delicious and refreshing.

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How Long to Cook the Chicken Waldorf Salad

If you’re starting with raw chicken, you’ll need about 15–20 minutes to cook it, depending on the method. Grilling, poaching, or baking all work well. Once the chicken is done and cooled, the rest of the salad takes 10 minutes or less to assemble. So from start to finish, you’re looking at 25–30 minutes total. If you’re using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken, you’ll shave off even more time—just a quick chop and you’re good to go.

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Tips for Perfect Chicken Waldorf Salad

• Use cold or room temperature chicken – Hot chicken can wilt the lettuce and make the dressing runny.
• Toast the walnuts – It deepens their flavor and adds an irresistible nuttiness.
• Dress just before serving – To keep the lettuce crisp and the apples fresh.
• Cut everything evenly – Uniform bite-sized pieces make every forkful balanced and easy to eat.
• Add lemon juice directly to apples – This prevents browning and keeps the salad looking fresh.
• Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving – The flavors marry beautifully with a little fridge time.
• Don’t overdress – Start with less dressing than you think you need, and add more if necessary.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple salad like this can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here’s what to avoid:

• Using warm chicken: It can wilt the greens and make the dressing oily and thin. Let it cool first.
• Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can drown out the fresh textures. Start light and add more if needed.
• Not drying produce: Wet lettuce or grapes dilute the dressing and make the salad soggy.
• Skipping lemon juice: Apples will brown quickly without that acidity to preserve them.
• Chopping unevenly: Different sizes make it hard to get a balanced bite and affect presentation.
• Letting it sit too long after tossing: The crunch factor fades if the salad sits dressed for too long.

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What to Serve With Chicken Waldorf Salad?

Crusty Artisan Bread

Perfect for scooping up bites of salad or soaking up any leftover dressing.

Cheese & Crackers Plate

Pair it with a mild brie or sharp cheddar to complement the creamy and fruity notes.

Chilled Gazpacho

A refreshing soup that plays nicely with the salad’s crisp textures and cool flavors.

Roasted Baby Potatoes

Add some warmth and substance on the side without overpowering the salad.

Sparkling Water with Citrus

Keeps the meal light and refreshing while cleansing your palate between bites.

Deviled Eggs

Classic, protein-rich, and just rich enough to pair with the salad’s freshness.

Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans

Add a pop of color and a veggie side that complements the crunch in the salad.

Mini Lemon Cupcakes

If you’re turning this into a brunch or light lunch event, finish with something sweet and citrusy.

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Storage Instructions

Chicken Waldorf Salad stores surprisingly well, especially if you keep a few components separate. If you know you’ll have leftovers, store the dressing in a separate container and only mix portions as needed. Once dressed, the salad will keep for about 1–2 days in the fridge—after that, the lettuce may lose its crunch and the apples can get soggy, even with lemon juice.

To store:

• Place the salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing in a small jar or sealed container separately.
• If the salad is already dressed, consume within 24 hours for best texture and flavor.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – about 1.5 cups)

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 9g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Serving Size: Approx. 1½ cups

Please note, nutrition can vary based on the exact ingredients and quantities used (especially dressing variations).

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the components separately and toss them together just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the apples from browning too soon.

What’s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?

Grilled or poached chicken works beautifully. Keep the seasoning simple—salt, pepper, maybe a touch of garlic—so it doesn’t overpower the salad’s fresh flavors.

Can I use canned chicken?

You can, but it’s not ideal. Canned chicken tends to be softer and saltier, and may not hold up as well with the crisp textures of apples and lettuce.

Is this recipe keto or low-carb friendly?

It can be! Skip the apple and use a low-carb dressing like full-fat Greek yogurt or a keto mayo to keep it within low-carb guidelines.

Can I add other fruits like dried cranberries or raisins?

Absolutely. A sprinkle of dried fruit adds a nice chewy sweetness—just go light on it to avoid overpowering the dish.

Is Chicken Waldorf Salad gluten-free?

Yes, the core ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your dressing or add-ins if using store-bought items.

Can I serve it as a sandwich or wrap?

Definitely! It’s delicious in a croissant, pita, or whole-grain wrap. Just go easy on the dressing to avoid sogginess.

What can I do if I don’t like mayonnaise?

Swap it for Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a mix of yogurt and a dash of olive oil. It’ll still be creamy, with a lighter feel.

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Conclusion

Chicken Waldorf Salad is one of those timeless recipes that manages to be both elegant and comforting. It’s fresh, fast to make, and endlessly adaptable to your taste and pantry. Whether you’re making a light dinner, packing a weekday lunch, or impressing guests at brunch, this salad brings flavor, crunch, and creaminess all in one. Once you try it, it might just become a go-to in your regular recipe rotation.

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