Chicken Waldorf Salad: A Classic Reimagined
Craving the best Chicken Waldorf Salad? My lighter, brighter version is packed with flavor and crunch! Perfect for lunch, potlucks, or a fancy tea party. Try it now!

Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Fancy a bit of a posh but easy lunch? This Chicken Waldorf Salad is your answer! Think delicious, creamy, crunchy, and oh-so-satisfying.
Brief Overview
The waldorf chicken salad recipe has roots in the late 19th century. it began at the waldorf astoria hotel in new york city.
Our version is easy-peasy. it takes about 45 minutes. this waldorf chicken salad recipe serves four hungry folks.
Main Benefits
This best chicken salad recipe is packed with protein. perfect for a light yet filling lunch. what makes this recipe special? it's the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
This chicken salad chick recipe is also totally adaptable to your taste.
Honestly, who doesn't love a good salad? Let's talk ingredients!
What You'll Need for This Delightful Dish
Okay, so here's the shopping list. It's all pretty straightforward stuff. Feel free to substitute. I do it all the time!
- 1.5 lbs chicken (breasts or thighs will do)
- 2 Granny Smith apples (or other crisp ones like Gala)
- 2 Red Delicious apples (or Pink Lady)
- 2 celery stalks
- 1/2 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional, but adds a nice tang)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup if you're feeling fancy)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Making the Magic Happen
First, you'll need to cook your chicken. Simple. Dice it once it's cooled. While it's cooking, get the apples and celery chopped. Don't forget to toast your walnuts for that extra crunch.
Now, whisk together the mayo, yogurt, lemon juice, and honey. Season with salt and pepper. This is your creamy dressing.
Combine everything. The chicken, apples, celery, walnuts, cranberries, and parsley. Pour over the dressing and gently toss.
Pop it in the fridge for a bit. This lets the flavors get to know each other. You can enjoy this Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe as it is or in a sandwich.
This best chicken salad is just a delight! enjoy this salad sandwich recipe . you can use the chicken in the waldorf chicken salad from chicken salad chick .
A chicken salad sandwich recipe that you'll make again and again, i promise!
Alright, let's talk shop about what you need for this ace chicken waldorf salad recipe . honestly, it's easier than sorting out your taxes, i promise.
I’ve made this waldorf chicken salad countless times. sometimes, i mess it up, but that’s life, innit?
Chicken Waldorf Salad: A Classic Reimagined Recipe Card

⚖️ Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, cored and diced
- 2 medium Red Delicious apples, cored and diced
- 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp lemon juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
🥄 Instructions:
- Heat oil in skillet. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool completely, then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice apples and celery. Chop walnuts and parsley.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, apples, celery, walnuts, cranberries (if using), and parsley.
- Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss to coat.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for flavors to meld.
- Spoon salad onto plates or into bowls.
Ingredients & Equipment: The Nitty-Gritty
Right then, let's get down to brass tacks. What you’ll need to nail this Best Chicken Salad recipe .
Main Ingredients for a Cracking Salad
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless, either breasts or thighs. Honestly, both work. Thighs give you more flavour, though. Make sure you check the internal temperature it needs to be 165° F ( 74° C) to keep safe.
- Apples: 2 medium (300g) Granny Smith apples, diced. Gotta have that tartness, you know? 2 medium (300g) Red Delicious. To add some sweetness.
- Celery: 2 stalks (100g) , thinly sliced. Adds that essential crunch.
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup (60g) , toasted and chopped. Toasting's key – brings out the flavour, see? I actually burned mine last time. Don't be like me!
- Cranberries: 1/4 cup (30g) dried, optional. They pop lovely colour, you know.
- Parsley: 1/4 cup , fresh, chopped. Adds a bit of freshness.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (120ml) . Light or full-fat, your shout, you get me?.
- Greek Yogurt: 1/4 cup (60ml) plain. Adds tang, lightens the dressing.
- Lemon Juice: 1 tbsp (15ml) , freshly squeezed. Brightens everything.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tbsp (15ml) , for a touch of sweetness.
- Salt & Pepper: 1/4 tsp (1.25ml) salt and 1/8 tsp (0.625ml) pepper, or to taste. Seasoning's crucial, mate!
Seasoning Notes: Getting Saucy
For seasoning, this is where you can play about.
- Essential spice combo: Salt, pepper, and a touch of honey or maple syrup.
- Flavor enhancers: Lemon juice is key. It cuts through the richness. You can also add a tiny bit of Dijon mustard, that's what I did to my Chicken Salad Sandwich recipe and it was smashing.
- Quick subs: Don't have lemon? A splash of white wine vinegar does the trick.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple, innit?
- Large skillet: If you’re cooking chicken.
- Mixing bowl: Gotta mix it all somehow.
- Cutting board: Don't want to chop on the counter, do you?
- Sharp knife: For all the chopping, obviously.
- Whisk: To get that dressing nice and smooth.
Don't stress if you don't have fancy kit. a regular frying pan works just fine. and if you haven't got a whisk, a fork’ll do.
It’s all about making waldorf salad recipe work for you. making a chicken salad chick recipe is about getting the basics right and not overcomplicating things.
I always say, "keep it simple, keep it tasty." now, get cracking. you got this! this truly is the best chicken salad .

Chicken Waldorf Salad: A Classic Reimagined
Honestly, who doesn't love a good throwback recipe? this chicken waldorf salad is like a warm hug from your grandma, but with a modern twist.
I've always been fascinated by this salad. did you know the original waldorf salad recipe debuted at the waldorf-astoria hotel in nyc way back in 1896? how cool is that? we're taking that classic and making it our own.
This version is all about fresh, bright flavors. we're talking juicy chicken, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a dressing that's creamy without being heavy.
Perfect for a light lunch, a fancy picnic, or even a salad sandwich recipe . get ready to impress!
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place Magic
First things first, get your ducks in a row. "mise en place" isn't just a fancy french term, it's a lifesaver! dice your granny smith apples and red delicious apples first.
Then, slice your celery and chop the walnuts and parsley. got everything ready? good. let's rock and roll.
Time-Saving Tip: If you're short on time, grab a rotisserie chicken. It's a total game-changer and will save you 20 minutes.
Step-by-Step: Waldorf Wonder
- Cook that Chicken (if needed): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet. Season 1.5 lbs chicken with 0.5 tsp salt and 0.25 tsp black pepper . Cook until it hits 165° F ( 74° C) . Let it cool completely. Dice it up.
- Chop It Up: Dice your apples and celery. Chop those walnuts and parsley. Easy peasy.
- Dressing Time: Whisk together 0.5 cup mayonnaise , 0.25 cup Greek yogurt , 1 tbsp lemon juice , 1 tbsp honey , 0.25 tsp salt , and 0.125 tsp black pepper . Taste and adjust as needed. I like mine a little tangy.
- Mix It All Up: In a big bowl, combine the chicken, apples, celery, walnuts, and parsley.
- Dress to Impress: Pour the dressing over the salad. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- (Optional) Chill Out: Stick it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes . This helps the flavors meld together.
Pro Tips for a Perfect Chicken Waldorf Salad
- Keep Apples Fresh: Toss those diced apples with a squeeze of lemon juice. It stops them from turning brown. No one wants brown apples in their best chicken salad recipe !
- Toast Those Nuts: Toasting the walnuts is a game-changer. It brings out their flavour.
- Dressing Alert: Don't overdress the salad! Add it gradually. You can always add more, but you can't take it away.
This waldorf chicken salad recipe is really just a starting point. feel free to get creative and add your own spin.
You could try adding grapes, or swapping the walnuts for pecans. i tried a chicken salad chick recipe once that used grapes and it was really good, kind of like this recipe.
Whatever makes you happy! now go on, make some chicken salad chick worthy salad, and enjoy!
Alright, let's chat about sprucing up our chicken waldorf salad masterpiece. i had so much fun making this, and i want you to nail it too.
Honestly, it's all about the little things.
Recipe Notes
Serving it Up Right
Right, let's talk presentation. honestly, the waldorf chicken salad looks amazing piled high on a bed of crisp lettuce, like a right royal garden party.
Or, fancy it up with some cute little canapés for your mates.
Why not try serving it in endive cups for an elegant touch? it looks proper posh. a chicken salad sandwich recipe also works a treat, especially on some crusty bread.
Speaking of sides, you know what goes brilliantly? a simple green salad. something light and fresh. and to drink? a chilled glass of something crisp, like a sauvignon blanc.
You know? chef's kiss.
Storing Like a Pro
Right, so you've made a mountain of this Best Chicken Salad . What to do with the leftovers?
No worries, it's a doddle. pop it in an airtight container and it'll be grand in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Honestly, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors have had time to mingle. freezing isn't really recommended.
The mayo tends to split and get all weird. reheating is a sin - best enjoyed cold. always.
Shake it Up
Fancy a bit of a twist? of course, you do. for a veggie version, skip the chicken and load up on extra nuts.
For a dairy-free waldorf chicken salad , use a vegan mayo. seriously, there are some amazing ones out there now.
And if you are feeling posh and want to mix it up a bit, try adding a touch of curry powder to the chicken salad chick recipe dressing for a bit of warmth.
Seasonal tip? use pears instead of apples in the autumn. adds a lovely, subtle sweetness.
The Good Stuff Inside
Okay, quick nutrition lesson. this waldorf chicken salad is packed with protein thanks to the chicken. the apples and celery give you a good dose of fiber.
Plus, the walnuts are full of healthy fats.
Each serving gives you about 400 calories, 30g of protein, 25g of fat, and 20g of carbs (but of course, this can change based on what you put in).
It's a pretty balanced meal. if you use the best chicken salad recipe and chicken salad chick recipe as the foundation, you can control the salt and sugars and make sure it matches your goals.
So there you have it! your guide to making the perfect chicken waldorf salad recipe . honestly, don't be scared to experiment.
Cooking should be fun! get in that kitchen and get creative. you got this!

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Chicken Waldorf Salad, and where does it come from?
Chicken Waldorf Salad is a delightful American salad combining cooked chicken, crisp apples and celery, toasted walnuts, and a creamy dressing, usually mayonnaise-based. It originated at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in the late 19th century! Think of it as a slightly posher, grown-up version of something you might find on the buffet line at a fancy picnic.
Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad ahead of time, or will it get soggy like a British bank holiday?
You can definitely prep some of the ingredients ahead of time to save time. Chop the apples, celery, and walnuts, and make the dressing a day in advance. However, it’s best to combine everything just before serving to prevent the apples and celery from getting soggy and the walnuts from losing their crunch. Nobody wants a salad that feels like it's been sitting out for ages!
What are some yummy variations I can make to this Chicken Waldorf Salad recipe?
Absolutely! For a bit of spice, try adding a teaspoon or two of curry powder to the dressing for a Curry Chicken Waldorf Salad! You can also swap the chicken for turkey, or add grapes or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture. If you're feeling particularly adventurous, a sprinkle of blue cheese adds a tangy kick. Think of it as giving your Chicken Waldorf Salad a bit of a "Pimp My Ride" makeover!
How do I store leftover Chicken Waldorf Salad, and how long will it last? I don't want to end up like that forgotten tin of beans at the back of the cupboard!
To store leftover Chicken Waldorf Salad, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate immediately. It will generally last for 2-3 days, but be mindful that the apples and celery might lose some of their crispness over time. Give it a good stir before serving. After that, it might be time to consign it to the compost heap.
I'm watching my waistline; is there a way to make this Chicken Waldorf Salad a bit healthier without sacrificing flavour?
Definitely! Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the dressing to reduce the fat content. You can also add more chicken and cut back on the mayonnaise, and swap half of the walnuts for pumpkin seeds. A touch of honey or maple syrup adds a bit of sweetness without too many calories. It's all about balance, innit?
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in my Chicken Waldorf Salad to save time?
You absolutely can! Rotisserie chicken from the supermarket is a fantastic shortcut, or even leftover roast chicken will work wonders. Just make sure the chicken is cooled completely before adding it to the salad to prevent it from wilting the other ingredients. It's like having a sneaky shortcut – your little secret!
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