Dinner

Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

ByMatteo Rossi October 19, 2025October 19, 2025

Introduction

Waldorf Chicken Salad is a refreshing and crunchy dish that blends savory chicken with the sweetness of grapes and apples. With a creamy dressing and toasted walnuts, it’s perfect for a light lunch or picnic treat.

A close-up of a sandwich with two thick slices of light golden bread that looks soft and fluffy. Inside, the bottom layer is creamy chicken salad with light beige pieces of chicken mixed with mayonnaise, grape halves in dark purple, and small chunks of pale apple. Above this is a layer of bright green curly kale leaves adding texture and color contrast. The sandwich sits on a wooden board with some blurred grapes in the background on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

¼ cup chopped walnuts
2 cups cubed or shredded cooked chicken
½ cup minced celery
1 cup halved grapes
1 cup firm, sweet diced apples
⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
⅓ cup mayonnaise
1 small lemon
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon pepper

Instructions

Step 1: In a dry skillet over medium heat, add the walnuts and toast for 2–3 minutes, tossing every 30 seconds. Remove from heat and allow to cool before chopping.
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, juice of the lemon, kosher salt, and pepper to prepare the dressing.
Step 3: Add the cooked chicken, halved grapes, diced apples, minced celery, and chopped toasted walnuts to the dressing. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
Step 5: Serve the chicken salad chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, on crackers, or as a sandwich filling.

Tips & Variations

For a nut-free version, substitute walnuts with toasted pumpkin seeds or omit them entirely.
Try adding raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
Use low-fat Greek yogurt to lighten up the dressing without sacrificing creaminess.
Adding a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing can enhance the apple’s natural flavor.

Storage

Store the Waldorf Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled and can be reheated slightly if preferred warm, though it’s traditionally served cold.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with a creamy chicken salad. The salad has chunks of cooked chicken that are light tan in color, mixed with pale yellow pineapple pieces, bright green celery pieces, and dark purple halved grapes. The creamy dressing lightly coats each piece, giving a shiny, slightly wet look. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with some red grapes and an apple blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use cooked turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, cooked turkey works well as a substitute and pairs nicely with the other salad ingredients.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

To prevent browning, toss the diced apples with a little lemon juice before adding them to the salad.