Irresistible Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe You’ll Love

Chicken Waldorf Salad is like a party in your mouth, with each bite bursting with juicy chicken, crunchy apples, and a delightful hint of nuts. Imagine biting into a bowl of this salad on a sunny picnic day or during a cozy family dinner, where laughter fills the air and everyone enjoys the refreshing taste of this classic dish.

As I reminisce about my childhood summer picnics, I remember my grandmother whipping up her famous Chicken Waldorf Salad, a recipe that was as much about love as it was about food. The combination of flavors—sweet, savory, and slightly tangy—could brighten even the gloomiest day. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or just looking for a quick lunch fix, this salad promises to deliver amazing flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients for Chicken Waldorf Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts will do nicely; adjust according to how many hungry mouths you’re feeding.
• Fresh Apples: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that sweet-tart balance.
• Celery Stalks: Fresh celery adds the perfect crunch; look for firm stalks without blemishes.
• Walnuts: Toasted walnuts elevate the flavor; chop them coarsely for added texture.
• Dried Cranberries: These little gems add chewiness and sweetness; feel free to substitute with raisins if desired.

For the Dressing:

• Plain Greek Yogurt: This creamy base keeps things light while adding tang; opt for full-fat or low-fat as per preference.
• Mayonnaise: A dollop gives richness—choose light mayo if you want to keep things on the healthier side.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the flavors; bottled can work in a pinch but fresh is best.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Chicken Waldorf Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by poaching the chicken breasts in salted water over medium heat until they are fully cooked—about 15-20 minutes should do it. Once cooked, let them cool before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt with mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy—a whisk works wonders here!

Step 3: Chop Your Ingredients

While your chicken cools down, grab your knife and start chopping! Dice those crisp apples and celery stalks into bite-sized chunks. Toss in some toasted walnuts and dried cranberries for good measure.

Step 4: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with all those lovely chopped ingredients. Pour in your creamy dressing and mix gently until everything is well coated.

Step 5: Chill Out

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour. This chilling step allows all those fabulous flavors to mingle and develop—a little patience goes a long way!

Step 6: Serve It Up

When you’re ready to serve, pile generous scoops of your Chicken Waldorf Salad onto plates or into bowls. For an extra touch of flair, garnish with additional walnuts or apple slices.

Transfer to plates and drizzle with sauce for the perfect finishing touch! Enjoy every delightful bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

First, grill or roast the chicken until golden brown. While that’s happening, chop fresh apples and celery. Mix the dressing while keeping an eye on the chicken. Assemble everything together for a deliciously cohesive meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Try adding grapes instead of apples for extra sweetness or sprinkle in some feta cheese for a tangy surprise.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy cold straight from the fridge; no need to reheat this salad!

Sometimes, I whip up this Chicken Waldorf Salad for picnics with friends. Their smiles and compliments are priceless! It’s always a hit and makes me feel like a culinary rock star.

FAQs :

What is Chicken Waldorf Salad?

Chicken Waldorf Salad is a classic dish that combines chicken, apples, walnuts, and celery. Originating from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City, this salad offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. It typically features diced cooked chicken, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and sometimes grapes or raisins, all dressed in a creamy mayonnaise or yogurt dressing. This dish is not only delicious but also nutritious, making it perfect for lunch or as a light dinner option.

How do I make Chicken Waldorf Salad?

To prepare Chicken Waldorf Salad, start by cooking and cooling chicken breast. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces and combine it with chopped apples, celery, and walnuts in a bowl. For the dressing, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice for added flavor. Toss everything together until well-coated. You can serve it on a bed of greens or in a sandwich. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners.

Can I customize my Chicken Waldorf Salad?

Absolutely! One of the best aspects of Chicken Waldorf Salad is its versatility. You can add various ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Some popular additions include grapes for sweetness or dried cranberries for tartness. You can also substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for a different crunch. Experimenting with different dressings like Greek yogurt or vinaigrette can also change up the flavor profile while keeping it healthy.

How should I store leftover Chicken Waldorf Salad?

If you have leftovers of Chicken Waldorf Salad, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within two days to ensure freshness and optimal flavor. Keep in mind that the apples may brown over time; adding a splash of lemon juice can help maintain their color. When ready to eat, give it a good stir and enjoy this refreshing dish again!

Conclusion for Chicken Waldorf Salad :

In conclusion, Chicken Waldorf Salad is a delightful blend of flavors that makes for a satisfying meal anytime. Its combination of tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and creamy dressing creates an irresistible dish that can be easily customized to your liking. Whether you serve it on its own or as part of a sandwich, this salad is both nutritious and delicious. Try making it at home for an easy lunch or dinner option that everyone will love!

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Chicken Waldorf Salad

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Poaching
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Enjoy a refreshing blend of tender chicken, crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and a creamy dressing in this easy-to-make Chicken Waldorf Salad.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 medium crisp apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise (light if preferred)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

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Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken: Poach the chicken breasts in salted water over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool before shredding or chopping into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Stir until smooth and creamy.
3. Chop Your Ingredients: While the chicken cools, dice the apples and celery. Toss in toasted walnuts and dried cranberries.
4. Combine Everything: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken with chopped ingredients. Pour in the dressing and mix gently until well coated.
5. Chill Out: Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
6. Serve It Up: Serve generous scoops on plates or bowls; garnish with additional walnuts or apple slices if desired.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 12g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg

Keywords: Add grapes instead of apples for extra sweetness. Substitute walnuts with pecans or almonds for different textures. Use rotisserie chicken for quick preparation without sacrificing flavor.