Chicken Waldorf Salad – A Crisp, Creamy Classic

Chicken Waldorf salad hits that sweet spot between fresh and comforting. It’s crunchy, creamy, and just a little bit sweet, with tender chicken folded into a mix of apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts. The dressing is light yet satisfying, and it comes together in minutes with pantry basics.

Serve it on crisp lettuce, stuffed in a croissant, or piled onto toast for a quick lunch. Whether you’re meal-prepping or feeding a crowd, this timeless salad always feels like a treat.

What Makes This Special

This salad blends textures and flavors in a way that keeps every bite interesting. You get crunch from celery and apples, natural sweetness from grapes, and a nutty bite from toasted walnuts.

The dressing balances tangy and creamy without feeling heavy. It also works in many settings—weekday lunches, potlucks, or a light dinner. Best of all, it’s flexible, so you can swap ingredients based on what you have.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (rotisserie works great)
• 1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), cored and diced
• 1 cup red or green grapes, halved
• 1 cup celery, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely minced (optional)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use all mayo for a richer dressing)
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice, to taste
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1–2 teaspoons honey, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Romaine, butter lettuce, or mixed greens, for serving (optional)

Instructions

1. Toast the walnuts. Add chopped walnuts to a dry skillet over medium heat and toast for 3–5 minutes, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned.

   Set aside to cool.

2. Mix the dressing. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon, honey, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust sweetness, tang, and seasoning.
3. Prep the produce. Dice the apple (leave the peel on for color and fiber), halve the grapes, and slice the celery. Finely mince the red onion if using.
4. Combine the salad. Add chicken, apple, grapes, celery, onion, and cooled walnuts to the bowl with the dressing.

   Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.

5. Chill briefly. For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
6. Serve. Spoon over lettuce, tuck into a croissant, wrap in a tortilla, or pile onto toasted bread. Finish with a crack of black pepper and an extra squeeze of lemon if you like.

Keeping It Fresh

This salad keeps well for up to 3 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. If you plan to store it, consider adding the apples right before serving to keep them from browning and the walnuts to maintain crunch.

You can also toss apple pieces with a little lemon juice to prevent discoloration. If the salad tightens up after chilling, loosen it with a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of lemon juice. Avoid freezing—it changes the texture of the fruit and dressing.

Benefits of This Recipe

• Balanced meal: You get protein from chicken, fiber from fruit and celery, and healthy fats from walnuts.
• Quick and versatile: Use leftover chicken or rotisserie to get this on the table fast.
• Make-ahead friendly: Great for meal prep, picnics, and packed lunches.
• Light but satisfying: The yogurt-mayo dressing lightens things without sacrificing creaminess.
• Kid-friendly flavors: The sweet grapes and apples make it approachable.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Overdressing: Too much dressing can make it soggy.

  Start with less; add more as needed.

• Skipping the acid: Lemon juice brightens every ingredient. Without it, the salad can taste flat.
• Untoasted nuts: Raw walnuts can taste muted. Toasting adds depth and crunch.
• Watery ingredients: Very juicy apples or grapes can thin the dressing.

  Pat them dry after washing.

• Overmixing: Gentle tossing keeps the chicken tender and the fruit intact.

Alternatives

• Protein swaps: Try turkey, rotisserie duck for a richer take, or canned chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Nut options: Use pecans, almonds, or pumpkin seeds if you’re nut-free. Toasting is still key.
• Fruit variations: Swap grapes for pears, dried cranberries, or pomegranate arils. Choose firm fruit to keep the texture lively.
• Dressing tweaks: Go all-mayo for classic richness, or use all Greek yogurt with a splash of olive oil for a lighter, tangier finish.
• Herb boost: Add chopped parsley, tarragon, dill, or chives for freshness.

  A pinch of celery seed is a nice nod to the original flavor.

• Crunch upgrades: Stir in sliced snap peas or thinly shaved fennel for extra crispness.
• Serving ideas: Pile onto endive leaves for a bite-size appetizer, wrap in butter lettuce for low carb, or spoon over quinoa for a heartier bowl.

FAQ

Can I make Chicken Waldorf salad a day ahead?

Yes. It actually tastes better after a short rest. For the best texture, add the walnuts and apples just before serving, or toss the apples with lemon juice to slow browning.

What kind of chicken works best?

Cooked, chilled chicken breast or thigh meat both work well.

Rotisserie chicken is convenient and adds flavor. Just remove skin and shred or chop into bite-size pieces.

How do I keep the dressing from getting too thick after chilling?

Stir in a spoonful of yogurt or a splash of lemon juice or milk to loosen it. A quick mix will bring it back to the right consistency.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Use all mayonnaise or a dairy-free yogurt alternative.

Adjust lemon and honey to balance the flavor.

What if I don’t like walnuts?

Pecans are a classic substitute. For a nut-free option, use toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely. The honey is adjustable, and the natural sweetness from grapes and apples often means you can skip it entirely.

How long will leftovers last?

Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 3 days.

If it releases a little moisture, just stir before serving.

What apples are best?

Choose firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape and bring a bright crunch.

Can I add pasta to make it more filling?

Yes. Fold in cooked, cooled small pasta like ditalini or elbow macaroni and increase the dressing slightly to coat.

What can I serve with it?

It pairs well with a simple green salad, a cup of tomato soup, or a side of crusty bread.

For a light dinner, add sparkling water with lemon and you’re set.

Wrapping Up

Chicken Waldorf salad is one of those dependable recipes that feels special without demanding much effort. It leans on simple ingredients, bright flavor, and lots of crunch. Keep the core elements—chicken, apple, celery, grapes, nuts—and adjust the rest to fit your taste.

With a balanced dressing and a bit of chill time, you’ll have a fresh, satisfying salad that’s ready for lunchboxes, picnics, or an easy weeknight meal.