Waldorf Chicken Salad is a timeless recipe that brings together the perfect harmony of textures and flavors—juicy chicken, crisp apples, crunchy celery, sweet grapes, and toasted walnuts all tossed in a creamy, lightly tangy dressing. Originally created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in the late 1800s, the Waldorf salad quickly became a symbol of elegance and refined taste.

This modern version includes tender cooked chicken, transforming the classic side dish into a hearty, protein-rich main course that is refreshing, nutritious, and satisfying.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this Waldorf Chicken Salad because of its incredible balance—everything complements everything else without overpowering. The sweetness of grapes, the fresh crunch of apples and celery, the earthiness of walnuts, and the creamy dressing all come together beautifully.

It’s also:

Light yet filling
Quick to prepare
Perfect for meal prep
A refreshing alternative to heavy meals

Every bite offers a delicious mix of sweet, tangy, savory, and creamy notes.

Why It’s a Must-Try

This recipe is a must-try because:

It’s healthy but feels indulgent.
It makes a delicious lunch or dinner with minimal effort.
It is endlessly customizable.
It stores well, making it perfect for meal prep.
It tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

If you’re looking for a fresh, protein-packed dish that never disappoints, this one belongs in your recipe collection.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

Category	Details
Prep Time	15 minutes
Cooking Time	10–15 minutes (if cooking chicken fresh)
Total Time	25–30 minutes
Servings	4
Course	Salad / Main Dish
Cuisine	American
Calories	~380 calories per serving (varies with dressing choices)

Ingredients

For the Salad

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red, preferred)
1 medium apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji recommended)
½ cup celery, finely chopped
½ cup walnuts, toasted and roughly chopped
¼ cup dried cranberries (optional)
1–2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

For the Dressing

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (or more mayo)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp honey (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 — Cook the Chicken (if not using pre-cooked)

Season chicken breast with salt and pepper.
Bake, boil, or pan-sear until fully cooked.
Allow to cool, then dice or shred.

Step 2 — Prepare the Dressing

In a mixing bowl combine:
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Honey
- Salt and pepper
Whisk until creamy and smooth.

Step 3 — Prepare the Produce

Chop apples (leave peel on for color and nutrients).
Slice grapes in half.
Finely chop celery and parsley.
Toast walnuts until lightly golden.

Step 4 — Assemble the Salad

Add chicken, apples, celery, grapes, walnuts, and cranberries to a bowl.
Pour dressing over and gently fold until fully coated.

Step 5 — Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for 20–30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

How to Serve

Serve your Waldorf Chicken Salad:

In buttery croissant sandwiches
In lettuce cups or romaine boats
Over a bed of fresh spring greens
With crackers or crusty bread
As a wrap in flatbread or tortillas

For a more elegant presentation, garnish with extra walnuts and parsley.

Recipe Tips

Add dressing right before serving to maintain crisp texture.
Use chilled cooked chicken for best flavor.
Toast walnuts to enhance flavor and prevent sogginess.
Use a crisp apple variety so it doesn’t soften.

Variation Ideas

Healthy Version: Use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
Nut-Free: Substitute sunflower seeds or leave nuts out.
Curried Waldorf: Add ½ tsp curry powder to the dressing.
Gourmet Twist: Add blue cheese crumbles or goat cheese.
Fresh Herb Upgrade: Add chives, tarragon, or dill.

Storage & Freezing

Storage Method	Duration
Refrigerator	3–4 days (best eaten within 2)
Freezer	Not recommended (texture becomes mushy)

Special Equipment Needed

Salad bowl
Cutting board and sharp knife
Small whisk or spoon
Optional: Salad spinner and airtight storage containers

FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes — it’s a perfect shortcut and adds great flavor.

Q: Does the apple turn brown?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — use only mayonnaise and skip Greek yogurt.

Conclusion

Waldorf Chicken Salad is a refreshing, flavorful, and beautifully balanced dish that feels both classic and modern. With fresh produce, satisfying protein, and a creamy dressing, it’s perfect for quick lunches, meal prep, picnics, or entertaining.

Once you try it, you’ll understand why this salad has remained a favorite for over a century — it’s simple, elegant, and absolutely delicious.