What Does a Chicken Salad Contain?

Classic Chicken Salad is a culinary classic, celebrated for its simplicity, versatility, and ability to cater to any palate. Whether you’re preparing a quick meal, a healthy snack, or a crowd-pleasing dish for a gathering, a Classic Chicken Salad Recipe offers endless possibilities. This guide dives deep into the essentials, history, creative variations, and serving ideas, along with expert tips to help you master the art of making Classic this dish.

What Is Chicken Salad?

A Classic Chicken Salad Recipe combines cooked chicken with a medley of ingredients, including vegetables, fruits, nuts, and creamy or tangy dressings. Originating in Europe as cold meat salads, the dish gained popularity in the 19th century United States, where mayonnaise-based versions became a staple. Today, Classic this dish is celebrated for its adaptability. Whether dressed lightly with vinaigrette or richly with mayonnaise, it’s a dish that suits every taste.

Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad

---

• Author: Monica
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

This Waldorf Chicken Salad is a delicious fusion of tender chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy celery, and walnuts, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing. This salad strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory flavors, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch, meal prep, or a refreshing side dish. Serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or stuffed into a croissant for a gourmet touch.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
• 1 cup red grapes, halved
• 1 cup apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for tartness)
• ½ cup celery, finely chopped
• ½ cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

For the Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, halved grapes, diced apple, chopped celery, and toasted walnuts.

3. Mix Everything Together:

   • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.

4. Chill & Serve:

   • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
   • Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

5. Serving Suggestions:

   • Serve over a bed of lettuce for a refreshing salad.
   • Scoop onto a croissant or sandwich bread for a hearty meal.
   • Pair with crackers for a light and crunchy snack.

Notes

• Substitutions: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative.
• Make it Sweeter: Add ¼ cup of dried cranberries for a sweeter variation.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Salad, Lunch, Side Dish
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 280mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 65mg

Keywords: Waldorf chicken salad, classic chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, meal prep salad

Essential Ingredients for a Traditional Chicken Salad

Chicken

Chicken is the star of the dish, and its preparation influences the flavor and texture:

• Poached Chicken: Delivers a tender and delicate bite that absorbs dressing well.
• Grilled Chicken: Adds a smoky and slightly charred dimension.
• Rotisserie Chicken: A convenient, flavorful option that’s perfect for quick assembly.

Dressing

The dressing is the cornerstone of a great Classic this dish. While mayonnaise is the classic base, alternatives like Greek yogurt or vinaigrette can add unique flavors:

• Mayonnaise: Rich and creamy, it’s the traditional choice.
• Greek Yogurt: A tangy, protein-packed alternative.
• Vinaigrette: Light and refreshing, made with olive oil, vinegar, and herbs.

Crunchy Additions

Crunch is essential for texture. Celery, onions, and green onions or chives bring balance and freshness to the creamy base.

Creative Variations of Chicken Salad Recipe

Waldorf Classic Chicken Salad

This version combines diced apples, grapes, and walnuts for sweetness and crunch. The creamy dressing ties it all together, making it a hit at gatherings.

Mediterranean Chicken Salad

Incorporate Mediterranean staples like feta cheese, olives, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. A tangy vinaigrette with olive oil and lemon completes this vibrant variation.

Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad

Shredded cabbage, carrots, and sesame-soy dressing give this variation bold, aromatic flavors. Add sesame seeds or crispy wontons for extra crunch.

BBQ Classic Chicken Salad

Use barbecue sauce as a dressing base, and mix in corn, black beans, and avocado for a smoky, hearty salad that’s ideal for summer.

For more meal-prep inspiration, explore this comprehensive guide on easy and delicious make-ahead meals.

Dressing Options for Chicken Salad Recipe

Classic Mayonnaise Dressing

Enhance this classic with lemon juice or Dijon mustard to add complexity.

Greek Yogurt Dressing

Blend yogurt with a drizzle of honey or fresh dill for a healthy, tangy twist.

Avocado Dressing

Mashed avocado creates a creamy, nutrient-rich option. Add lime juice and a pinch of salt for a refreshing flavor.

Vinaigrette

For a lighter option, try a vinaigrette made with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. It’s perfect for vegetable-forward salads.

Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Salad

1. Choose High-Quality Chicken: Use fresh chicken and cook it simply with salt and pepper for the best base.
2. Balance the Flavors: Combine savory, sweet, and tangy elements for a dynamic dish.
3. Prioritize Texture: Mix creamy, crunchy, and chewy ingredients for variety.
4. Chill Before Serving: Let the salad rest in the refrigerator to meld the flavors.

Add-Ons for Extra Flavor and Texture

• Fruits: Apples, grapes, or dried cranberries add natural sweetness.
• Vegetables: Bell peppers, cucumbers, and shredded carrots bring crunch.
• Cheese: Feta or shredded cheddar enhances creaminess and tang.
• Herbs and Spices: Add parsley, dill, paprika, or cayenne for depth.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

• Refrigerate Properly: Store Classic this dish in an airtight container for up to three days.
• Avoid Freezing: Mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well, but vinaigrettes are better suited for freezing.
• Revive Leftovers: Stir in a bit of fresh dressing or lemon juice to refresh the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

• On a Bed of Greens: A low-carb, light meal option.
• In a Sandwich: Use hearty bread or croissants for a filling snack.
• With Crackers: Serve as a dip with crackers or veggie sticks.
• Stuffed Avocado: Fill halved avocados for a keto-friendly presentation.

Complementary Side Dishes

Pair your Classic Chicken Salad with dishes that balance or complement its flavors. A refreshing vegetable stir-fry for dinner makes a perfect side. Finish the meal with desserts like Pumpkin Banana Bread or Earl Grey Cookies.

Conclusion

Classic this dish is a timeless dish with endless possibilities for customization. Whether you enjoy the classic mayonnaise-based recipe or experiment with bold new flavors, this dish is versatile, delicious, and adaptable to any occasion. By following these tips and exploring creative variations, you’ll discover your own signature chicken salad recipe that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the journey of perfecting this beloved culinary staple!