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

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

Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, halved grapes, diced apple, chopped celery, and toasted walnuts.
Mix Everything Together:
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Chill & Serve:
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
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