Elevate Your Salad Game: The Ultimate Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe - This Kinda Gal (2024)

Salads come in all shapes and sizes, but few are as harmonious and delightful as the Waldorf Chicken Salad. TA Waldorf Chicken Salad is a delightful and classic salad that combines the savoury goodness of chicken with the sweet and refreshing elements of a Waldorf salad. The traditional Waldorf salad was created at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City in the late 1800s and typically features apples, celery, walnuts, and mayonnaise.

In a Waldorf Chicken Salad, the key ingredient is, of course, chicken. Cooked chicken, usually in the form of roasted or poached chicken breast, is used in this recipe. The chicken is typically cubed or shredded to mix well with the other ingredients.

1. Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is the star of the show, providing a source of lean protein.
2. Apples: Sweet and crisp apples, such as varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala, are diced and added to the salad. They offer a refreshing contrast to the savoury chicken.
3. Celery: Chopped celery contributes a satisfying crunch and a mild, earthy flavour.
4. Walnuts: Coarsely chopped walnuts provide a rich, nutty element and add a wonderful texture to the salad.
5. Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise is typically used to bind the ingredients together and provide a creamy, rich dressing. Some variations may use Greek yoghurt or a combination of mayonnaise and yoghurt for a lighter dressing.

While these are the core ingredients, there’s plenty of room for variation and personalization. Some people like to add grapes or raisins for a touch of natural sweetness, and others may include fresh herbs like parsley or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for added depth of flavor. The dressing can be seasoned with salt, pepper, and lemon juice for balance.

For the Salad:

1. 2 cups cooked chicken breast, cubed
2. 1 cup apples, diced (use sweet varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala)
3. 1/2 cup celery, chopped
4. 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped

For the Dressing:

1. 1/2 cup mayonnaise
2. 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
3. 1 tablespoon honey
4. 1 tablespoon lemon juice
5. Salt and pepper to taste

Cook and Prep the Chicken:

Start by cooking the chicken. You can roast, grill, poach, or use leftover chicken. After it’s cooked, allow it to cool before cubing it into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables:

Dice the apples, chop the celery, and coarsely chop the walnuts. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy celery, and nutty walnuts is the heart of this salad.

Mix the Salad Ingredients:

In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced apples, chopped celery, and walnuts. This creates a base with a delightful array of flavours and textures.

Create the Creamy Dressing:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This dressing is the luscious binding agent for your Waldorf Chicken Salad.

Toss and Coat:

Gently fold the dressing into the salad, making sure all ingredients are evenly coated. The creamy dressing should be rich but not overwhelming, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples and the savory chicken.

Season to Perfection:

Season your Waldorf Chicken Salad with salt and pepper to taste. These simple seasonings are key to enhancing the flavours of the salad.

Chill and Serve:

For the best results, refrigerate your salad for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the salad to cool, making it even more refreshing.

Although this recipe is already an absolute winner, you can add a few extra touches to customize it to your liking:

Grapes: Some people like to include halved grapes to add a burst of juiciness.

Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill can enhance the flavour profile.

Raisins: For an extra touch of sweetness, consider adding a handful of raisins.

Crisp Lettuce: Serve your Waldorf Chicken Salad over a bed of crisp lettuce for a low-carb option.

The Waldorf Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of contrasting yet complementary flavours and textures. It’s a salad that effortlessly bridges the gap between sweet and savoury, making it a popular choice for any occasion, from casual picnics to elegant luncheons. With the flexibility to add your favourite ingredients, you can make this classic recipe truly your own. So, if you’re looking to elevate your salad game, the Waldorf Chicken Salad is an excellent place to start. Enjoy the symphony of flavours and textures in every bite!

If you liked this recipe, please read my Greek Chicken Salad Recipe here: Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe.