Name: Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups cooked chicken breast, diced; 1 medium Granny Smith apple, chopped; 1 cup red grapes, halved; ¾ cup celery, thinly sliced; ½ cup walnuts, roughly chopped and toasted; ⅓ cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups romaine or butter lettuce (optional, for serving)

I’ve always had a soft spot for recipes that effortlessly combine sweet and savory, and Chicken Waldorf Salad is right at the top of that list. It’s a dish that manages to feel both indulgent and refreshing at the same time, perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even meal prep for the week. The crunch of fresh apples and celery, the sweetness of grapes, the richness of roasted chicken, and the creamy tang of the dressing—all finished with the nutty bite of walnuts—come together in the most balanced and satisfying way.

I’ve made this salad countless times, and what I love most is how versatile it is. Whether I’m using leftover rotisserie chicken or poaching fresh breasts, it always turns out delicious. It’s great served over crisp lettuce, spooned into a wrap, or simply enjoyed on its own. There’s something about the contrast in textures and flavors that makes this classic feel just as relevant and crowd-pleasing today as it was over a century ago when it was first created.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

Balanced and flavorful: You get the perfect blend of creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory in every bite.
Quick to make: Using pre-cooked chicken makes this recipe come together in just 15 minutes.
Nutritious and light: It’s packed with lean protein, fiber, and healthy fats—great for a filling lunch or snack.
Customizable: You can easily swap in different fruits, nuts, or dressing to suit your preferences.
Meal prep friendly: Stays fresh in the fridge for several days, making it ideal for planning ahead.

What Kind of Chicken Works Best for Chicken Waldorf Salad?

When it comes to the chicken in a Waldorf Salad, you’ve got a few great options. I often use rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time—it’s flavorful, tender, and ready to go. But if you prefer to cook your own, poached or roasted chicken breasts are perfect for this salad. Just make sure the meat is well-seasoned and fully cooled before dicing it up.

The key is to keep the chicken juicy and neutral enough to absorb the creamy dressing and complement the fruit and nuts. I recommend avoiding heavily seasoned or grilled chicken with a smoky flavor, as it can clash with the freshness of the salad.

Options for Substitutions

This salad is incredibly forgiving, so don’t hesitate to make it your own:

Apples: Any crisp variety will work—Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness.
Grapes: Red grapes give a beautiful pop of color, but green ones are just as tasty.
Nuts: Walnuts are classic, but pecans or almonds can add a different flavor and texture.
Dressing: Traditional mayonnaise can be lightened with Greek yogurt or swapped entirely for it. A touch of Dijon or honey can also add depth.
Celery: If you’re not a fan of celery, try using jicama or even diced cucumber for that satisfying crunch.
Lettuce: Butter lettuce, romaine, or even arugula can be used as a base, or skip it altogether and enjoy the salad on its own or in a sandwich.

Ingredients for This Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

Cooked Chicken Breast: This is the protein base of the salad. It should be tender and juicy, offering a savory balance to the sweeter elements.
Granny Smith Apple: Crisp and tart, these apples bring a refreshing bite and a pop of acidity to the dish.
Red Grapes: Their natural sweetness adds contrast and juiciness, balancing the creaminess of the dressing.
Celery: Offers crunch and a slightly peppery note, giving structure and freshness to each bite.
Walnuts: These add richness, earthiness, and a satisfying crunch. Toasting them enhances their flavor.
Mayonnaise: Creamy and tangy, it binds everything together and forms the base of the classic dressing.
Greek Yogurt (optional): Used to lighten the dressing while adding extra tang and protein.
Lemon Juice: A splash brightens the flavors and keeps the apples from browning.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning, bringing out all the natural flavors of the ingredients.
Romaine or Butter Lettuce (optional): Used as a serving base for added texture and freshness.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by dicing the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the apple (leave the skin on for extra crunch and color), halve the grapes, and slice the celery thinly. Roughly chop the walnuts if they’re large, and give them a light toast in a dry pan for extra flavor if desired.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, a spoonful of Greek yogurt (if using), and a splash of lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the chopped chicken, apples, grapes, celery, and walnuts into the bowl with the dressing. Gently toss everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated and well combined.

Step 4: Chill (Optional)

For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the dressing to soak into the chicken and fruit.

Step 5: Serve

Spoon the Chicken Waldorf Salad over a bed of crisp lettuce, stuff it into a sandwich or wrap, or simply enjoy it on its own with a fork. Garnish with a few extra walnut pieces or a sprinkle of freshly cracked pepper before serving.

How Long to Cook the Chicken Waldorf Salad

Technically, there’s no cooking involved if you're using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken—just chop, mix, and chill. However, if you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, allow about:

Prep time: 10 minutes (for chopping and mixing)
Cook time (if needed): 15–18 minutes to poach or roast chicken breasts
Chill time (optional): 30 minutes for flavors to meld

All in all, if you’re using cooked chicken, this salad comes together in just 15 minutes flat.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Waldorf Salad

Use chilled ingredients: Keep your apples, grapes, and celery cold for a refreshing crunch.
Don’t overdress: Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad. You can always add more later.
Toast the nuts: A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out a richer, nuttier flavor in walnuts.
Dice evenly: Uniform pieces make for a better texture and balance in every bite.
Lemon juice is key: Not only does it brighten the flavor, but it also keeps apples from turning brown.
Adjust sweetness: If your grapes aren’t very sweet, a tiny drizzle of honey in the dressing can enhance the balance.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Using warm chicken: Adding hot or warm chicken to the salad can wilt the other ingredients and break down the dressing. Make sure it’s completely cooled.
Skipping the lemon juice: Without it, the apples will oxidize and turn brown, making the salad look unappetizing.
Overdressing the salad: Too much dressing can make everything soggy and overpower the delicate flavors of the fruit and nuts.
Chopping too large or too small: Inconsistent sizes can mess with the texture. Aim for uniform, bite-sized pieces.
Not seasoning the dressing: A pinch of salt and pepper brings the creamy dressing to life and enhances the overall flavor.
Not toasting the walnuts: Raw walnuts can taste a little bitter. Toasting them brings out their natural sweetness and crunch.
Making it too far in advance: While it keeps well, the apples and celery are best within the first 1–2 days for optimal crunch.

What to Serve With Chicken Waldorf Salad?

Crusty Artisan Bread

Thick slices of sourdough or baguette are perfect for scooping or serving alongside the salad.

A Creamy Soup

A bowl of butternut squash, tomato bisque, or potato leek soup makes this a hearty meal.

Cheese Platter

Pair it with a few cheese wedges like brie, gouda, or goat cheese for an elegant lunch spread.

Sparkling Water or Iced Tea

A refreshing drink with citrus or berry notes balances the creaminess of the salad beautifully.

Simple Green Salad

A lightly dressed arugula or spinach salad adds extra greens and a peppery contrast.

Fresh Fruit Plate

Complement the grapes in the salad with sliced melon, berries, or citrus.

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Warm, slightly sweet, and earthy—they go surprisingly well with the tangy, creamy salad.

Croissant or Wrap

Spoon the Chicken Waldorf Salad into a croissant or tortilla wrap for a satisfying sandwich-style meal.

Storage Instructions

Chicken Waldorf Salad stores well, which makes it an excellent make-ahead option. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store the salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Any longer and the apples and celery may begin to lose their crispness.
Dressing separately: If you're prepping ahead, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to preserve crunch.
Avoid freezing: Due to the creamy dressing and fresh fruits/veggies, this salad doesn't freeze well—it changes texture and can separate when thawed.
Add nuts last: For maximum crunch, you can stir in the walnuts right before serving, especially if storing for a couple of days.

Estimated Nutrition

Based on a serving size of approximately 1 cup (made with half mayo, half Greek yogurt):

Calories: 320
Protein: 22g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Sugar: 8g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 310mg

These values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used, especially the dressing and any add-ins like honey or extra fruit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of apples are best for Chicken Waldorf Salad?

Granny Smith apples are a classic choice because of their tartness and crunch, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples also work well if you prefer something sweeter.

Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad ahead of time?

Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting for a bit. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and wait to add the nuts until serving to keep them crunchy.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

It is naturally gluten-free as long as all your ingredients (like mayonnaise) are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels if you're serving someone with celiac or gluten sensitivity.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, making it a perfect shortcut for this salad.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

You can replace all or part of the mayo with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Avocado-based mayo or vegan mayo also work great.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

Tossing the chopped apples in a bit of lemon juice will prevent oxidation and keep them looking fresh.

Is this salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s ideal for meal prep. Just store in a sealed container and stir before serving. If you’re prepping multiple days in advance, consider adding celery and nuts later to retain crunch.

Can I add other ingredients to this salad?

Definitely! Dried cranberries, diced pears, raisins, or even a bit of chopped red onion can add new flavor twists.

Conclusion

Chicken Waldorf Salad is one of those timeless dishes that hits all the right notes—creamy, crunchy, sweet, and savory. It’s quick to throw together, endlessly adaptable, and always satisfying. Whether you're making it for lunch, packing it for work, or serving it at a brunch table, it brings a fresh and balanced option to the table. With just a few simple ingredients and almost no cook time, it's a recipe you'll find yourself coming back to over and over again.