Ready in: 40 minutes · Serves: 4 · Technique: Tossing · Storage: Up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Quick Answer
To make a delectable Waldorf Chicken Salad, combine shredded chicken with crunchy apples, grapes, walnuts, and a creamy dressing, then chill for enhanced flavor.
As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp air of fall fills New York City, I’m reminded of the warmth that comes from gatherings during Thanksgiving and Christmas. There’s something particularly special about sharing a meal, and one dish that always leaves a lasting impression at my holiday table is Waldorf Chicken Salad. This salad combines tender chicken, crunchy apples, and the delightful surprise of walnuts and grapes, all harmonized with a creamy dressing. It’s a refreshing yet comforting option that balances well with heavier holiday fare.
A Perfect Holiday Recipe
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect balance of flavors with tender chicken, crunchy apples, and creamy dressing.
- A crowd-pleaser that’s light yet satisfying, ideal for holiday gatherings.
- Easy to prepare and can be made ahead of time, saving you stress on busy days.
- Customizable with different fruits and nuts to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
For this Waldorf Chicken Salad, you’ll need:
Chicken
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken recommended)
Fruits
- 1 cup of diced apples (Crispin or Granny Smith)
- ½ cup of seedless grapes, halved (red or green)
Nuts
- ½ cup of walnuts, roughly chopped (toasted if desired)
Vegetables
- ½ cup of celery, finely diced
Dressing
- ¾ cup of mayonnaise (creamy, full-fat for richness)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad (Step-by-Step)
Prepare your taste buds for this delightful Waldorf Chicken Salad. Follow these steps to create an unforgettable dish.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by shredding your cooked chicken. I usually pull apart a store-bought rotisserie chicken, letting my fingers delve into the tender meat while inhaling the delightful aroma of seasoned chicken.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice. The dressing should be smooth and creamy, with a zesty undertone that lifts the rest of the ingredients.
Step 3: Combine the Ingredients
To the mayo mixture, add the shredded chicken, diced apples, halved grapes, chopped walnuts, and diced celery. With a spatula, gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Be sure not to over-mix; you want the textures to remain distinct.
Step 4: Seasoning
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Go light on the salt at first; you can always add more later.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to meld beautifully together, deepening the salad’s overall taste.
Step 6: Serve
Serve your Waldorf Chicken Salad on a bed of leafy greens, inside a crusty baguette, or simply on its own. The crisp and crunchy components paired with the creamy dressing are a delight.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the chilling time: Not letting the salad sit can result in muted flavors; give it time to meld.
- Using unseasoned chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders due to its seasoning. If you’re using plain chicken, be sure to add extra herbs.
- Over-mixing: Mixing too vigorously can break down the apple and grape pieces, leading to a mushy texture.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- For a touch of sweetness, consider adding a drizzle of honey to the dressing.
- If you’re looking for a healthier version, Greek yogurt can substitute half of the mayonnaise.
- Add fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for a pop of freshness.
- Toast the walnuts before adding them for enhanced flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the lemon juice to brighten the overall flavor of the salad.
Variations
- Substitute chopped pecans for walnuts for a different nutty flavor.
- Use different varieties of apples for varied sweetness and texture.
- Incorporate dried cranberries or raisins for added sweetness.
- Try adding diced grapes for a different burst of flavor and texture.
- Substitute shredded turkey for chicken to repurpose leftovers.
How to Serve
- On a bed of leafy greens for a fresh presentation.
- Inside a crusty baguette for a flavorful sandwich.
- On its own as a hearty salad option.
- With crackers for a crunchy appetizer.
- Garnished with additional nuts or fresh herbs for visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: Waldorf Chicken Salad can be prepared a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so no reheating is necessary.
- Freezing: This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients.
Recipe Notes / What I Learned
After making this salad several times, I discovered that toasting the walnuts not only amplifies their flavor but also adds a satisfying crunch that elevates the entire dish. I also learned how a simple lemon juice adjustment can transform the dish from good to absolutely vibrant!
Yield and Serving Size
Yield: 4 servings · Serving Size: 1 cup
Nutrition Snapshot
Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~350 calories · 25g protein · 12g carbs · 24g fat
Delicious Waldorf Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by shredding your cooked chicken, using rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth.
- To the mayo mixture, add shredded chicken, diced apples, halved grapes, chopped walnuts, and diced celery. Gently fold until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Serve on a bed of greens, in a baguette, or on its own.
Notes
FAQs
What type of chicken works best for Waldorf Chicken Salad?
For the best flavor and convenience, I recommend using rotisserie chicken. Its seasoning adds depth to the salad, but if you opt for plain chicken, be sure to include extra herbs for flavor.
Can I make the salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the Waldorf Chicken Salad ahead of time. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the apples may brown, so adding a little extra lemon juice can help maintain its visual appeal.
Can I substitute ingredients in the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the salad to your liking. For a healthier twist, you can substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or mix in fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon for added freshness.
