This fresh, crisp Waldorf Chicken Salad is a delicious way to elevate classic chicken salad. Made with tender rotisserie chicken, sweet apples, juicy red grapes, chewy golden raisins, crisp celery, and toasted walnuts, every bite is packed with flavor and satisfying crunch. Everything is tossed in a creamy homemade dressing that brings the ingredients together perfectly. Serve it tucked into buttery croissants, wrapped in tortillas, scooped over a bed of fresh lettuce, or enjoyed straight from the bowl for an easy lunch, light dinner, or anytime snack.

Easy Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

Around here, chicken salad comes in all kinds of delicious variations, and the one I make usually depends on the season and how I’m planning to serve it. This Waldorf Chicken Salad is one of my favorite warm-weather recipes. It’s cool, refreshing, and a wonderful way to make the most of apple season when crisp, juicy apples are in abundance. Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting a ladies’ luncheon, or looking for something light after a long summer day, this chicken salad always hits the spot.

So, what makes it different from a traditional Waldorf salad? This Southern-inspired twist combines the signature flavors of the classic, sweet apples, juicy grapes, crisp celery, and toasted walnuts, with tender chicken to create a hearty, satisfying meal. I like using toasted walnuts to stay true to the original recipe, but pecans, a Southern favorite, or sliced almonds are equally delicious. Choose your favorite variety of apples, and you’ll have a fresh, crunchy chicken salad that’s just as welcome at a picnic or baby shower as it is on an ordinary weekday lunch table.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Waldorf Chicken Salad: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

Chicken – Fully cooked and chicken adds protein to this fruity salad.
Fruit – Diced apples, red grapes and raisins for a sweet and tart flavor profile.
Nuts – Toasted walnuts complement the apples and chicken.
Celery – Celery adds texture and awesome crunch.
Dressing – Mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, balsamic vinegar.
Spices and Seasonings – Salt or garlic salt and lemon pepper or black pepper.

ingredients-to-make-chicken-salad-with-apples-grapes

How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

Toast Walnuts – Preheat the oven to 350 degrees f. Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet. Toast or 6-8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
Make the Dressing – Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, vinegar, lemon pepper and salt until combined.
Add Chicken, Nuts and Mix-ins – Add the walnuts, chicken, celery, apples, grapes and raisins. Toss until coated.
Refrigerate – Chill in an airtight container until serving.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Chicken Salad with Walnuts and Raisins

Large baking sheet pan for toasting the walnuts.
Knife and cutting board.
Apple corer.
Large bowl.
Measuring cups and measuring spoons.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

Apples – This recipe works well with either Granny Smith or Gala apples.
Chicken – You can use rotisserie chicken, poached chicken, roasted chicken or leftover grilled chicken in this recipe. When doing so, consider the seasonings used initially on the chicken and make adjustments as needed.
Turkey – You could make this salad using leftover Thanksgiving turkey.
Mayo – You could replace the mayonnaise with plain greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Grapes – You could replace the grapes with craisins, dried cranberries or use classic raisins.
Nuts – You could swap out the walnuts for pecans.
Nut-Free – For a nut free version try sunflower seeds or pepitas.
Fresh Herbs – You can add parsley, dill, chives, mint or lemon thyme.
Serving Options – Enjoy as a sandwich, as a simple salad on a bed of greens, stuffed into rolls or croissants or pile onto your favorite crackers for as an appetizer or snacking.

Storage and Leftovers

Make-Ahead Tip – This salad can be made one day in advance and chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Leftovers – Store leftover Waldorf Chicken Salad covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days total.
Freezer – I don’t recommend freezing this salad.

More Southern Style Chicken Salad Recipes to Make

For snacking and light meals try this baked Hot Chicken Salad recipe served with crackers or bread for dipping.
A holiday favorite Cranberry Almond Chicken Salad.
Our favorite Southern Style Chicken Salad.
Curried Chicken Salad makes a tasty appetizer served in tiny filo cups.
Chicken Bacon Ranch Layered Salad is always a hit.
Polynesian Chicken Salad is served atop fresh greens for a delicious meal that’s good and good for you.
Crunchy Apple Salad from Taste of Home.

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