This fresh and crunchy Waldorf Chicken Salad is a fantastic way to up your chicken salad game. It's chocked-full with rotisserie chicken, sweet chunks of apple, red grapes, chewy golden raisins, crisp celery and toasted walnuts all beautifully combined with a homemade dressing. Serve it in wraps, on croissants or on a simple bed of lettuce for a spectacular light meal or for busy day snacking.
Easy Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
Chicken salad has many faces and often the direction I go depends on how I'm serving it. This particular variation is fun for warm weather snacking and during apple season when apples of all varieties are in abundance. When planning meals for my boys I can never go wrong making Southern Style Chicken Salad for lunches or serving as an appetizer with crackers. When I'm looking to add a little heat to an occasion, I'm likely to whip-up a batch of Curried Chicken Salad. A seasonal chicken salad with cranberries and almonds is always a hit around the holidays. In this variation, I use toasted walnuts in line with a classic Waldorf salad but, you can certainly use pecans or almonds if it's your preference. Likewise, you can personalize it using your favorite variety of apples and the end result will be spectacular.
How to Make the Best Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe
So, how is this chicken salad different from traditional Waldorf Salad? In this fruity variation on traditional chicken salad I chose to use toasted walnuts in keeping with a classic Waldorf salad. That said, you can certainly use pecans or almonds, if it's your preference. Likewise, you can personalize it using your favorite variety of apples and the end result will be spectacular.
- Ingredients you'll need to make homemade Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe: 3 cups cooked and chopped chicken, celery ribs, diced apples, red grapes, golden raisins, mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, balsamic vinegar, salt or garlic salt, lemon pepper and toasted and chopped walnuts. In a large mixing bowl whisk together the dressing then toss with the remaining ingredients. Chill until serving.
- Kitchen gadgets you'll need: A baking sheet ot toast the walnuts, sharp knife and cutting board, an apple corer, large mixing bowl, measuring cups and spoons.
- This recipe works well with either Granny Smith or Gala apples.
- 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.
- This salad can be made one day in advance and chilled in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Store leftover Waldorf Chicken Salad chilled in the refrigerator for up to 3 days total. 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.
- 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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Helpful Kitchen Items:
Waldorf Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cup walnuts toasted and chopped
- ½ cup Real Mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon white balsamic or cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon lemon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt or garlic salt
- 3 cups cooked chicken chopped
- 2 ribs celery with leaves small dice
- 3 medium apples (i.e. gala or Granny Smith) bite size cubes
- 1 cup red grape halves
- ½ cup golden raisins
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spread the walnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast or 6-8 minutes until fragrant. Set aside to cool.
- In a medium-size mixing bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, honey, vinegar, lemon pepper and salt until combined.
- Add the walnuts, chicken, celery, apples, grapes and raisins. Toss until coated.
- Chill in an airtight container for up to 2 hours. Serve on lettuce leaves.
Nutrition
Connie
Is there another fruit besides grapes that I can add to this? Thank you for any information
Melissa
That's a classic ingredient in waldorf salad. I suppose you could adapt using another type of berry.
Elona Jean Boykin
You may use crushed pineapple as well.
Dee
I have recently found this recipe and today is my 3rd time making it already, we just love it and so do our friends!
Melissa
Hi Dee, that makes me happy, thanks so much.
Ceil G.
I tried this today. Absolutely delicious. This will become a regular n my table.
Thanks.
Andykaufmantony
Thanks, Angie!andy kaufman tony
Lori @ RecipeGirl
Love the addition of chicken to classic Waldorf salad!
Toni | Boulder Locavore
I can't wait to give this a try!
Melissa
I'm a bit biased but, it's pretty yummy. Thanks Toni.
Valerie | Valerie's Kitchen
LOVE this for a quick, refreshing summer meal!
Melissa
Perfect for warm weather meals Valerie, thank you!
Aysegul
Such a fantastic salad recipe. Waldorf chicken salad is a classic in our house and shows up on the menu quite often. With all the crunch, sweet and salty flavors, it never disappoints. Not to mention, soooo easy to make.
Melissa
I completely concur. I'm quite partial to making it into a main dish and can't get enough of this yummy salad!
Joanne
This is the most perfect chicken salad. Love the mix of mayo and sour cream too!
Melissa
Thanks Joanne! The sour cream gives a nice tangy edge to the dressing that balances the sweet in this salad.
Joanna Cismaru
I love a good Waldorf salad, such a classic!
Melissa
Totally, I seem to always circle back around to the classics from time to time.