Waldorf Chicken Salad!

🥗 Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

🌟 Description

A refreshing, creamy, and crunchy salad that combines chicken, apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a light dressing. Great for lunch, picnics, or as a sandwich filling.

🛒 Ingredients

For the salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded

• 1 medium apple, diced (red or green, unpeeled for color)

• 1 cup seedless grapes, halved (red or green)

• ½ cup celery, finely chopped

• ½ cup walnuts or pecans, toasted and roughly chopped

• Optional: ¼ cup raisins or dried cranberries

• Optional: lettuce leaves, for serving

For the dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (fresh)

• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, balances tartness)

• Salt and pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the dressing:
   In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth.

2. Combine the salad ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, add chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and nuts.

3. Mix it all together:
   Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated.

4. Chill (optional):
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

5. Serve:
   Serve on lettuce leaves, croissants, in wraps, or as a sandwich filling.

🕒 Prep Time: 15 minutes

❄️ Chill Time: 30 minutes (optional)

🍽️ Serves: 4

💡 Tips & Variations

• Healthier dressing: Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt.

• Add crunch: Sprinkle with extra walnuts or sunflower seeds before serving.

• Flavor twist: Add a pinch of curry powder for a curried chicken salad.

• Make ahead: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

❓ Waldorf Chicken Salad Q&A

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?

A: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and saves time. Just remove the skin and dice the meat.

Q2: What apples are best for Waldorf salad?

A: Crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well. For a tangier bite, use Granny Smith.

Q3: Can I make it dairy-free?

A: Yes — just ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free (many brands are). Skip Greek yogurt if you use it.

Q4: How long does it last in the fridge?

A: Up to 3 days in an airtight container. Stir before serving as the dressing may separate slightly.

Q5: Can I freeze Waldorf Chicken Salad?

A: No — freezing changes the texture of mayo, grapes, and apples. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

Q6: What can I serve it with?

A: It’s delicious with:

• Butter lettuce cups

• Whole-grain crackers

• Toasted bread or croissants

• Over a bed of mixed greens.