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    Home » Real Food » Turkey and Chicken Recipes » Chicken Waldorf Salad

    Chicken Waldorf Salad

    By Kristen Chidsey | 12 Comments | Published April 14, 2021 | Updated August 30, 2021 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    This Chicken Waldorf Salad recipe has been given a healthy make-over and is filled with texture and flavor. Made with tender chunks of chicken, apples, grapes, walnuts, celery, and a bright and tangy Greek yogurt dressing, this is a healthy, high-protein spin on a classic Chicken Salad inspired by a classic Waldorf salad. 

    Chicken Waldorf Salad is a classic chicken salad made with tender chunks of chicken, apples, grapes, walnuts, celery, and a bright, light dressing. This lightened-up chicken salad recipe is filled with flavor, texture, and makes a wholesome, delicious meal.

    Whether you are looking for a chicken salad recipe that is creamy, yet light, a chicken salad that is full of crunch and flavor, or just an easy recipe to enjoy leftover chicken, this Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe is one to try!

    Waldorf Chicken Salad mixed together in white bowl next to apples and grapes

    What is Chicken Waldorf Salad?

    The classic Waldorf Salad was named after the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel where it was first served in the late 1800s. It is traditionally made with grapes, walnuts, apples, celery, and dressed with a mayonnaise-based dressing.

    When chicken is added to the mix, the result is a hearty chicken salad that is both creamy and crunchy.

    But the chicken is not the only difference in this Chicken Waldorf Salad. The classically heavy mayonnaise-based dressing has been lightened up with a bit of Greek yogurt, making this recipe a bit lower in fat and calories--but just as delicious.

    Notes on Ingredients

    Ingredients for waldorf chicken salad on counter labeled.
    • Chicken--Use any leftover chicken you like for this recipe, like leftover Rotisserie Chicken or Instant Pot Chicken Breast.
    • Apples--I prefer a sweeter apple, like Gala or Honey Crisp, in this recipe but if you like tarter apples like, Granny Smith apples, that will work as well. There is no need to peel the apples. Simply wash well and add to the chicken salad. The skin adds color and nutrients to the chicken salad.
    • Grapes--I often opt for red grapes for this chicken salad, as they lend more sweetness and color. Feel free to use green grapes if that is what you have on hand.
    • Celery--By all means, if you do not care for celery, you can omit it. However, the tiny bit of crunch and burst of freshness that the celery adds really helps to complete the dish.
    • Toasted Walnuts--Feel free to omit nuts if you need a nut-free chicken salad recipe. Slivered almonds also work well in place of the walnuts.
    • Waldorf Chicken Salad Dressing: Made with a combination of mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, and salt and pepper, this dressing is simple, bright, and light.

    How To Make Waldorf Salad with Chicken

    • In a small mixing bowl, combine the Waldorf dressing by mixing together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, and salt and pepper together.
    Small mixing bowl with waldorf chicken salad dressing mixed in it next to diced celery, nuts, and chicken.
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples, diced chicken, celery, grapes, and walnuts.
    Ingredients for Waldorf Chicken Salad in white bowl.
    • Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until evenly distributed.
    • Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.  
    Bowl with chicken, grapes, apples, and chicken mixed together with mayonnaise based dressing.

    Serving Suggestions

    • Serve on sliced Whole Wheat Bread or Cranberry Walnut Bread for an additional punch of flavor.
    • Serve the chicken salad on top of greens with additional grapes and walnuts.
    • Serve on a tortilla with greens for a healthy chicken wrap.
    Waldorf Chicken Salad Sandwich on cutting board.

    Recipe FAQs

    How long does this chicken salad last?

    Store leftover chicken salad in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It does not freeze well.

    Can this recipe be made without the mayonnaise?

    Yes! While I find the mayonnaise and yogurt combination to be perfect, feel free to use all mayonnaise or all Greek yogurt for the base of the chicken salad.

    More Healthy Lunch Recipes

    • Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
    • Easy Avocado Tuna Salad
    • Avocado Chickpea Salad
    • Quinoa Spinach Salad

    If you gave this Waldorf Chicken Salad a try, I would love for you to leave a comment below.

    Waldorf Chicken Salad in white bowl.

    Chicken Waldorf Salad

    Inspired by a Waldorf Salad, this healthy chicken salad recipe is made with apples, grapes, walnuts, and celery finished with a bright lightened up dressing. 
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 244kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    Ingredients

    For the Chicken Salad

    • 2 cups cooked chicken breast cubed
    • ½ cup celery thinly sliced
    • 1 cup grapes halved
    • 1 cup apples cubed
    • ¼ cup toasted walnuts chopped

    For the Dressing

    • ⅓ cup plain Greek yogurt
    • ⅓ cup low-fat Mayonnaise
    • 1 lemon
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon pepper
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    Instructions

    • In a dry skillet over medium heat, add walnuts and toast for 2-3 minutes, tossing every 30 seconds. Remove from heat and allow to cool before chopping and adding to salad.
    • In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
    • Toss the chicken, celery, apples, grapes, and walnuts together until evenly combined. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
    • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. 
    • Serve this chicken salad on a bed of lettuce, on a wrap, on crackers, or as a sandwich.

    Notes

    Storage: Waldorf chicken salad will last for 3 days in the fridge. Chicken Waldorf salad does NOT freeze well.
    Mayonnaise/Yogurt Notes: Feel free to use all mayonnaise or all Greek yogurt for the base of the chicken salad. Be sure to use plain Greek yogurt, but any fat percentage works. 
    Grapes: Red or green grapes can be used or a mixture of both. 
    Apples: For the apples, select a firm sweet or tart apple (based on your preference). Granny Smith, Gala, and Honey Crisp are all great options. 
    Nuts: Omit the nuts if desired. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 244kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 28g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 62mg | Sodium: 372mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 115IU | Vitamin C: 17.3mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 1.2mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

     

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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jacqueline Rivera

      April 18, 2022 at 4:15 pm

      So delicious! Thank you! What is the serving size on the nutrition facts?

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 21, 2022 at 7:19 am

        Hi Jacqueline! I love hearing you enjoyed this chicken salad. Each serving is about 1 cup.

        Reply
    2. Mary L

      September 28, 2021 at 2:32 pm

      5 stars
      Excellent salad; both of us gobbled it up for dinner with some crackers. Much lighter than my ancient recipe from my mom, yet very filling. Love the addition of lemon juice! I am on my way to make it a second time....

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        September 28, 2021 at 2:54 pm

        I love that you enjoyed this so much!

        Reply
    3. Arfield Taylor

      May 07, 2021 at 11:08 am

      I am sure that I am going to love your healthy salad recipes.

      Reply
    4. Diana

      April 14, 2021 at 4:34 pm

      5 stars
      I love this salad, it's my go-to fast and easy lunch pick.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 15, 2021 at 6:31 am

        I love hearing you enjoy Diana!

        Reply
    5. Taryn

      April 14, 2021 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      My whole family loved this when I made it for brunch last weekend. Thank you for the recipe.

      Reply
    6. Taylor

      August 30, 2019 at 9:01 am

      5 stars
      This is one of my FAVORITE lunches to make! Love to serve on lettuce cups!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 30, 2019 at 12:43 pm

        I am so glad you enjoy Taylor!

        Reply
    7. Kate Hackworthy

      August 30, 2019 at 7:02 am

      5 stars
      My dad used to make Waldorf salad all the time when I was young. I love this lightened version.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        August 30, 2019 at 12:43 pm

        I am so glad you enjoy this healthier version Kate!

        Reply

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