If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with freshness, texture, and that perfect blend of sweet and savory, then the Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This delightful dish takes tender chicken breast, succulent grapes, crunchy walnuts, and crisp celery and apple, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing that makes each bite a harmonious delight. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or something special for a gathering, this salad offers incredible flavor without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right for this salad is key because each one brings something unique to the table—color, crunch, creaminess, or just that perfect flavor pop. These straightforward ingredients come together effortlessly but with outstanding results, making this recipe both simple and irresistible.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Tender, shredded or chopped, this is the protein-packed base of your salad.
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved: Juicy sweetness that balances the savory elements beautifully.
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped: Adds a satisfying crunch and refreshing bite.
- 1 green apple, chopped: Crisp and slightly tart, it lifts the salad’s flavor profile and keeps it bright.
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped: Their toasty richness adds depth and more wonderful texture.
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Brings creaminess and helps hold everything together.
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: Adds tang and lightness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: A zesty kick to brighten the richness of the salad.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate all the flavors.
- Optional: Butter lettuce leaves for serving: A fresh, crisp bed for presenting the salad elegantly.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing your cooked chicken, halved grapes, finely chopped celery, chopped green apple, and toasted walnuts into a large mixing bowl. This vibrant combination is the heart of the Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe, offering a delightful range of flavors and textures that make this dish so memorable.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This dressing perfectly balances richness with a hint of tang, ensuring every ingredient in the salad shines without overpowering the others.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and gently toss everything until it’s evenly coated. This step allows the flavors to meld beautifully. For the best taste, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes—the wait is worth the mouthwatering result.
Step 4: Serve
When you’re ready, serve the Waldorf Chicken Salad on butter lettuce leaves, or get creative with sandwiches and wraps. This salad is just as impressive on its own, making it an incredibly versatile dish that’s quick to pull together whenever hunger strikes.
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
Garnishes
A scattering of extra toasted walnuts or a few vibrant red grape halves on top adds visual appeal and a little extra crunch. A light sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives also brings a fresh, herbal note that brightens up this delicious salad.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside crusty whole-grain bread or crunchy pita chips to add substance and texture contrast. A crisp green salad or a bowl of chilled soup pairs nicely for a fuller, balanced meal without overshadowing the salad’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, try serving the Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe in hollowed-out apples or atop crisp endive leaves for beautiful individual portions. It’s also fantastic layered in a clear glass for a vibrant, show-stopping parfait-style presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salad keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the apples from browning and maintain the freshest texture, it’s best to add them just before serving if you plan to store the salad ahead.
Freezing
This salad is not suitable for freezing due to its fresh fruits and creamy dressing, which can separate and lose their texture when thawed. For best results, always enjoy it fresh or refrigerated only.
Reheating
This salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t recommended. If you want a warm chicken salad option, consider gently warming the chicken separately and then mixing it in with the other chilled ingredients just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor. Just shred or chop it and proceed as usual.
How can I make this salad lighter?
For a lighter version, simply increase the Greek yogurt and decrease the mayonnaise in the dressing. This swap keeps it creamy but reduces calories and fat.
Will the apples brown if I prepare the salad in advance?
Yes, apples tend to brown when exposed to air. To prevent this, add the chopped apples right before serving or toss them with a bit of lemon juice to slow down the browning process.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those following a gluten-free diet.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Definitely! Pecans or almonds work well as alternatives if you’re not a fan of walnuts or have allergies. Just toast them lightly to preserve that wonderful crunch and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Trust me when I say, once you try the Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe, it will have a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. It’s that perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy, plus super easy to whip up any day of the week. So go ahead and embrace this classic with a fresh twist—you’ll love every bite!
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Waldorf Chicken Salad with Grapes and Walnuts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This classic Waldorf Chicken Salad combines tender cooked chicken breast with crisp celery, sweet grapes, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. It’s a refreshing and nutritious salad that’s perfect for a light lunch or a healthy snack. Serve it chilled on butter lettuce leaves or as a filling for sandwiches and wraps.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
- 1 cup seedless red grapes, halved
- 1 stalk celery, finely chopped
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
Dressing
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional
- Butter lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, place the chopped cooked chicken, halved grapes, finely chopped celery, chopped green apple, and toasted walnuts. Mix gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Prepare Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Mix Salad and Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly without crushing the grapes or walnuts.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill.
- Serve: Serve the Waldorf Chicken Salad on a bed of butter lettuce leaves or use it as a filling for sandwiches or wraps, or enjoy it on its own.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience to save time.
- For a lighter version, increase the amount of Greek yogurt and reduce the mayonnaise accordingly.
- If preparing the salad ahead of time, wait to add the chopped apples until just before serving to prevent them from browning.
