When you’re craving something light but full of flavor, this Waldorf Chicken Salad is the answer. It’s made with everyday ingredients, comes together in no time, and gets even better after resting in the fridge. It’s simple, satisfying, and just the kind of dish that makes lunch feel a little special.
I’ve been making my classic Waldorf Salad for years—it’s one of those timeless recipes that I make when I need something fresh, crunchy, and a little sweet. A while back, a reader suggested turning that favorite into a heartier dish with chicken, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer. This Waldorf Chicken Salad recipe has everything I love about the original—crisp apples, juicy grapes, and toasty walnuts—with the bonus of tender, protein packed chicken and a creamy dressing.
Here’s The Scoop: What You Need To Know
Can I make Waldorf Chicken Salad Ahead Of Time?
Yes, and it actually tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. The flavors come together just right, and the apples and celery stay crisp. It’s a great make-ahead lunch or party dish.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even easier. Just chop or shred it and you’re good to go—it’s a real time-saver without skimping on flavor.
Waldorf Chicken Salad Ingredients
- Cooked chicken – I like to use whatever chicken we make for dinner but just double it to use some cubed in this salad. I often use leftovers from making Oven Roasted Chicken Breasts and this Whole Roasted Lemon Chicken recipe.
- Apples – Use red and green apples (honeycrisp and granny smith are great) for the perfect combination of sweet and tart.
- Seedless red grapes – Just halve these for the salad. If you have little ones, you might want to quarter them.
- Celery – For extra crunch.
- Walnuts – These can be bitter so be sure to lightly toast them first.
- Dressing – This is just a mixture of creamy mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, and sugar.
Make It Your Own – Recipe Variations
- Swap the Nuts: Try pecans or slivered almonds if walnuts aren’t your favorite.
- Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt in place of the sour cream or mayonnaise for a healthier twist.
- Add a Kick: Stir in a pinch of Dijon mustard or a dash of cayenne for a little extra zip.
- Savory Flavors: I love adding red onion or chives for an added savory taste.
How To Make Waldorf Chicken Salad In 4 Easy Steps
- Toast the Walnuts: Warm a small skillet over medium heat and toast the walnuts until golden and fragrant, about 2–5 minutes. Let them cool, then give them a rough chop.
- Prep the Apples: Chop your apples and toss them with lemon juice and a little sugar to keep them fresh and bright.
- Mix It All Together: In a large bowl, add the apples, chicken, grapes, celery, and walnuts. In a separate bowl, stir together the mayo and sour cream, then pour it over the salad and gently mix.
- Chill and Serve: Cover and pop the bowl in the fridge to chill until you’re ready to serve. It’s even better cold!
How Long Does Chicken With Fruit Salad Stay Good For?
This salad holds up beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container and give it a gentle stir before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes—use a dairy-free mayo and sour cream substitute. There are great plant-based options available that still give you that creamy texture.
It is! Just double-check your ingredients, especially the mayo and sour cream, to be sure.
I don’t recommend it. The fresh ingredients and creamy dressing don’t freeze well and may become watery or lose texture after thawing.
How To Use Waldorf Chicken Salad
There’s no wrong way to serve this salad. We love it piled high on croissants or tucked into butter lettuce cups for an easy grab-and-go lunch. It’s delicious served with a bowl of Crock Pot Potato Soup or a Stuffed Baked Potato. For a light dinner, I love making a cold salad plate with Southern Pimento Cheese, accompanied by this salad and Creamed Corn Cornbread Muffins.
More Salad Recipes You’ll Love
If you tried this Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cubed cooked chicken rotisserie chicken works
- 2 cups red and green apples 1 of each apple chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes sliced in half
- ½ cup celery chopped
- ½ cup walnuts
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon sugar
Instructions
- In a small skillet over medium heat, heat walnuts until browned and fragrant, stirring occasionally, about 2 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, let cool then chop to the desired size.
- Place chopped apples into a large bowl and sprinkle with lemon juice and sugar. Add the chicken, sliced grapes, chopped celery, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream. Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently mix until combined. Cover bowl with lid or plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
Notes
- Swap the Nuts: Use pecans or slivered almonds instead of walnuts for a different crunch.
- Lighten It Up: Replace the mayo or sour cream with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
- Add Some Kick: Stir in a little Dijon mustard or a pinch of cayenne for extra zip.
- Go Savory: Mix in a few thin slices of red onion or a sprinkle of fresh chives for more savory flavor.
Nutrition
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So fresh and tasty!
The perfect mix of sweet, crunchy, and creamy. I’ll be making this one on repeat!
Thank you for your comment and review! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! ~Donya
Made this recipe today and I love it! While the base recipe is super tasty, I added a few things to give it my personal touch: onion powder, garlic powder, fresh ground pepper, honey mustard, 1/4 cup chopped red onion, Cajun seasoning.
I love that you made this recipe your own! Those sound like great ingredients to add. Thanks for leaving a review! ~Donya