Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines the crunch of apples and walnuts with tender chicken? This Waldorf Chicken Salad is the answer! Perfect for a light lunch or as a delightful side dish, it’s a recipe that brings a burst of flavors and textures to your table.

This Waldorf Chicken Salad is not just any salad; it’s a blend of juicy chicken, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts, all brought together with a creamy dressing. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a meal that’s both nutritious and delicious, perfect for warm weather picnics or quick weekday lunches.

Vibrant Ingredients for Waldorf Chicken Salad

The Waldorf Chicken Salad is a delightful creation that combines various ingredients to create a colorful and nutritious dish. At its core, this salad features tender, diced chicken, which provides a hearty base.

Adding to the mix are crisp apples, which offer a refreshing sweetness and a satisfying crunch. The use of walnuts not only enhances the texture with their crunchiness but also adds a rich, nutty flavor. To round out the ensemble, grapes can be included for a burst of juiciness, making each bite a delightful experience.

The Creamy Dressing

A key element of the Waldorf Chicken Salad is its creamy dressing. This dressing typically consists of mayonnaise and lemon juice, providing a smooth and tangy addition that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.

When mixed with salt and pepper, the dressing becomes the perfect complement to the savory chicken and the sweetness of the fruits. It enhances the overall flavor without overshadowing the fresh ingredients, ensuring a balanced taste in every bite.

Preparation Steps

Making Waldorf Chicken Salad is a straightforward process that can be accomplished in just about 15 minutes. Start by preparing all the ingredients, ensuring the chicken is diced and the apples are cored and chopped.

Next, combine the chicken, apples, celery, walnuts, and optional grapes in a large bowl. This creates a vibrant mixture of colors and textures that makes the dish visually appealing. Following this, the creamy dressing is prepared separately before being poured over the salad ingredients, allowing for even coating of flavors.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served in various ways, making it a versatile choice for any meal. It can be elegantly served on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves, which not only adds color but also a layer of freshness to the dish.

For a different take, consider placing the Waldorf Chicken Salad between slices of bread or wrapping it in a tortilla for a satisfying sandwich or wrap. Each option presents a unique way to enjoy this delightful salad, whether for a quick lunch or a leisurely picnic.

Nutrition and Serving Size

Waldorf Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. With approximately 320 calories per serving, it provides a good balance of protein and fats, making it a wholesome choice.

Each serving typically contains around 18 grams of protein, thanks to the chicken, along with healthy fats from the walnuts. The inclusion of fresh fruits and vegetables contributes to its overall nutritional profile, making it a well-rounded dish suitable for various dietary preferences.

Creating an Inviting Presentation

The visual appeal of your Waldorf Chicken Salad can enhance the dining experience. Serving it in a rustic bowl on a wooden table adds to the inviting atmosphere and emphasizes the freshness of the ingredients.

Garnishing the salad with a sprinkle of parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a touch of freshness. Surrounding the salad with whole apples and walnuts can create a charming display, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 medium apple, cored and diced
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup grapes, halved (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves for serving

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, apple, celery, walnuts, and grapes if using.
2. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Combine: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is well coated.
4. Serve: Spoon the Waldorf Chicken Salad onto a bed of lettuce leaves or serve in a sandwich or wrap. Enjoy chilled.

Cook and Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition Information

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 320kcal
• Fat: 22g
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 14g