A classic reinvented, this Chicken Waldorf Salad recipe is the perfect dish for an easy weeknight dinner. Crunchy walnuts, crisp apples, grapes and chicken are tossed with a light dressing for a truly amazing meal.

Chicken Waldorf salad in a blue and white bowl


Chicken Waldorf salad

We are one step closer to summer and I’m pulling out all my favorite no cook, quick and easy meals to ensure I’m spending more time poolside…..less time stove side! I love simple dinners all year long and this easy Chicken Waldorf salad is my all time favorite.

Repurposing leftover chicken is great for this recipe and also my favorite Barbecue Chicken Cobb Salad!  This easy Chicken Waldorf salad is so easy to make with leftover chicken breast which I purposely have extra of almost every week for simple weeknight dinners.

Chicken Waldorf Salad sandwich on a wooden board with potato chips.

What is Waldorf salad?

Waldorf Salad is a fruit and nut salad generally made of fresh celery, apples, walnuts, and grapes, dressed in mayonnaise, and is usually served on a bed of lettuce as an appetizer or a light meal. It’s named after the Waldorf hotel in New York City because it was created there for a charity ball in 1896. So, it’s basically, legendary. 

As healthy as it seems, it was missing a protein, other than the nuts so I threw in some leftover chicken to make the most epically amazing Chicken Salad recipe in the world.

Chicken Waldorf Salad in a blue and white bowl on a blue napkin.

How To Make Chicken Waldorf salad

This salad is relatively easy to make if you’re using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. Most of your time will be spent chopping the fruit and vegetables but it’s well worth the few minutes it takes to do it right.

  1. Chop the chicken into bite sized pieces.
  2. Toss the fruit, vegetables and chicken in a large bowl.
  3. Whisk together the dressing ingredients.
  4. Pour the dressing over the salad.
  5. Toss to combine.

That’s it! Super simple and you can serve it up on a lettuce like a traditional Waldorf salad or make a chicken salad sandwich. We love it both ways.

Chicken Waldorf Salad sandwich on an olive wood board with toothpicks.

Serving Suggestions

You can easily just serve your salad on top of a lettuce leaf or make a hearty sandwich with some sliced brioche bread or homemade white bread. It’s fantastic for a picnic!

And don’t forget a tall glass of lemonade, this is even swanky enough for those ladies who lunch!

More Easy Salad Ideas

DON’T MISS A RECIPE! Be sure to follow us over on Instagram and Facebook for even more easy family recipes!

Chicken Waldorf Salad in a blue and white bowl on a blue napkin.

Get the Recipe: Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

Classic Waldorf salad pumped up with added protein, this Chicken Waldorf salad is a meal all by itself!
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chopped chicken breasts
  • 1 cup halved red grapes
  • 1 cup halved green grapes
  • 2 cups chopped red apple
  • 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 cup finely chopped celery
  • 3/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup low fat greek yogurt
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons fresh chopped chives

Equipment

  • 1 mixing bowl

Instructions 

  • In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, grapes, apple, walnuts and celery. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, parsley and chives until smooth.
  • Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss to combine.
  • Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Calories: 354kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 15g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 5g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0g, Trans Fat: 0g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 298mg, Potassium: 0mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 0IU, Vitamin C: 0mg, Calcium: 0mg, Iron: 0mg