Chicken Waldorf Salad
This chicken salad recipe is so ridiculously good. It balances so many different things all at once. It has savory and sweet flavors. It’s got crunchy, crisp, and tender ingredients. And, it’s so easy to make! There is a reason that Waldorf salad has retained its popularity for over a hundred years. Adding chicken to the classic salad and turning it into a heartier meal, makes it a guaranteed win.
Give it a go and you’ll likely find yourself like me, making it on repeat for two weeks. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or picnic, or make a big bowl for your next potluck.
What is a Waldorf Salad?
The Waldorf salad originated in New York City, specifically at the Waldorf Hotel, which eventually became the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It was created by the hotel’s maître d, Oscar Tschirky in the late 1800s, using just celery and apples. Over time, the recipe evolved to include nuts, grapes, and various proteins. This chicken Waldorf salad recipe was inspired by my friend Gina’s Tuna Waldorf Salad. I used canned chicken, but you can use a rotisserie chicken, too.For what it is worth, I have made this with both types of chicken and it turns out that I prefer it with canned chicken. (Making it about as easy as can be!)
Waldorf Salad with Chicken
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this recipe:
chicken breast granny smith apples seedless red grapes celery walnuts mayonnaise sour cream lemon juice salt and pepper
In a medium size mixing bowl, whisk together the mayo, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Then, taste and adjust the lemon, salt, and pepper as desired. Add the chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and walnuts to the bowl and toss to coat. Then, serve on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or with crackers of your choice. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days.
Waldorf Chicken Salad
Looking for more recipes like this waldorf chicken salad? Light and slightly tangy Creamy Pasta Salad, with just enough dressing to coat the noodles and vegetables, this is one heck of an awesome summer pasta salad. Sweet grapes, crunchy pecans, and vanilla bean sour cream are combined in this unexpected and delicious Creamy Grape Salad. My boys went nuts over this the first time I made it and I couldn’t stop eating bites of it myself. Crunchy greens, juicy tomatoes, and a medley of meats and cheeses are drizzled in a delicious creamy dressing to make this Italian Grinder Salad. In my exploration of Waldorf recipes, I’ve been eyeing this Waldorf Pudding. I may just have to try it next. Over the years this has become our go-to favorite Classic Potato Salad. The recipe is a combination of several of the potato salads here on the site. It is perfect for summer barbecues, potlucks, and weeknight dinners all year long. Creamy chunks of avocado are combined with tender pieces of chicken in a fresh and slightly spicy dressing to make this Avocado Chicken Salad. Crisp bacon and lettuce, tart tomatoes, creamy hard-boiled eggs, and jalapenos combine to create this creamy, slightly spicy Jalapeno BLT Pasta Salad. Chunks of tender chicken, crunchy dill pickles, fresh green onions, and parsley are tossed with a creamy, tangy, dill pickle dressing to make this Dill Pickle Chicken Salad.
