Waldorf Chicken Salad pairs tender cooked chicken with crisp apples, sweet grapes, and crunchy celery, all coated in a creamy, tangy dressing for a fresh, easy meal the whole family will enjoy.
Author’s Notes
The Chicken Salad I Grew Up On
I began a series called “Mom’s Greatest Hits” to showcase the recipes that shaped my childhood — the simple, reliable dishes my mom made again and again. One of the first I shared was a ramen noodle salad, and now I’m sharing my favorite chicken salad: this Waldorf-style version.
Growing up, there was almost always a tub of chicken or tuna salad in the fridge. We used it for quick lunches, on-the-go snacks before sports, and sometimes even as dinner. This Waldorf chicken salad — with apples, grapes, celery and nuts in a creamy dressing — is nearly identical to how my mom made it and remains one of my favorites.
Waldorf Chicken Salad Ingredients
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| Chicken | Rotisserie chicken keeps this quick, but any cooked, chopped chicken works. |
| Apples & Grapes | Use crisp apples (Honeycrisp recommended) and sweet red grapes. Quarter grapes for easy bites. |
| Celery & Green Onions | Provide crunch and freshness — dice finely so you get a bit in every bite. |
| Mayo, Sour Cream & Apple Cider Vinegar | This combo keeps the dressing creamy yet bright. Adjust seasoning to taste before tossing. |
| Walnuts | Toast briefly for extra flavor and crunch, or omit for a nut-free version. |
Chelsea’s Tip
Keep The Apples From Browning!
Use a simple saltwater soak: place diced apples in 2 cups room-temperature water with 1 teaspoon salt for 5–10 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, shake off excess, and pat dry before adding to the salad.
What To Serve With Waldorf Chicken Salad
- Croissants or buttery rolls for sandwiches (add lettuce if you like).
- Crackers, pita chips, or toasted bread.
- Fresh fruit (berries, grapes, melon) or raw vegetables with dip.
- Simple sides like potato chips or a cold pasta salad.
- A light garden salad or Caesar salad to round out the meal.
More Quick & Easy Chicken Recipes:
Dinner
Rotisserie Chicken Stir-Fry
Dinner
Chicken Salad Wrap
Sandwiches
Chicken Caesar Sandwich
Dinner
Rotisserie Chicken Tacos
Waldorf Chicken Salad
Chelsea Lords
20 minutes
20 minutes
4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced cooked chicken (rotisserie preferred, chopped finely)
- 1/2 cup diced walnuts (toasted if desired)
- 1/3 cup diced celery
- 2/3 cup finely diced apples (Honeycrisp preferred)
- 2/3 cup quartered red grapes
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Serve on croissants, toast, in lettuce boats, or with crackers or pita chips.
Instructions
- Whisk the dressing ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Combine the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning. For a richer texture, add a bit more mayo or sour cream to reach your preferred creaminess.
- Serve immediately on bread, croissants, apple slices, or with crackers. The salad is best the same day; if preparing ahead, keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving.
Recipe Notes
Note 1: Use dry-roasted, lightly salted walnuts or toast them yourself at 350°F for 6–8 minutes, stirring once, until fragrant.
Note 2: To prevent apples from browning, soak diced apples in 2 cups room-temperature water with 1 teaspoon salt for 5–10 minutes, then drain, rinse with cold water, and pat dry.
Note 3: Serve straight from the bowl, spoon onto buttered croissants, pile on toasted bread, or enjoy with crackers, pita chips, or fresh veggies.
Storage: Best same day. If making ahead, store dressing separately and toss just before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 427 kcal |
Carbohydrates: 17 g |
Protein: 25 g |
Fat: 29 g
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.