Chicken Waldorf Salad
A refreshing and flavorful chicken Waldorf Salad combining sweet apples, crunchy celery, toasted walnuts, and tender chicken in a creamy mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for light lunches, brunches, or picnics, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors that appeal to both casual diners and salad enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend mayonnaise, sugar, dry mustard, salt, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add diced celery, diced red apples, chopped walnuts, and drained chicken to the dressing.
- Toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce or as is.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. If you have allergies, swap walnuts for sunflower seeds. To add more crunch, try adding diced bell peppers or cucumbers. This Chicken Waldorf Salad is versatile and can be customized to your taste, making it a great option among various American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Chicken Waldorf Salad over a bed of fresh lettuce or in a sandwich for a delightful lunch. It pairs beautifully with a side of fruit or whole grain crackers. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside the Lentil Casserole or Music Teacher Casserole to complement the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The salad may become watery as it sits, so give it a gentle stir before serving. If you plan to reheat, consider warming the chicken separately and then mixing it back into the salad, as it is best enjoyed cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Waldorf Salad contains roughly 1829 calories, with 38g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 181g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (76% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (64% of the Daily Value), and iron (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1926mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples in this salad?
Absolutely! While red apples add sweetness, you can experiment with green apples for a tart flavor or even a mix for added complexity. Just ensure the apples are crisp to maintain texture in the salad.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this Chicken Waldorf Salad is great for meal prep. Prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables ahead of time, then combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the salad a few hours in advance, but for optimal freshness, mix the dressing with the apples and walnuts right before serving. This helps prevent browning and keeps the ingredients from getting soggy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).