Spread the love

Elevate your summer meals with this Chicken Waldorf Salad, a high-protein, no-mayo salad bursting with sweet grapes, crisp apples, and a creamy yogurt dressing. Ready in just 20 minutes, this Summer Recipes favorite is perfect for picnics, lunches, or light dinners. Its sweet-savory balance and vibrant crunch make it a timeless dish that’s both healthy and delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Waldorf Salad

This Chicken Waldorf Salad is a refreshing twist on a classic that’s sure to impress. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

Sweet and Savory: Juicy grapes and apples pair perfectly with tender chicken.
Quick Prep: Ready in 20 minutes, ideal for busy summer days.
Healthy Twist: A yogurt-based dressing makes it lighter than traditional salads.
Versatile Dish: Serve over lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a Summer Recipes wrap.
Crowd-Pleaser: Its vibrant flavors appeal to all ages at any gathering.

Explore more fresh ideas in our guide: Summer Salads.

What Makes This Chicken Waldorf Salad Special?

This Chicken Waldorf Salad reimagines the iconic dish from the Waldorf Astoria Hotel with a modern, healthy twist. Tender chicken, crunchy celery, sweet fruits, and a tangy yogurt dressing create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Ideal for Summer Recipes, it’s quick to prepare, making it great for meal prep, picnics, or casual dinners. The no-mayo dressing, flavored with honey and lemon, keeps it light yet creamy, ensuring every bite is both satisfying and refreshing.

Ingredients for Chicken Waldorf Salad

To make this Chicken Waldorf Salad (serves 4), gather these ingredients:

For the Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (rotisserie works well)
1 cup red grapes, halved
1 cup celery, diced
1 medium apple, diced
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
4 cups lettuce (spring mix, romaine, or bibb), for serving

For the Dressing:

½ cup plain Greek yogurt or Icelandic Skyr
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp poppy seeds
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Tips:

Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time; use white or mixed meat for this Chicken Waldorf Salad.
Grapes: Red grapes add sweetness; green grapes work for a tart twist.
Apple: Choose crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for Summer Recipes crunch.
Yogurt: Greek yogurt ensures a creamy, healthy dressing; plain yogurt is a good substitute.
Nuts: Toast walnuts or pecans lightly for enhanced flavor in this salad.

How to Make Chicken Waldorf Salad

Prepare Salad Ingredients
Dice 2 cups cooked chicken, 1 cup celery, and 1 apple. Halve 1 cup grapes and chop ½ cup walnuts. Combine with ½ cup dried cranberries in a large bowl for the Chicken Waldorf Salad base.

Mix Dressing
Whisk ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp poppy seeds, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth. This creates a creamy dressing for Summer Recipes.

Combine Salad and Dressing
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly. Ensure all components are well-mixed for a balanced flavor.

Chill Salad
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 15 minutes to let flavors meld. Chilling enhances the Chicken Waldorf Salad’s refreshing taste.

Serve Salad
Spoon over 4 cups lettuce, in lettuce cups, or as a sandwich with pita or bread. Enjoy as a versatile Summer Recipes dish.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Calories: ~300 per serving (based on 4 servings)
Servings: 4

Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 20g protein, 12g fat, 4g fiber

Tips for Perfect Chicken Waldorf Salad

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds flavor to this Chicken Waldorf Salad.
Dice Evenly: Uniform pieces ensure a balanced bite in Summer Recipes.
Chill for Flavor: Refrigerate for 15 minutes to enhance the dressing’s taste.
Adjust Creaminess: Add 2-3 tsp yogurt before serving if the dressing thickens.
Toast Nuts: Lightly toast walnuts or pecans for a richer, crunchier texture.

Creative Variations to Try

Customize this Chicken Waldorf Salad with these ideas:

Fruit Swap: Try pears or raisins instead of apples or cranberries.
Nut-Free: Omit nuts or use sunflower seeds for a Summer Recipes alternative.
Protein Boost: Add shredded turkey or tofu for a different twist.
Dressing Twist: Use maple syrup instead of honey for a unique flavor.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne to the dressing for a subtle heat.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

This Chicken Waldorf Salad is a versatile Summer Recipes dish perfect for picnics, lunches, or light dinners. Serve over a bed of spring mix for a vibrant salad, or in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. For sandwiches, spread on whole-grain bread or wrap in tortillas. Garnish with extra poppy seeds or a sprig of parsley for a restaurant-style touch. Pair with iced tea, sparkling water, or a chilled white wine for a refreshing summer meal. Present in a large glass bowl or individual plates for a stunning Summer Recipes display.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, noting yogurt’s expiry date.
Keep Fresh: Store undressed salad separately to maintain crunch if prepping ahead.
Best Fresh: Enjoy within 1-2 days for optimal flavor and texture.
Prep Ahead: Dice ingredients and make dressing a day in advance for quick assembly.
Avoid Freezing: Freezing alters the yogurt dressing and vegetable texture.

FAQs About Chicken Waldorf Salad

Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad dairy-free? Use dairy-free yogurt for a dairy-free version.
How long does this Summer Recipes salad last? It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I use other fruits in Chicken Waldorf Salad? Pears or raisins are great substitutes for apples or cranberries.
What pairs with this Summer Recipes dish? Ham pinwheels, feta bruschetta, or artichoke dip complement it.
Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad gluten-free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free; ensure bread or wraps are gluten-free if used.
Can I use dark meat chicken? Yes, dark or mixed meat adds richness to the salad.

More Summer Recipes You’ll Love

Conclusion

The Chicken Waldorf Salad is a vibrant, healthy Summer Recipes dish that blends sweet and savory flavors with a creamy yogurt dressing. Its quick prep and versatile serving options make it ideal for picnics, lunches, or summer gatherings. Toss together this Chicken Waldorf Salad, share your creations on social media, and explore more summer dishes at Food and Tips!