Waldorf Chicken Salad

A picture of a sandwich with the chicken salad inside of the bread.

Waldorf Chicken Salad is a classic chicken salad recipe with the perfect balance of texture and flavor - sweet grapes, crisp tart apples, tender chicken, and toasted pecans covered in a creamy dressing.

Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American

Keyword waldorf chicken salad

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Servings

Calories 461kcal

Author Jessica - Together as Family

Ingredients

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain yogurt
3 tablespoons lemon juice (fresh squeezed or bottled)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
4 cups diced cooked chicken
2 granny smith apples diced
1 cup halved red grapes
1 cup toasted pecans chopped
1 celery stalk thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, plain yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until creamy and combined.
1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/2 cup plain yogurt, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Stir in the chicken, apples, grapes, pecans, celery, and parsley until well combined.
4 cups diced cooked chicken, 2 granny smith apples, 1 cup halved red grapes, 1 cup toasted pecans, 1 celery stalk, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Serve the chicken salad on a bed of bib lettuce, lettuce cups, or between two slices of bread for a chicken salad sandwich.
^{* You can serve it right away or for a chilled chicken salad (which I prefer), store it covered in the fridge for up to 2-4 before serving.}

Notes

Tip : The only seasonings are salt & pepper because the Waldorf chicken salad's stars of the show are the crunchy and sweet texture from the grapes, apples, and toasted pecans. However, you can add whatever you want to the salad to 'spice it up' if wanted. And increase the salt and/or pepper depending on preferences. I use kosher salt and always end up using closer to 3/4 teaspoon.

Plain Yogurt : I don't recommend using plain Greek yogurt as the different flavor will affect the taste of the chicken salad. Use plain yogurt (which is different from plain Greek yogurt).

Toasted Pecans : You can buy toasted pecans at the grocery store or make your own. Here's how -

- Oven Method

Preheat: Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Prepare: Spread the pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Bake: Toast for 7-10 minutes, stirring halfway through, until fragrant and lightly browned.
Cool: Remove from oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.

- Stovetop Method

Heat: Place pecans in a dry skillet over medium-low heat.
Toast: Stir frequently for 3-5 minutes, until fragrant and lightly browned.
Cool: Remove from heat and transfer to a plate to cool.

Nutrition