Waldorf salad has long been a staple for those seeking a blend of creamy, crunchy, and sweet in one dish. Originally conceived at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in the late 1800s, it’s undergone various iterations. Today, I’m excited to share a delightful version that includes chicken, adding a protein punch that makes this salad a complete meal. Perfect for a light lunch or a sophisticated side dish, here’s how you can whip up this Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad in just about an hour.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 2 cups, cooked and diced
- Apple: 1, cored and chopped
- Grapes: 1 cup, halved
- Celery: 1/2 cup, thinly sliced
- Walnuts: 1/2 cup, chopped
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce Leaves: for serving
Directions
- Prepare the Base: Start by combining the cooked, diced chicken with the chopped apple, halved grapes, sliced celery, and chopped walnuts in a large mixing bowl. This creates a varied texture that’s pleasing both to the eye and the palate.
- Mix the Dressing: In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until you achieve a smooth consistency. Season it with salt and pepper according to your preference. The lemon juice not only adds a hint of tanginess but also helps in keeping the apples from turning brown.
- Combine and Chill: Pour the dressing over your chicken and fruit mixture, tossing everything together to ensure it’s evenly coated. Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour. This chilling time helps the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chilled salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. The lettuce not only adds a fresh crunch but also makes the dish visually appealing.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 310 kcal per serving
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes (Prep time: 15 minutes, Chill time: 1 hour)
- Servings: 4
This Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad is not only a nod to a timeless culinary creation but also a perfect example of how traditional dishes can be adapted over time. Its combination of textures and flavors can complement any meal or stand alone as a satisfying dish. Enjoy this delightful mix of sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy elements at your next gathering or a simple family dinner. It’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
The Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors, combining creamy chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts, all tossed in a tangy lemon-mayonnaise dressing. This salad is a celebration of balance and freshness, making it a perfect choice for any meal that calls for something light yet satisfying.Ideal for those seeking a nutritious meal without sacrificing flavor, this salad not only appeals to health-conscious individuals but also to anyone looking for a quick and delicious dish. Its preparation is straightforward and its ingredients are flexible, allowing for easy substitutions to cater to personal tastes or dietary requirements.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken, diced
1 apple, cored and chopped
1 cup grapes, halved
1/2 cup celery, thinly sliced
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
Lettuce leaves, for serving
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, chopped apple, halved grapes, sliced celery, and chopped walnuts.
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 310