This Waldorf chicken salad is a recipe I’ve been making for years, and both me and my kids love it. It never fails when I’m short on time but need a nutritious, wholesome recipe for an easy lunch. It takes me just 10 ingredients to make, and–when I already have the shredded chicken on hand–I love that there’s no cooking required.
Recipe Highlights
Here are a few of the reasons this recipe has remained one of my favorites through the years:
- There’s just a short prep time required – in fact, this easy lunch comes together in just 10 minutes
- I can easily incorporate leftover ingredients I want to use up from the fridge, such as berries or half of an onion or bell pepper
- It’s high in protein and also provides healthy fats, fiber, many vitamins and minerals
- The recipe is naturally gluten-free and paleo-friendly, too.
- I make a batch at the beginning of the week and it always stores well
Salad Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make this Waldorf chicken salad recipe right away:
- Chicken – this recipe comes together so fast when you already have cooked and cubed or shredded chicken to use
- Grapes – I use seedless red grapes, but green grapes also work. Or, you can substitute diced red apples, dried cranberries, or raisins
- Celery – may sub diced green bell pepper for the same crunchy effect
- Red onion
- Walnuts – chopped walnuts are classic, but you can also use almonds, cashews, or pecans
- Basil – may sub dried basil, fresh thyme, or fresh rosemary
- Mayonnaise – see the FAQ below for substitute options
- Lemon juice – freshly squeezed is best! May sub Dijon mustard or a dash of red wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper
Find the full ingredients list, instructions, calories (kcals), and nutrition information including carbohydrates, cholesterol, etc. in the recipe card below.
Health Benefits
This is not your average chicken salad, since it contains several different food groups. It’s also a high-protein lunch that packs a super impressive 27 grams of protein per serving. When I make it with avocado oil mayo, I also know it’s a good source of healthy fats. In addition, the fresh veggies and fruit supply extra vitamin A, vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, making this a well-rounded recipe.
Ingredient Highlight: Chicken
As a registered dietitian, I always recommend consuming an ample amount of protein to help increase and maintain muscle mass, boost metabolism, lower blood pressure, and keep you full. And chicken is a go-to protein source for a variety of our main dish recipes.
Not only is it more budget-friendly than other proteins, but chicken is also extremely versatile and nutritious, too. For example, it’s:
- Low in saturated fat, depending on the cut, and has virtually no trans fat on its own
- Rich in niacin, selenium, and phosphorus
- An excellent source of B vitamins
To Shred and Prepare The Chicken
If not using leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken, follow our tips to make the perfect chicken breast, which comes out tender and juicy every time.
I prefer to use leftover chicken cooked in the Instant Pot. However, you can also use cooked and shredded spatchcock chicken or even use grilled, boiled, or baked boneless chicken breasts.
To shred chicken, you have several options:
- Use your hands to pull the meat apart.
- Use two forks (or meat shredders) to gently pull the meat apart on a cutting board.
- Transfer the chicken to a bowl, and use a hand mixer to gently shred it apart.
- Shred the chicken using a hand mixer on low.
Make It Whole30
To keep this chicken Waldorf salad recipe Paleo friendly, Whole30 compliant, and with no added sugars, I use my favorite Primal Kitchen avocado oil mayonnaise. Snag some with code REALFOOD20 to save 20%.
How to Serve
One reason I enjoy this recipe so much is because of how versatile it can be. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this Waldorf chicken salad recipe:
- Over a bed of lettuce for a filling salad
- In a wrap or as sandwich between sourdough bread or in a bun
- As a dip served with my favorite crackers or cut-up veggies
How to Store
This recipe is great for meal prep and will stay fresh in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. I don’t recommend freezing the leftovers because they don’t thaw well due to the mayonnaise.
Video: How to make Waldorf Chicken Salad
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The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad
This is our version of a classic waldorf chicken salad, but with no added sugars. It’s a favorite high-protein lunch that’s good for meal prep, as it lasts severals days in the fridge. Enjoy it over lettuce, as a sandwich, or for dipping crackers and veggies.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked and cubed or shredded chicken
- ½ cup halved grapes
- ⅓ cup diced celery
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (or 1 teaspoon dried basil)
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon fine salt
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, walnuts, and basil.
- Add the mayo and lemon juice. Stir until well combined, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Serve over a bed of greens, as a sandwich, or with crackers.
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Notes
- No walnuts? —> try almonds, pecans or cashews
- No grapes? —> try cubed apple, dried cranberries, or raisins
- No fresh basil? —> use dried basil or try fresh rosemary or thyme
Check out our quick instructions for how to make perfectly cooked chicken breasts every time here. Or make quick shredded chicken in the Instant Pot.
Nutrition Information
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 229
- Fat: 11 g
- (Sat Fat: 1 g)
- Sodium: 725 mg
- Carbohydrate: 10 g
- (Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 6 g)
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 62 mg
Dietary
Frequently Asked Questions
This recipe is named after the American Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, where it was introduced in 1893 at a charity ball honoring St. Mary’s Hospital for Children.
Classic Waldorf salad dressing recipes are made from mayonnaise, white sugar, lemon juice, and salt, creating the sweet and tangy taste the salad is known for.
Yes, feel free to use plain Greek yogurt, Miracle Whip, or even sour cream in place of the mayonnaise. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly, depending on what you use.
Leftover cooked boneless skinless chicken breasts are my preferred option because it has a mild flavor that takes on the taste of the rest of the ingredients nicely. I also like to use chicken thighs, or a combination. Leftover cooked turkey works great, too.
Photo Credit: The photos in this blog post were taken by Jess of Plays Well with Butter.
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How many servings does this recipe make?
Hey Karen! This recipe is for 4 servings. You can always choose 1x, 2x, or 3x on the recipe card if you’d like to make a larger batch. It will automatically adjust the measurements of the ingredients. Hope that helps!
Delicious combination of sweet and savory! This recipe is a keeper!
I really liked that you all wrote in options if you did not have grapes or walnuts, etc!
Thank you! We’re so glad it’s helpful to you!