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The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe)

W Whole30 GF Gluten-free GR Grain-Free DF Dairy-Free P Paleo

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.

10 mins

4.9 /5

38 Comments

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By: Stacie Hassing Updated: 8/30/24

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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.

Overhead photo of Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad on a white plate served on top of greens along with cucumber slices, lemon wedge and fresh basil.

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

Overhead photo of the ingredients for Waldorf Chicken Salad including cubed chicken topped with fresh basil.

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.

Close up view of Waldorf Chicken Salad in a clear bowl, topped with chopped fresh basil and chopped walnuts.

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

Tip!

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called Waldorf Salad?

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.

What is Waldorf salad dressing made of?

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.

Can I substitute yogurt for the mayo?

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.

What is the best chicken to use in this salad?

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.

More Chicken Salad Recipes to Try

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad (Easy Make-Ahead Lunch)

The Best Curry Chicken Salad Recipe (According To Our Readers)

Creamy BBQ Chicken Salad

Cranberry Chicken Salad with Apples

Photo Credit: The photos in this blog post were taken by Jess of Plays Well with Butter.

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Stacie Hassing

Stacie is a Licensed and Registered Dietitian from rural southern Minnesota where she, her husband and three children reside with their dog. She’s a co-founder of The Real Food RDs and content creator of simple and wholesome recipes. She loves all kinds of fitness and has a passion to inspire as many as she can live a healthier and happier life both in and out of the kitchen - the driving force behind the co-development of the The Real Food RDs brand.