As I lifted the lid of the salad bowl, a kaleidoscope of colors and textures greeted me, promising a delightful experience. This High-Protein Chicken Waldorf Salad not only appeals to the eye but also elevates regular lunch fare into something special and satisfying. With tender poached chicken mingling with sweet-tart apples, crunchy celery, and roasted walnuts, this dish is a perfect blend of healthy and hearty. It’s easily adaptable, allowing you to swap in raisins if you prefer a chewy sweet note over grapes. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a quick and nutritious meal. Curious about how to create this vibrant salad that’s packed with protein yet low in carbs? Let’s get started! Why is Chicken Waldorf Salad So Loved? Vibrant and colorful: This salad is a feast for the eyes, making it a perfect centerpiece for lunch gatherings or picnics. Nutritious powerhouse: Packed with high-protein ingredients like chicken and walnuts, it’s designed for those craving a healthy boost. Customizable delight: Easily swap ingredients like grapes for raisins or experiment with nuts, giving you a recipe that never gets old. Quick to prepare: With simple steps, this dish can be ready in no time, perfect for busy weekdays. Crowd-pleaser guaranteed: Whether you serve it on its own or as a filling in a wrap, everyone will love this refreshing twist on a classic! For another easy recipe, try my Bang Bang Chicken or our creamy Lemon Chicken Orzo. Chicken Waldorf Salad Ingredients For the Salad • Chicken Breasts – A high-protein source; poaching ensures tenderness and moisture. • Red Apples – Adds natural sweetness and crunch; choose a firm variety for the best texture. • Green Apple (Granny Smith) – Provides a refreshing tartness; feel free to swap for any tart apple variety. • Celery – Delivers the perfect crunch and refreshing taste; fresh stalks are preferred, though asparagus can add a crisp twist. • Walnuts – Imparts a toasty flavor and delightful crunch; pecans make a fine alternative if desired. • Raisins or Grapes – Introduces a touch of sweetness; use raisins for a chewy texture or skip if you prefer minimal sweetness. • Chopped Parsley – Brings freshness and vibrant color; chives or cilantro can also enhance the flavor profile. • Salt – Essential for enhancing flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences. • Romaine or Gem Lettuce – Sets the stage for your salad; spinach or watercress are good substitutes for a different texture. For the Dressing • Low-Fat Mayonnaise – Provides creaminess; Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter option. • Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish and prevents apple browning; substitute vinegar if lemons are unavailable. • Dijon Mustard – Elevates the dressing flavor; yellow mustard can be used for a milder touch. Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Chicken Waldorf Salad Step 1: Toast the Walnuts Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast them for about 5 minutes, or until they become fragrant and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning. Once done, allow them to cool before chopping into smaller pieces, enhancing the flavor of your Chicken Waldorf Salad. Step 2: Poach the Chicken In a large saucepan over medium heat, add enough water to submerge the chicken breasts completely. Bring it to a simmer and gently add the chicken, poaching for approximately 15-20 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken and let it cool, then cube it for the salad. Step 3: Prepare the Fruits and Vegetables While the chicken cools, core and dice the red and green apples into bite-sized pieces, ensuring to leave the skin on for added texture. Chop the celery into thin slices, incorporating its refreshing crunch into the Chicken Waldorf Salad. Place all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Step 4: Combine the Ingredients Once the chicken is cooled and cubed, add it to the bowl with the apples, celery, and any raisins or grapes if desired. Gently fold everything together, ensuring each component gets well-distributed to create a vibrant and tasty medley in your Chicken Waldorf Salad. Step 5: Make the Dressing In a separate small bowl, whisk together the low-fat mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Stir until smooth, and taste before adjusting seasoning with salt. This creamy dressing brings everything together, enhancing the flavors in your Chicken Waldorf Salad. Step 6: Dress the Salad Drizzle the prepared dressing over the mixed salad ingredients. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to carefully fold the dressing in, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. It’s crucial to mix gently to preserve the integrity of the apples and chicken in your delicious Chicken Waldorf Salad. Step 7: Let it Rest After mixing everything, let the Chicken Waldorf Salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more harmonious dish before serving. Step 8: Serve the Salad Arrange the romaine or gem lettuce leaves on a serving platter, creating a fresh and inviting base for your salad. Spoon the Chicken Waldorf Salad mixture generously over the lettuce, presenting a colorful and appetizing dish ready to impress at your next meal or gathering. Expert Tips for Chicken Waldorf Salad • Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest produce available; it enhances flavor and texture, making your Chicken Waldorf Salad more vibrant and enjoyable. • Rest for Flavor: Allow the salad to sit for at least 10 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the flavors meld together beautifully. • Mind the Dressing: Mix your dressing gently into the salad to prevent mashing the apples and chicken, ensuring a delightful crunch in every bite. • Texture Essentials: Choose crispy apples and celery for the best crunch. Soggy veggies can ruin the mouthfeel of your Chicken Waldorf Salad. • Experiment with Nuts: Feel free to switch up the nuts! Pecans, almonds, or pistachios can add unique flavor profiles and textures to your salad. What to Serve with Chicken Waldorf Salad Elevate your dining experience with delightful sides that harmonize beautifully with this vibrant and fresh salad. Crusty Sourdough Bread: The chewy texture and hearty flavor of sourdough perfectly complement the salad’s lightness, making it an ideal side. Serve it warm with a pat of butter for an irresistible touch. Fruit Platter: A colorful mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing sweetness, tying in beautifully with the tartness of apples in the salad. Incorporate berries, melons, and citrus for a delightful contrast. Sparkling Water: For a refreshing beverage, serve sparkling water with a slice of lemon or lime. It cleanses the palate and adds a zest that echoes the dressing’s brightness. Roasted Vegetable Medley: A mix of roasted carrots, bell peppers, and zucchini contributes warmth and heartiness, balancing the crispness of the salad. The caramelized flavors of roasted veggies create a harmonious pairing. Quinoa Pilaf: This light and fluffy side dish infused with herbs offers a nutritious, slightly nutty bite that meshes beautifully with the Chicken Waldorf Salad. It adds wholesome texture while enhancing the protein-packed meal. Mini Cheese and Nut Board: A small assortment of your favorite cheeses alongside mixed nuts can provide a savory contrast to the salad’s sweetness. This visual feast is perfect for sharing and encourages lingering over dinner. Chocolate Mousse Cups: Indulge in a light dessert like chocolate mousse that remains fluffy, allowing you to end your meal on a sweet high note without feeling heavy. The richness of chocolate pairs surprisingly well with the freshness of the salad. Chicken Waldorf Salad Variations Feel free to boost your culinary creativity with delightful twists on this classic dish that tantalize your taste buds! Turkey Substitution: Swap chicken for turkey for a different protein flavor while keeping it deliciously hearty. Nuts Upgrade: Replace walnuts with almonds or pistachios for a crunchy, flavorful surprise in each bite. The change in texture makes each forkful exciting! Fruity Alteration: Use diced fresh mango or pears in place of apples for a tropical, lush twist that sings of summer. Herb Swap: Instead of parsley, try using fresh dill or tarragon for a unique flavor profile that elevates your salad’s profile. Vegan Delight: For a vegan version, substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu and use a vegan mayonnaise for creaminess. Spicy Kick: Consider adding diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne in the dressing for an unexpected heat that complements the salad’s sweetness. Grain Booster: Mix in some cooked quinoa or farro for added texture and an extra protein punch, making this salad even heartier. Creamy Alternative: Swap low-fat mayonnaise for avocado or tahini to create a creamier dressing packed with healthy fats. These variations ensure that your Chicken Waldorf Salad remains a delightful centerpiece for any meal. For more fresh salad ideas, don’t miss my tasty Crab Salad Refreshing or the zingy Honey Bourbon Chicken. Happy experimenting! Storage Tips for Chicken Waldorf Salad Fridge: Store your Chicken Waldorf Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days to retain freshness. Separate Components: Keep the dressing and lettuce separate from the salad mixture to prevent sogginess, ensuring each bite remains crisp. Freezer: It’s not recommended to freeze Chicken Waldorf Salad, as the texture of the ingredients can degrade and become watery upon thawing. Reheating: If you have leftover chicken, simply reheat it gently in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through, but enjoy the salad fresh for the best experience. Make Ahead Options These Chicken Waldorf Salads are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the chicken, toast the walnuts, and chop the apples and celery up to 24 hours in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness—this prevents the apples from browning and the lettuce from getting soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine the ingredients with the dressing, which can also be made ahead and refrigerated for 3 days. This way, you’ll have a vibrant and nutritious meal ready with minimal effort, making your busy weeknights so much easier! Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting apples for my Chicken Waldorf Salad? Absolutely! When choosing apples, go for firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for the red apples, and choose Granny Smith or another tart variety for the green apple. Look for apples that are free of bruises and dark spots, ensuring a fresh and crunchy texture. How should I store leftover Chicken Waldorf Salad, and how long will it last? Store your Chicken Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain the crispness of the ingredients, it’s best to keep the lettuce and dressing separate from the salad mixture until you’re ready to serve. Can I freeze Chicken Waldorf Salad? It’s not recommended to freeze Chicken Waldorf Salad, as the texture of the apples and celery can become mushy and unappealing once thawed. If you have leftover chicken, you can freeze it separately, and enjoy the salad fresh for the best flavor and crunch! What are some common troubleshooting tips for making the perfect Chicken Waldorf Salad? If your salad doesn’t seem flavorful enough, make sure to season it well with salt, and adjust the dressing to your liking. Mixing the dressing gently into the salad helps preserve the integrity of the ingredients. Also, allow the salad to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully. Are there any dietary considerations for this Chicken Waldorf Salad? Certainly! This salad contains ingredients that may present allergies, such as nuts. If you’re serving individuals with nut allergies, simply omit the walnuts or replace them with seeds like sunflower seeds for added crunch. Additionally, be cautious with the mayonnaise and check for any ingredients that may cause discomfort based on personal dietary restrictions. Can I make this Chicken Waldorf Salad ahead of time? Definitely! You can prepare the salad components a day in advance. Chop the fruits and vegetables, poach and cube the chicken, and mix the dressing. Store everything separately until you’re ready to combine and serve for optimal freshness. Just remember to keep the lettuce separate to avoid sogginess! Delicious Chicken Waldorf Salad for a High-Protein Boost Enjoy a vibrant Chicken Waldorf Salad that's packed with protein, blending chicken, apples, walnuts, and a creamy dressing for a nutritious meal. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 20 minutes minsCook Time 20 minutes minsResting Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 50 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: SaladsCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salad2 pieces Chicken Breasts poached for tenderness2 pieces Red Apples firm variety recommended1 piece Green Apple (Granny Smith) can swap for any tart apple2 stalks Celery fresh stalks preferred0.5 cups Walnuts toasted for flavor0.5 cups Raisins or Grapes chewy texture from raisins optional0.25 cups Chopped Parsley or chives/cilantro for flavorto taste Salt adjust according to preference4 leaves Romaine or Gem Lettuce for the salad baseFor the Dressing0.5 cups Low-Fat Mayonnaise Greek yogurt alternative2 tablespoons Lemon Juice prevents apple browning1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard for flavor enhancement Equipment baking sheetLarge saucepanMixing bowlsmall bowlwhisk Method Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Waldorf SaladPreheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Spread the walnuts on a baking sheet and toast for about 5 minutes until fragrant and golden brown. Allow to cool before chopping.In a large saucepan over medium heat, add enough water to submerge the chicken breasts. Bring to a simmer and poach for 15-20 minutes until cooked through. Remove, cool, and cube.Core and dice the red and green apples, chop the celery into thin slices, and place all these ingredients in a large mixing bowl.Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with apples, celery, and raisins or grapes if using. Gently fold together to combine.In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until smooth. Adjust salt to taste.Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and fold gently to combine without mashing the apples and chicken.Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld.Arrange the lettuce on a serving platter and spoon the salad mixture on top. Serve and enjoy! Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 25gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 250mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 5gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg NotesUse the freshest ingredients for the best flavor. Allow the salad to rest before serving to enhance flavor melding. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
