I’m so excited to share my Waldorf Chicken Salad with you! This recipe is creamy, bright, fresh, and full of sweet and crunchy bites. Imagine tender baked chicken mixed with crisp celery, juicy grapes, crunchy pecans, and a smooth dressing that comes together in seconds. It is simple to make, ready fast, and perfect for anyone who loves a salad that feels like a full meal.
Level: Easy
Total Time: 40 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
The first time I made Waldorf Chicken Salad, I was surprised by how many different textures could fit into one bowl without feeling confusing. There is crisp celery, soft chicken, sweet fruit, and creamy dressing. It might look like a lot at first, but everything blends together in a way that feels gentle and balanced.
This recipe stays close to the classic version. I bake the chicken until it is juicy, chop the fruit into small bite sized pieces, and mix it all with a simple dressing that has mayonnaise, sour cream, and a little lemon juice for brightness. It is a salad that feels both fresh and comforting at the same time.
Whether you want a light lunch, an easy dinner, or something special for gatherings, this salad fits right in. It is quick, beginner friendly, and always dependable.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad
This recipe comes together by combining simple ingredients that work well together:
• Tender baked chicken cut into bite sized pieces
• Crisp celery for crunch
• Fresh apple and grapes for sweetness
• Pecans for a soft nutty flavor
• A creamy dressing made with mayonnaise, sour cream, salt, pepper, and lemon juice
All you do is cook the chicken, cool it, chop everything, and stir it all together.
Ingredients
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 stalk celery, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, chopped
• 3/4 cup halved grapes
• 3/4 cup chopped pecans, toasted or soaked and dehydrated
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1/4 lemon
Directions
- Cook the Chicken
Place the chicken on a baking sheet and season both sides with salt and pepper. Bake at 425°F for 23 to 25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let it cool completely, then cut it into bite sized pieces. - Prepare the Salad Mix
Chop the apple, slice the celery, halve the grapes, and prepare the pecans. - Combine Everything
Place the cooled chicken, celery, apple, grapes, pecans, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a large bowl. Stir gently until everything is well coated. - Taste and Adjust
Add salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed. Mix again. - Serve or Chill
Serve right away or refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Process Details
• Baking the Chicken helps keep the texture firm but still tender. Letting it cool before cutting prevents the salad from turning watery.
• Using both mayonnaise and sour cream creates a dressing that is creamy without feeling heavy. The sour cream adds mild tanginess.
• Fruits and nuts bring a mix of sweetness and crunch. This combination is what gives the salad its classic taste.
• Adding lemon juice brightens the whole bowl and balances the creamy dressing.
Tips for Success
• Let the chicken cool fully before mixing so the dressing stays thick.
• If you like a lighter salad, you can use less mayonnaise or sour cream.
• Add the pecans right before serving if you want them extra crisp.
• Some apples brown quickly. If you want the color to stay bright, use a firm apple and cut it last.
Serving Ideas
• Serve on a bed of lettuce for a simple meal.
• Fill croissants for a picnic style lunch.
• Spoon into lettuce cups for a lighter option.
• Enjoy it with crackers or toasted bread slices for a snack board.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator
Store the salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving because the dressing may settle slightly.
• Freezing
Based on available information, this salad does not freeze well because the mayonnaise, fruit, and celery will change texture after thawing. It is best enjoyed fresh.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
Based on the available data in the source recipe, an exact nutritional breakdown was not listed. Because I cannot verify precise numbers, I cannot provide specific calories or macros. The dish generally contains chicken, mayonnaise, sour cream, fruit, and nuts, which together offer protein, healthy fats, and natural sugars, but the exact values cannot be confirmed.
My Waldorf Chicken Salad is a simple blend of creamy dressing, crisp vegetables, fresh fruit, and tender chicken. Every bite has something different to enjoy, but nothing feels overwhelming. It is easy to make, ready in a short time, and perfect for meals that do not require cooking right before serving. I hope you enjoy this bright and refreshing salad as much as I do.
