I first shared this recipe on The Recipe Critic where I am a contributor. Enjoy a light, satisfying Chicken Waldorf Salad packed with fruit, veggies, and chicken. Serve it on a croissant, in lettuce cups, or on its own for a refreshing picnic or quick lunch.
Chicken Waldorf Salad
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With warmer weather comes lighter meals, and this Chicken Waldorf Salad is perfect for picnics, packed lunches, or a quick family meal. I took the classic Waldorf salad and added chicken to make it more substantial—turning a simple side into a filling entrée. It’s easy to prepare, can be made ahead, and is ideal for busy days when you want something fresh and satisfying.
What is Waldorf Salad?
Waldorf Salad is a classic American salad that originated in New York in the late 1800s. Traditionally it combines apples, celery, grapes, and walnuts in a creamy dressing. I enjoy turning it into a meal by adding cooked chicken—leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully, or you can prepare your own breast by baking, grilling, or using a pressure cooker.
How to Make the Chicken
The Instant Pot is a quick way to cook tender, juicy chicken: place a chicken breast in the pot, season as desired, cook at high pressure for 10 minutes, and allow a 5-minute natural release before finishing with a quick release. For a simple, neutral flavor, a sprinkle of onion salt is enough. You can also bake, grill, or slow-cook chicken depending on your preference.
To keep the salad lighter, I split the dressing between plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. You can substitute all mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat option, though the texture and flavor change slightly. Choosing a canola oil-based mayonnaise can reduce calories while maintaining a familiar taste and creaminess.
This salad comes together in about 15 minutes if you have cooked chicken on hand and stores well for meal prep. It’s ideal for making ahead at the start of the week for easy lunches. Serve it in lettuce cups, on croissants, or spooned over mixed greens for a bright, satisfying meal.
You’re going to love this Chicken Waldorf Salad. Enjoy!
HERE ARE A FEW MORE LUNCH RECIPES YOU MIGHT ENJOY:
- Chicken Salad Pitas
- Instant Pot Greek Chicken Quinoa Bowls
- Tortellini Pasta Salad
- Italian Roll Up Sandwiches
- Turkey Cranberry Brie and Pear Sandwich
- Chicken Ranch Wraps
TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS CHICKEN WALDORF SALAD:
- Instant Pot Pressure Cooker – A fast way to cook juicy chicken and many other meals.
- Knife Set – A reliable set makes prep faster and easier.
- Pyrex Mixing Bowls with Lids – Great for mixing and storing salads in the fridge.
Waldorf Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (canola oil mayo recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Fresh ground black pepper
- 1 cooked chicken breast, diced*
- 2 stalks celery, chopped
- 1 apple, chopped
- 1 cup grapes, halved
- 1 cup toasted walnuts, chopped
- 6 leaves Boston lettuce
Instructions
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In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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In a large bowl, combine the diced chicken, celery, chopped apple, halved grapes, and toasted walnuts. Add the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. Spoon the salad into Boston lettuce leaves, onto croissants, or serve over greens.