Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe

1. Prepare the Chicken: If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking chicken breast from scratch, season with salt and pepper and cook it in a skillet or bake until fully cooked. Let it cool, then dice.
2. Prep the Ingredients: Dice the apple (leave the skin on for extra color and nutrients), halve the grapes, and slice the celery. Toast the walnuts in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid burning. This brings out their rich, nutty flavor.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste. The Greek yogurt adds a tangy freshness and lightens the dressing compared to using only mayo.
4. Combine the Salad: In a large bowl, add the chicken, diced apples, grapes, celery, and toasted walnuts. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
5. Serve: Serve the chicken Waldorf salad over a bed of lettuce leaves for a beautiful presentation, or enjoy it as a sandwich filling, in a wrap, or on its own as a hearty salad.

Tips:

• Make it ahead: This salad can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will meld together nicely.
• Customize it: Add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness, or swap walnuts for pecans if preferred. For a healthier version, use only Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
• Serving options: Try serving it inside a hollowed-out apple or as a topping for crostini for a fun twist.

Conclusion:

Chicken Waldorf Salad is the perfect blend of fresh, crunchy, and creamy elements, making it a delightful dish for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it at a special gathering, this salad is sure to impress. Its versatility and timeless appeal make it a go-to recipe that’s easy to prepare yet flavorful enough to stand out. Enjoy this refreshing salad, and feel free to put your own spin on it by adding your favorite fruits and nuts!