Dinner

The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) Recipe

Byanna orden July 7, 2025July 7, 2025

The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) is a sensational twist on a legendary salad, seamlessly blending tender chicken, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and crisp celery for a mouthwatering medley of flavors and textures. This is one of those recipes you turn to when you need something satisfying, fresh, and just a little bit special — whether you’re packing lunch, prepping for a picnic, or craving a quick dinner that feels anything but ordinary. It’s a true celebration of simple ingredients working together to create something extraordinary.

The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) so special! Every ingredient is chosen for the character it brings — from juicy grapes for sweetness to walnuts for that classic crunch. Here’s everything you’ll need to make your new favorite salad.

Chicken: Use cooked and cubed or shredded chicken for a hearty, protein-packed base that absorbs all the delicious flavors.
Grapes: Halved grapes deliver a burst of sweetness and juiciness in every bite — red or green, both work beautifully!
Celery: Diced celery gives the salad a spectacular fresh crunch, lightening up the mix perfectly.
Red Onion: A little goes a long way — red onion adds a touch of sharpness and color contrast.
Walnuts: Chopped walnuts bring that signature Waldorf crunch and a nutty, toasty flavor to the salad.
Fresh Basil: Chopped basil adds herbaceous brightness; feel free to use dried basil if that’s what you have on hand.
Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo ties the salad together, providing richness without overpowering the fresh elements.
Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens every bite and keeps flavors lively and balanced.
Fine Salt: Just the right amount enhances every ingredient and brings the salad together.
Black Pepper: Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste, for a subtle background warmth.

How to Make The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe)

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Start by gathering and prepping every ingredient. Shred or cube your cooked chicken and halve the grapes so their sweetness can shine through. Dice your celery and red onion for those iconic pops of flavor, and chop your walnuts and basil for the ultimate mix of crunch and herbiness. Preparing everything before you mix makes assembly a breeze!

Step 2: Combine and Mix

In a large bowl, add the chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, walnuts, and basil. Give it a gentle toss so the ingredients intermingle but still retain their distinct textures and colors. This is when your kitchen starts smelling incredible!

Step 3: Dress and Season

Next, scoop in the mayonnaise and drizzle on the fresh lemon juice. Stir everything together until it’s nicely coated but not overly creamy — you want every bite to taste fresh, not heavy. Taste and season with fine salt and freshly ground black pepper until every flavor sings.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Letting The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) chill for at least 15-30 minutes helps all the flavors meld beautifully. When you’re ready, give it one last gentle stir, then spoon it over crisp salad greens, pile it into a sandwich, or serve it up with your favorite crackers.

How to Serve The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe)

Garnishes

Garnishes take this salad from great to unforgettable! Scatter a few extra walnut pieces or a handful of microgreens on top for next-level texture and eye-catching color. A few slivers of red onion or sprigs of fresh basil also make a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) loves company! Pair it with a crusty baguette, pita chips, or multi-seed crackers for that extra crunch. It also sits beautifully next to a light green salad, a bowl of chilled soup, or fresh fruit for a balanced, picnic-ready meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, scoop the salad into hollowed-out avocado halves, stuff it into fresh croissants, or present it in lettuce cups for low-carb flair. It’s also perfect served in individual mason jars or on a big family-style platter for easy sharing — get creative and make it yours!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) stores beautifully! Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. A quick stir before serving helps restore its creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Freezing

Unfortunately, this salad doesn’t freeze well due to the mayonnaise and fresh produce, which can become watery and lose their crunch. For the best experience, enjoy it fresh or simply make a smaller batch if needed.

Reheating

No need to reheat! This is a salad best enjoyed cold, straight from the fridge. If you’d like it closer to room temperature, take it out a few minutes before serving — it’s all about those fresh, crisp textures.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) and saves tons of time. Just shred or chop it and you’re ready to go.

What can I use instead of walnuts?

If you’re out of walnuts or want a new spin, try toasted almonds, pecans, or even cashews. Each brings a unique crunch and flavor.

Are there lower-calorie swaps for the mayo?

You can lighten things up by using Greek yogurt, light mayo, or a half-and-half blend for the dressing. These keep the salad creamy while cutting some calories.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Definitely! Just be sure to use a dairy-free mayonnaise or substitute with vegan mayo. Everything else in the recipe is already dairy-free.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) is naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your mayo and any sides you serve it with to be safe.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that delivers both comfort and flair, The Best Waldorf Chicken Salad (Easy Classic Recipe) is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. Give it a try — I know you’ll love this irresistibly fresh and easy salad that turns simple ingredients into something truly special!