This Chicken Waldorf Salad is a healthier version of the classic Waldorf salad made with tender chunks of chicken, apples, grapes, celery, walnuts, dried fruit and dressing made of Greek yogurt and spices with a touch of lemon. Perfect for a quick no cook lunch or dinner.
WHAT IS WALDORF SALAD
The classic Waldorf salad was named after the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel where it was first served in 1893. It is traditionally made with apples, celery, and dressed with a mayonnaise based dressing. The addition of grapes came shortly after, followed by walnuts. Today there are many variations of the Waldorf salad. This recipe has the addition of chicken and a lightened up dressing made with Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
Ingredients for Chicken Waldorf Salad
Chicken – For this recipe I prefer to use canned chicken. Make sure to drain the water prior to adding it to the recipe. Rotisserie chicken or instant pot shredded chicken also works well.
Greek Yogurt – To keep the calories and fat lower in this recipe I use nonfat plain Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for this recipe. Plus, Greek yogurt adds some additional protein!
Celery – By all means, if you do not care for celery, you can omit it. However, the tiny bit of crunch and burst of freshness that the celery adds really helps to complete the dish.
Grapes – I often opt for red grapes for this chicken salad, as they lend more sweetness and color. Feel free to use green grapes if that is what you have on hand. Or a combination of both.
Apple – I prefer to use Granny Smith apples, they add a little tartness and opposite color to the red grapes. But if you prefer a sweeter apple, like Gala or Honey Crisp, in this recipe that will work as well. There is no need to peel the apples. Simply wash well and add to the chicken salad. The skin adds color and nutrients to the chicken salad.
Walnuts – Feel free to omit nuts if you need a nut-free chicken salad recipe. Slivered almond or pecans also work well in place of the walnuts.
Dried Fruit – Dried fruit adds some sweetness to the recipe. I prefer to use dried cranberries, but dried blueberries or raisins also work well.
Spices – Paprika, cumin, salt and pepper add flavor to the Greek yogurt dressing.
Lemon – Fresh lemon juice works the best. Lemon juice adds a touch of acidity and flavor to the dressing and prevents the apples from browning.
How to Make Chicken Waldorf Salad
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, and salt and pepper together. This will be the dressing for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, apples, grapes, walnuts and dried fruit.
- Pour the prepared yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture and gently stir until evenly distributed.
- Serve and enjoy!
How to Serve Chicken Waldorf Salad
Bread – Serve on a slice of Whole wheat bread. I prefer to toast my bread. Or turn it into a chicken Waldorf salad sandwich.
Crackers – This is preferred way to eat chicken Waldorf salad. Which ever type of cracker you enjoy, top with 1 tbsp. of salad and enjoy!
Bed of lettuce – Make a bed of lettuce with your favorite greens and top with a scoop of the prepared salad.
Wrap – Choose a flour or whole wheat wrap and place a scoop of salad in the middle. Fold the ends in and fold the top over and enjoy.
Tortilla Chips – Just simply dip the tortilla chip into the salad and enjoy!
Ingredients
- 12.5 oz. canned chicken drained
- 1 cup nonfat plain greek yogurt
- ¾ cup celery chopped
- ¾ cup red grapes halved
- 1 green apple chopped
- ¼ cup dried cranberries or raisins
- ¼ cup walnuts chopped
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 1 tsp. paprika
- ½ lemon juice of
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, cumin, paprika, lemon juice, and salt and pepper together. This will be the dressing for the salad.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, celery, apples, grapes, walnuts and dried fruit.
- Pour the prepared yogurt dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until evenly distributed.
- Serve and enjoy!
