Chicken Waldorf Salad is one of my favorite salad recipes. This Healthy High-Protein Salad is made with a no-mayonnaise yogurt dressing and is packed with sweet and savory fruits and veggies! Perfect for make-ahead lunches, entertaining, or a quick dinner, it’s a delightful twist on classic chicken salad, served over lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a wrap.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Waldorf Salad
Chicken Waldorf Salad is a standout Healthy High-Protein Salad:
- Flavorful Mix: Sweet grapes, apples, and cranberries with savory chicken.
- No Mayo: Creamy yogurt dressing keeps it light and healthy.
- Versatile: Serve as a salad, sandwich, or wrap for any occasion.
- Meal Prep Star: Ideal for quick, make-ahead lunches.
- I make this Healthy High-Protein Salad for potlucks, and it’s always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients for Chicken Waldorf Salad
Here’s what you’ll need for Chicken Waldorf Salad (serves 4):
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1 cup celery, chopped
- 1 medium apple, diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- Yogurt Dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or Icelandic Skyr)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Ingredient Tips:
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken saves time; white meat keeps it lean.
- Grapes: Red for sweetness; green works if preferred.
- Apple: Choose a crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith.
- Yogurt: Greek or Skyr for thick, creamy texture; plain yogurt for lighter dressing.
- Nuts: Toast walnuts or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Directions for Chicken Waldorf Salad
Let’s whip up this delicious Chicken Waldorf Salad!
Combine Salad Ingredients
In a large bowl, I mix 2 cups diced chicken, 1 cup halved grapes, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 diced apple, ¼ cup dried cranberries, and ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Make Yogurt Dressing
In a small bowl, I whisk ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp poppy seeds, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Toss Salad
I pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill or Serve
I serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld. I plate over lettuce, in lettuce cups, or as a sandwich with pita or bread.
Nutrition
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Chill Time: 15 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~300 kcal per serving
- Macros per Serving: 25g carbs, 25g protein, 10g fat, 4g fiber
Variations
- Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free Healthy High-Protein Salad.
- Nut-Free: Swap nuts for sunflower seeds or omit for allergies.
- Extra Crunch: Add ¼ cup diced red bell pepper for color and texture.
- Spiced Dressing: Mix ¼ tsp cinnamon or nutmeg into the dressing for warmth.
- Fruit Swap: Replace cranberries with raisins or diced pineapple for variety.
Serving Ideas:
- Serve over spring mix or romaine for a light Healthy High-Protein Salad.
- Use as a filling for wraps with tortillas or pita bread.
- Pair with Layla Cooks’ Crispy Parmesan Asparagus Sticks for a balanced meal.
- Enjoy with whole-grain crackers for a quick, nutritious snack.
Storage
I store Chicken Waldorf Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, checking the yogurt’s expiry date. If prepping 2–3 days ahead, I stir in 2–3 tsp extra yogurt before serving for creaminess, as the dressing thickens over time. Freezing is not recommended, as the yogurt and veggies lose texture.
FAQs :
How long does Chicken Waldorf Salad last in the fridge?
I store this Healthy High-Protein Salad in an airtight container for up to 3 days, noting the yogurt’s expiry date.
Can I make Chicken Waldorf Salad ahead of time?
Yes, I prep it a day or two in advance; just add extra yogurt before serving if it thickens.
Can I use dark meat for Chicken Waldorf Salad?
I often use rotisserie dark meat or a mix for a juicier Healthy High-Protein Salad.
Is Chicken Waldorf Salad gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free; double-check yogurt labels to confirm.
What can I substitute for yogurt in Chicken Waldorf Salad?
I use dairy-free yogurt for a lactose-free version or mashed avocado for a creamy twist.
More Summer Dessert Ideas You’ll Love
- Chocolate Mousse Cake
- Cinnamon Sugar Blondies
- Strawberry Shortcake Cake (with sponge cake)
- Moist Cinnamon Apple Cake: A Sweet, Simple Deligh
Conclusion
Chicken Waldorf Salad is one of my favorite salad recipes. This Healthy High-Protein Salad is made with a no-mayonnaise yogurt dressing and is packed with sweet and savory fruits and veggies! Perfect for make-ahead lunches, entertaining, or a quick dinner, it’s a delightful twist on classic chicken salad, served over lettuce, in a sandwich, or as a wrap.
Chicken Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast diced (rotisserie or leftover)
- 1 cup red grapes halved
- 1 cup celery chopped
- 1 medium apple diced
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ¼ cup walnuts or pecans chopped
Yogurt Dressing:
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or Icelandic Skyr
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp poppy seeds
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅛ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Combine Salad Ingredients
- In a large bowl, I mix 2 cups diced chicken, 1 cup halved grapes, 1 cup chopped celery, 1 diced apple, ¼ cup dried cranberries, and ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans.
Make Yogurt Dressing
- In a small bowl, I whisk ½ cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tsp poppy seeds, ¼ tsp salt, and ⅛ tsp black pepper until smooth and creamy.
Toss Salad
- I pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Chill or Serve
- I serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 15–30 minutes to let the flavors meld. I plate over lettuce, in lettuce cups, or as a sandwich with pita or bread.
Notes
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