Chicken Waldorf Salad Delight Recipe

Introduction

Chicken Waldorf Salad Delight is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic salad. Combining tender chicken with crisp apples, crunchy nuts, and a creamy yogurt dressing, this dish is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying snack.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 medium red apple, chopped
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or Icelandic Skyr
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons honey, adjust to taste
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tablespoon black poppyseeds, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped red apple, halved grapes, and thinly sliced celery. Fold the ingredients together gently to mix.
2. Step 2: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, honey, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth.
3. Step 3: Pour the creamy dressing over the salad mixture and toss until everything is evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Step 5: Serve the salad over fresh greens, in crisp lettuce cups, or as a filling for wraps. Sprinkle black poppyseeds on top for an added touch of texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add extra flavor to the salad base.
• Mix the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and creamy.
• Swap walnuts with pecans or try toasted almonds for a different crunch.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon to the dressing for a warm, aromatic hint.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the yogurt with low-fat mayo or sour cream.

Storage

Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing may thicken or separate slightly—just stir gently before serving. This salad is best enjoyed chilled and fresh, but it can be gently warmed if used as a wrap filling.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the salad base a day ahead and store it refrigerated. Keep the dressing separate and combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.

What can I use if I don’t have Greek yogurt?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, you can substitute it with Icelandic Skyr, sour cream, or even a light mayonnaise for a creamy dressing consistency.

Chicken Waldorf Salad Delight Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 101 reviews

Chicken Waldorf Salad Delight is a refreshing and nutritious twist on the classic Waldorf salad, combining tender cooked chicken with crisp apples, juicy grapes, crunchy nuts, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, this salad is easy to prepare, high in protein, and packed with vibrant flavors and textures.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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For the Salad Base

• 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 medium red apple, chopped
• 1 cup grapes, halved
• 2 stalks celery, thinly sliced
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries or raisins

For the Creamy Dressing

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt or Icelandic Skyr
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 tablespoons honey, adjust to taste
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch black pepper, freshly cracked
• 1 tablespoon black poppyseeds for topping

Instructions

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the diced cooked chicken, chopped red apple, halved grapes, and thinly sliced celery, ensuring even distribution without bruising the fruit.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, honey, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
3. Toss Salad with Dressing: Pour the prepared creamy dressing over the salad base and toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the salad to chill properly.
5. Serve: Serve the Chicken Waldorf Salad Delight over fresh greens, inside crisp lettuce cups, or as a delicious filling for wraps. Sprinkle with black poppyseeds just before serving for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient protein base.
• Mix the dressing just before serving to maintain its creamy texture.
• The salad can be customized by substituting nuts or dried fruits based on preference.
• For extra crunch, chill nuts before adding.
• Serve chilled for the best flavor experience.

Keywords: Chicken Waldorf Salad, Greek Yogurt Dressing, Healthy Lunch, No-Cook Salad, High Protein Salad