If you are on the lookout for a dish that bursts with flavor, texture, and freshness all at once, the Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe is exactly what you need. This timeless salad balances the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples, the satisfying crunch of celery, and the savory tenderness of chicken, all brought together by a luscious, creamy dressing and the delightful sweetness of candied walnuts. It is not just a salad; it’s a celebration of contrasts and harmony in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with neatly arranged ingredients in separate sections. On one side, there are bright green celery pieces with a crisp texture, next to light green apple chunks with smooth edges. In the middle, there are rich brown walnuts with rough, uneven surfaces. Beside the walnuts, there is a pile of finely chopped dark green herbs. The last section shows white, cubed cooked chicken with a firm texture. Each ingredient is distinct and vibrant, creating a colorful and fresh visual mix. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe has a simple yet vital role that elevates the overall dish. From the fresh crunch of celery to the sweet burst of grapes, these ingredients combine to create a symphony of texture and flavor that keeps every bite exciting.

⅓ cup mayonnaise: A creamy base that binds all the flavors together effortlessly.
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil: Adds subtle richness and smoothness to the dressing.
1 tablespoon white balsamic vinegar: Provides the perfect tang that brightens the salad.
½ teaspoon lemon zest: Offers a fresh citrus aroma to awaken your taste buds.
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Adds vibrant acidity to balance sweetness and creaminess.
1 tablespoon honey: Gives just the right touch of natural sweetness.
½ teaspoon sea salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a gentle peppery heat for complexity.
1 cup candied walnuts: Sweet and crunchy, they bring delightful texture and flavor contrast.
8 ribs celery, diced (about 2 cups): Brings a crisp, refreshing crunch that is essential to Waldorf salad.
2 Granny Smith apples, cored and chopped (about 2 cups): Their crisp tartness creates a bright, juicy component.
1 cup halved red grapes: Juicy and sweet little pops that balance the savory ingredients.
2 cups cubed cooked chicken: Adds hearty protein that turns this salad into a satisfying meal.
½ cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley: Offers a fresh herbal note and beautiful green color.

How to Make Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, extra-virgin olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This dressing is the heart of the salad, perfectly balancing tanginess, sweetness, and creaminess that will marry all the ingredients beautifully.

Step 2: Prep the Salad Ingredients

While the dressing rests, dice the celery, core and chop the Granny Smith apples, and halve the red grapes. Keeping the apples from browning is key, so toss them quickly in a little lemon juice if you like. Next, cube your cooked chicken, making sure it’s tender and flavorful. Chop the fresh flat-leaf parsley for a pop of color and herbal brightness.

Step 3: Combine All Components

In a large salad bowl, gently toss the diced celery, apples, grapes, cubed chicken, and parsley. Pour the freshly whisked dressing over the salad and fold everything together until well coated. Finish by folding in the candied walnuts last to maintain their crunchy texture without sogginess.

How to Serve Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe

This image shows several white bowls, each with a different ingredient, all placed on a white marbled surface. The largest bowl in the center is filled with small cubes of cooked white chicken. Surrounding it are smaller bowls containing chopped green celery, chopped light green cucumber, whole walnut halves, and creamy mayonnaise with a smooth texture. There are tiny bowls with light yellow lemon zest, golden olive oil, light brown mustard or vinegar, and clear lemon juice. Two other tiny bowls hold black pepper and white salt. Fresh green parsley leaves lie next to the bowl with walnuts. The colors are mostly light and natural, with clean textures and neat arrangement. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the presentation, sprinkle a few extra candied walnuts and a bit more chopped parsley on top just before serving. A few thin lemon slices placed artfully on the side add a fresh zing and visual appeal that invites everyone to dig in.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with light and simple side dishes. Think crusty bread to soak up the dressing or a refreshing iced herbal tea to complete your meal experience. If you want to keep the meal balanced, steamed green vegetables or a subtle rice pilaf could round out the plate beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning twist, serve the Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe in individual glass parfait cups, showcasing its colorful layers. You can also hollow out crisp apples to use as edible bowls, lending a whimsical touch that’s perfect for entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place your leftover salad in an airtight container and refrigerate. It’s best enjoyed within 1-2 days to keep the apples crisp and the walnuts crunchy. If you notice the salad has absorbed too much dressing, a quick toss before serving will revive its freshness.

Freezing

Because of its fresh ingredients like apples, celery, and grapes, this salad does not freeze well. The texture would suffer significantly after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated short-term.

Reheating

This Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe is meant to be served cold or at room temperature and does not require reheating. If you add warm components, serve them separately to maintain the distinct textures that make this salad special.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! Granny Smith apples bring tartness and crunch, but you can swap them for Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just be sure to adjust the honey in the dressing accordingly.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the dressing?

If you want a lighter or dairy-free alternative, Greek yogurt or a vegan mayo works beautifully. Just remember that this will change the flavor slightly, adding tanginess if you choose yogurt.

Can I make my own candied walnuts?

Yes! Simply sauté walnuts in a pan with a bit of sugar and butter until caramelized, then let them cool. Homemade candied walnuts are fresher and can even be customized with a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a unique twist.

How do I keep the apples from browning?

To prevent browning, toss the freshly chopped apples in a tablespoon of lemon juice or soak them briefly in a lemon water mixture. This little trick preserves their crisp, bright appearance in the salad.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep lunches?

It definitely is! Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat or pack it on the side to avoid sogginess. When mixed fresh at lunchtime, it tastes just as vibrant as the day you made it.

Final Thoughts

Nothing beats the vibrant flavors and playful textures of the Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe for a meal that feels both nourishing and indulgent. This recipe has a way of turning ordinary lunch or dinner into something memorable and fresh. Give it a try, share it with your loved ones, and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection.

Waldorf Salad with Chicken, Apples, and Candied Walnuts Recipe