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Classic Waldorf Chicken Salad

Diced chicken is tossed with crisp apples, celery, and walnuts in a creamy dressing for a refreshing, crunchy take on chicken salad.

⏱ 15 minPrep time
🔥 0 minCook time
🍽 4Servings
🏷 LunchCategory
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The Waldorf salad was created in the 1890s at New York’s Waldorf Astoria Hotel by maître d’hôtel Oscar Tschirky, originally made with just apples, celery, and mayonnaise. Over the 20th century, home cooks adapted the classic combination into a heartier chicken salad, perfect for sandwiches or served over greens.

Crisp apples, crunchy walnuts, and tender chicken

Diced chicken is tossed with crisp apples, celery, and walnuts in a creamy dressing for a refreshing, crunchy take on chicken salad.

Step by stepInstructions

  1. Combine the chicken, apple, celery, walnuts, and grapes in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk the mayonnaise and lemon juice together.
  3. Pour over the chicken mixture and toss to coat.
  4. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Chill for at least 20 minutes before serving.
  6. Serve on bread, over greens, or with crackers.

💡 Chef tips & storage

Toss the diced apple with a little lemon juice first to keep it from browning. Toasting the walnuts beforehand adds extra depth of flavor.

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Recipe details

Prep15 min
Cook0 min
Servings4
CategoryLunch
PublishedAugust 12, 2026
Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes

Hi, I'm Emily 🧡

Hi, I'm Emily — the cook behind My Comfort Recipes. Simple, tested comfort food for real weeknights, written down the way grandma would. Pull up a chair. More about me →