Introduction:
Delight your taste buds with the timeless flavors of Chicken Waldorf Salad. This iconic dish combines tender chicken, crisp apples, juicy grapes, and crunchy walnuts, all dressed in a creamy yogurt dressing. Perfect for brunches, lunches, or light dinners, this salad offers a harmonious blend of sweet and savory elements that will satisfy your palate. In this detailed recipe guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating this culinary masterpiece, along with nutritional information and Smart WW Points to help you make informed choices about your meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1 cup red seedless grapes, halved
- 1 cup apple, diced (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or mayo for a traditional version)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Start by cooking and dicing the chicken breast. Finely chop the celery, halve the grapes, dice the apple, and chop the walnuts.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Combine the Salad Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, chopped celery, halved grapes, diced apple, and chopped walnuts. Gently toss the ingredients together until evenly distributed.
- Add the Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the chicken and fruit mixture. Use a spatula or spoon to gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is well coated.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the Chicken Waldorf Salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. When ready to serve, line a serving platter or individual plates with lettuce leaves and spoon the salad over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
- Enjoy: Serve the Chicken Waldorf Salad as a main dish or side salad. Pair it with crusty bread or whole grain crackers for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information:
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 250
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
- Sodium: 150mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 18g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 12g
- Protein: 22g
Smart WW Points:
- Each serving of Chicken Waldorf Salad is approximately 5 Smart WW Points, based on the ingredients used and serving size.
Conclusion:
With its enticing blend of flavors and textures, Chicken Waldorf Salad is a delightful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a refreshing meal, this salad is sure to impress. Enjoy the wholesome goodness of tender chicken, crisp fruits, and crunchy nuts, all tossed in a creamy dressing that’s light yet satisfying. Try this recipe today and experience the timeless appeal of Chicken Waldorf Salad!