This Roast Chicken Waldorf Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that combines tender roasted chicken with the sweet crunch of apples, grapes, and celery. It’s a modern take on the classic Waldorf salad, featuring a light, tangy dressing made with yogurt, mayonnaise, and a touch of honey. This salad is perfect for a light lunch, a healthy dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish for any gathering. With optional walnuts for added crunch and a bed of fresh spring greens, this salad is both nutritious and delicious!
Ingredients:
- 2 large roasted chicken breasts, boned, skinned, and cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups of grapes (either red or green), sliced in half
- 2 stalks celery, sliced thin
- 2 large apples, cored and chopped into small chunks
- ¼ cup plain yogurt (fat-free or low-fat)
- ⅓ cup good mayonnaise
- 1 heaping tablespoon raw honey
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Pinch of salt
- Black pepper to taste
- ½ cup chopped walnuts (optional)
- Spring greens (for serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by roasting the chicken breasts if you haven’t already, or use leftover roasted chicken. Once cooled, remove the skin and bones, and cube the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Set aside in a large bowl.
- Chop the Fruits and Vegetables: Halve the grapes, slice the celery thinly, and cut the apples into bite-sized pieces. Add these ingredients to the bowl with the chicken.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, raw honey, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
- Combine and Toss: Pour the dressing over the chicken, fruit, and vegetable mixture. Carefully mix everything until the fruit is uniformly coated with the dressing. If using, fold in the chopped walnuts for a bit of extra crunch.
- Serve: Arrange a bed of fresh spring greens on a serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the chicken Waldorf mixture on top of the greens. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Conclusion:
This Roast Chicken Waldorf Salad is a delicious blend of savory and sweet flavors, with a refreshing crunch from the apples and celery, balanced by the juicy grapes and tender chicken. The light yogurt-based dressing with a hint of honey adds a subtle sweetness without overpowering the dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal, a healthy option for lunch, or a dish to impress your guests, this modern Waldorf salad is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy it with a side of crusty bread or on its own for a light, fulfilling meal!