This Chicken Waldorf Salad Salad Sandwich is hearty, easy to make and perfect to customize. Great for a quick lunch!
Waldorf Salad
What is a Waldorf Salad?
A Waldorf Salad was created in the famous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York City. The original Waldorf salad consists of simply apples and celery mixed with mayonnaise. An interesting concoction I know, but one that strangely works! Since the original recipe, Waldorf salad is more commonly recognized with the addition of grapes and walnuts too. In more recent times though the recipe has really grown legs, to the point where people are throwing in more extras and chucking it all in a sandwich… Crazy people 🤪
This version has traditional roots, but I’ve adapted it into a more ‘hearty’ version and packed in more flavour. Still very simple, just a little spruced up. Follow me…
Chicken Waldorf Salad
Chicken lends itself so beautifully to a Waldorf salad and can really transform it into more of a full meal than a side salad. A chicken Waldorf salad is also the perfect way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken.
What can I add to a Waldorf salad?
Alongside chicken and the 5 classic ingredients (apple, mayo, celery, walnuts, grapes) here’s what I like to add:
- Greek Yogurt – Instead of full mayonnaise, I like a 50/50 split of mayo and yogurt. Some recipes actually use full yogurt, but I prefer the combo with mayo.
- Dijon Mustard – This adds a gentle kick of heat and really brings the salad to life.
- White Pepper – I find white pepper works better in this context. Alongside the mustard it helps to add a bit of heat.
- Lemon Juice – Cuts through the richness and really livens up the salad. It also helps prevent the apples from browning!
Make ahead Chicken Waldorf salad
I HIGHLY recommend making the salad ahead of time. It’ll really help the flavours marry together. At first it may taste a little tangy, but when the sweetness of the fruit starts exchanging with the dressing, the flavours all balance out nicely.
How long does Chicken Waldorf Salad Last?
Completely dependent on how long you’ve had the rotisserie chicken leftover for. If the chicken was made fresh on the day, the salad will comfortably last another 2-3 days tightly covered in the fridge.
Process shots: add dressing ingredients to a bowl (photo 1), stir to combine (photo 2), dice chicken (photo 3), add fillings (photo 4), pour in dressing (photo 5), stir to combine (photo 6).
Chicken Waldorf Salad Sandwich
A chicken Waldorf salad is great, but what doesn’t taste even better slapped between 2 slices of bread?!
What Bread to use?
I like a wholemeal seeded loaf with this sandwich. The seeds go beautifully with the fruits in the salad. I tend not to toast the bread, but you can if you fancy.
Can I make the sandwich ahead of time?
Your best bet is to just make the salad ahead of time, then construct the sandwich when needed. The salad is quite ‘saucy’ so you don’t want it to seep into the bread as it rests.
Process shots: lay bread on chopping board and spread with butter (photo 1), add watercress (photo 2), add chicken salad and second slice of bread (photo 3).
What to serve with Chicken Waldorf Sandwich?
- Crisp/Chip Recommendation: I love Salt and Vinegar or Ready Salted flavour with this sandwich.
- Side Recommendation: Garlic Parmesan Fries pair beautifully with this sandwich!
Alrighty, let’s tuck into the full recipe for this Chicken Waldorf Sandwich shall we?!
How to make a Chicken Waldorf Salad Sandwich (Full Recipe & Video)
Chicken Waldorf Salad Sandwich
Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- Sharp Knife & Chopping Board
- Cling Film
Ingredients
Chicken Waldorf Salad
- 2 packed cups / 300g Cooked/Leftover Rotisserie Chicken, diced into small cubes
- 3/4 cup / 135g Red or Black Seedless Grapes, halved or quartered
- 2/3 cup / 80g Walnuts, chopped (see notes)
- 2 ribs of Celery, finely diced
- 1 Apple, (red, golden delicious or half of both)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup / 120g Mayo
- 1/2 cup / 120g Greek Yogurt
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- 1/2 Lemon, juice only
- 1/4 tsp EACH: Salt, White Pepper (or to taste)
Sandwich
- 10 medium slices of Seeded Bread
- 2-3 lightly packed cups Watercress, or salad/leaves of choice
- Butter, as needed
Instructions
- Dressing: In a small mixing bowl combine mayo, yogurt, mustard, lemon juice and salt & pepper. Place to one side.
- Salad: In a large mixing bowl add chicken and combine with grapes, apple, celery, walnuts and dressing. Stir to combine, then cover and store in the fridge to allow the flavours to develop (as long as you have time for).
- Sandwich: Spread 1 side of all your slices of bread with butter. Top half of them with a pinch of watercress, then top with Waldorf salad. Finish with buttered bread, slice in half the enjoy!
Quick Demo
Notes
Your Private Notes:
Nutrition:
For more similar sandwiches check out these beauties:
Rotisserie Chicken Sandwiches
- Chicken Salad Croissant Sandwich
- Chicken, Bacon & Ranch Sandwich
- Coronation Chicken Sandwich
- Chicken Mayo Sandwich
If you loved this Chicken Waldorf Salad Recipe be sure to Pin it for later! Already made it or got a burning question? Give me a shout in the comments below!
Excellent recipe
Thank you! C.
Already added the ingredients to my grocery list. Can’t wait to make this delicious sandwich!
Hope you love it 🙂
So delicious! This is going to be on repeat for lunch!
Awesome!! 🙂
oh wow that sandwich looks delicious! Love your photography.
Thanks so much 🙂
Waldorf Salad is already delicious its own, but made into a sandwich is even better! I loved how simple this lunch recipe is for on the go! My little one even tried a few bites and loved it too!
That’s awesome to hear! 🙂
WOWWWWWWW that sounds soooo good! what a fabulous lunch! I bet they are crazy delicious! I love how easy it is too, can’t wait to make some this weekend.
Hope you love it!! 🙂