Looking for a delightful dish to serve at your next outdoor gathering? This Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is just what you need! Featuring a harmonious blend of tender chicken, crisp apples, and crunchy walnuts, it’s a refreshing twist inspired by the classic Waldorf Salad Recipe. Whether you’re planning a picnic or a summer barbecue, this salad is a standout choice among Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes.
As the temperatures rise, nothing beats a cool and creamy salad that’s packed with flavor. This salad doubles as perfect picnic food, and the combination of ingredients creates a delicious filling for a Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe. Trust me, your guests will be asking for the recipe!
This Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it’s an experience. The sweetness of the apples paired with the crunch of walnuts makes every bite a taste sensation. It’s one of those Summer Pasta Salad Recipes that you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
A Perfect Summer Dish
This Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad combines delightful flavors that are perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, it is enveloped in a creamy dressing that enhances every ingredient.
Each bite showcases a mix of textures and tastes, with the sweetness of the apples harmonizing beautifully with the savory chicken and the nutty crunch of walnuts.
This dish truly stands out among Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Refreshing Ingredients
The ingredients for this salad are simple yet vibrant, ensuring that every mouthful bursts with flavor.
You’ll need cooked pasta, diced chicken, and a medley of fruits and nuts that create a colorful presentation.
Using Granny Smith apples adds a tart contrast that complements the creamy dressing.
When combined with crunchy walnuts, the result is a salad that not only tastes great but also looks stunning on your picnic table.
Easy Preparation Steps
Preparation for this salad is quick and straightforward, making it a fantastic choice for those busy summer days.
Start by cooking the pasta; once it reaches al dente, rinse it under cold water to cool.
Next, whisk together the creamy dressing ingredients until smooth.
Then, simply toss together the cooked pasta, chicken, apples, walnuts, and other components in a large bowl, adding the dressing to coat evenly.
Perfect for Any Gathering
Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad is not just a dish; it embodies the essence of summer gatherings and picnics.
Its combination of ingredients makes it suitable as a standalone meal or a delightful side dish.
This salad pairs wonderfully with lemonade, enhancing the refreshing experience.
Serve it on a bed of crisp lettuce leaves, if desired, for an extra touch of elegance.
Nutritional Benefits
This salad offers a well-rounded nutrient profile, making it a satisfying choice for those seeking nutritious meals.
With a balance of protein from chicken, healthy fats from walnuts, and carbohydrates from pasta, it provides a fulfilling option for any meal.
At approximately 350 calories per serving, this Waldorf Chicken Salad is a light yet hearty addition to your warm-weather dining repertoire.
A Crowd-Pleasing Delight
Whether it’s a picnic or a barbecue, this Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad will impress your guests.
Its unique blend of flavors is bound to spark conversations and requests for the recipe.
Perfect as a Chicken Salad Sandwich Recipe filling, this salad can easily transition from a side dish to a main course, making it a versatile addition to your culinary toolkit.
A Perfect Summer Dish
This Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad combines the delightful flavors of tender chicken, al dente pasta, sweet apples, and crunchy walnuts, all enveloped in a creamy dressing. The result is a light yet satisfying dish that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings or as a refreshing meal at home.
Each bite offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, with the sweetness of the apples harmonizing beautifully with the savory chicken and the nutty crunch of walnuts, making it an irresistible choice for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 1 cup apples, diced (preferably Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, apples, walnuts, celery, and grapes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Serve the Waldorf Chicken Pasta Salad on a bed of lettuce leaves, if desired, and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g