This vibrant take on the classic Waldorf mix swaps out the heavy mayo for a light, citrus‑tinged dressing and adds lean chicken for a protein punch. The combo of apples, grapes, and goji berries brings a sweet‑tart crunch while toasted walnuts deliver plant‑based omega‑3s.
Walnuts are a terrific source of alpha‑linolenic acid, a plant‑based omega‑3 that complements the lean protein from chicken, making this salad a great fish‑free option for heart‑healthy eating.
Active time: 10 minutes Total time: 20 minutes
Chicken Waldorf Salad
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup dried goji berries (or dried cherries)
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 1 tsp orange zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 medium Gala apples, cored & chopped
- 2 1/2 cups roasted chicken breast, diced
- 2 large celery stalks, thinly sliced
- 1 cup red grapes, halved
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- 4 cups baby mixed greens
Directions
- Combine orange juice with the goji berries in a small cup and let them soften for about 10 minutes. (Skip this step if you’re using dried cherries.)
- In a large bowl, whisk together the vegan mayo, orange zest, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add the chopped apples, chicken pieces, celery, and grapes to the dressing. Toss gently to coat.
- Stir in the softened goji berries (or cherries) along with any remaining juice.
- Divide the baby greens among four plates, spoon the fruit‑chicken mixture over each bed, and finish with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts.
Serves: 4 | Serving size: Approximately 1 ⅓ cups of the salad mixture with a cup of greens and 2 tbsp walnuts.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories: 430
- Total Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 83 mg
- Sodium: 455 mg
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Dietary Fiber: 6 g
- Sugar: 19 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Potassium: 701 mg
- Iron: 12 % DV
- Vitamin A: 47 % DV
- Vitamin C: 24 % DV
- Calcium: 8 % DV