This Waldorf Chicken Hazelnut Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional favorite, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dish combines tender, roasted chicken breast with crisp celery, sweet apples, and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. A rich, creamy dressing binds the ingredients together, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that makes this salad both a light lunch and a hearty main course. It is ideal for potlucks, picnic baskets, or a quick weeknight dinner. The addition of hazelnuts adds a nutty depth that elevates the simple ingredients. Serve chilled for the best texture, and enjoy this versatile salad any time of the year.
Waldorf Chicken Hazelnut Salad
Description
This Waldorf Chicken Hazelnut Salad is a delightful twist on the traditional favorite, offering a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The dish combines tender, roasted chicken breast with crisp celery, sweet apples, and crunchy toasted hazelnuts. A rich, creamy dressing binds the ingredients together, providing a satisfying mouthfeel that makes this salad both a light lunch and a hearty main course. It is ideal for potlucks, picnic baskets, or a quick weeknight dinner. The addition of hazelnuts adds a nutty depth that elevates the simple ingredients. Serve chilled for the best texture, and enjoy this versatile salad any time of the year.Ingredients
Directions
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Preheat oven to 400&# 194;°F (200ðC). Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. Let cool and dice.
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Toast hazelnuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes until fragrant. Rub in a towel to remove skins, then coarsely chop.
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Dice celery stalks into small, uniform pieces. Core and dice apples into small cubes. Halve seedless grapes if using.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, honey, and a pinch of salt to create the dressing.
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In a large mixing bowl, combine diced chicken, celery, apples, grapes, and toasted hazelnuts.
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Pour dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated.
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Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 14.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 0.2g1%
- Saturated Fat 0.0g0%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 36.0mg2%
- Total Carbohydrate 3.0g1%
- Dietary Fiber 1.6g7%
- Sugars 1.3g
- Protein 0.7g2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The apples may brown slightly over time; adding a splash of extra lemon juice can help prevent this.
For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise.
Ensure hazelnuts are fully toasted for maximum flavor. If skins do not rub off easily, it is fine to leave them on.
You can add dried cranberries or raisins for extra sweetness and texture.
