If you’re searching for a fresh, delicious, and wholesome lunch idea, the Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This wrap combines tender chicken with the sweet crunch of apples and grapes, the earthy depth of walnuts, and the refreshing crispness of celery and lettuce, all brought together by a creamy yet light dressing. It’s like a perfect harmony of textures and flavors wrapped up in a convenient whole wheat wrap that’s perfect for any time of day. Once you try these wraps, you’ll wonder why they aren’t in your regular meal rotation already!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe lies in its simple and thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s adding texture, freshness, or that hint of sweetness that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped): The protein base that makes this salad satisfying and hearty.
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely): Adds a fresh, crisp bite that balances the creaminess perfectly.
- Handful red seedless grapes (halved): Bring a juicy burst of sweetness to every mouthful.
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts: These add a wonderful nutty crunch and healthy fats.
- 1 apple (honeycrisp, chopped finely): Mainly for sweetness and crispness, honeycrisp is especially juicy and vibrant.
- Handful lettuce (torn): For added freshness and a slight green color contrast.
- 1 heaped tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (2% used): Creates a creamy, tangy dressing with fewer calories than mayo alone.
- 1 heaped tablespoon mayo: Adds richness and smoothness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Lifts all the flavors with a subtle citrus hint and helps keep apples from browning.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.
- 2-4 whole wheat wraps: The perfect vessel for holding all these lovely ingredients together.
How to Make Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Start by prepping all your fresh ingredients. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces—or shred it for a more rustic texture. Finely chop the celery and, if you bought a full stalk, toss in some celery leaves for extra flavor. Slice the grapes in halves and finely chop the apple. Tear the lettuce into manageable pieces. Gather all these into a large mixing bowl, so they’re ready for the dressing.
Step 2: Mix the Dressing
Next, add the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and freshly squeezed lemon juice to your bowl. These ingredients create a creamy yet light dressing that complements the crisp and sweet elements perfectly. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is well-coated. Then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to your liking. Feel free to tweak the dressing quantities based on your personal preference for creaminess and tang.
Step 3: Assemble the Wraps
Lay out your whole wheat wraps and evenly distribute the chicken salad mixture on each one. Don’t overfill to keep things neat and easy to eat. Then, gently roll up each wrap, folding in the sides as you go to trap all those gorgeous ingredients inside. If you like, you can cut them diagonally to make serving even more inviting. Serve the wraps immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors and textures.
How to Serve Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a few garnishes can elevate your wraps instantly. Consider sprinkling extra chopped walnuts or a few halved grapes on top for a pop of color and texture. A small sprig of fresh parsley or a light dusting of cracked pepper also adds visual appeal and a little extra freshness.
Side Dishes
These wraps pair beautifully with a crisp side salad, such as mixed greens dressed simply with olive oil and vinegar, or crunchy vegetable sticks for more fresh texture. For something heartier, a cup of tomato soup or a cold cucumber dill soup makes a refreshing complement that balances the wrap’s richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal a bit more fun by cutting the wraps into smaller pinwheel slices for appetizers or party platters. You can also scoop the Waldorf chicken salad onto butter lettuce leaves as a light, gluten-free alternative. Or serve it atop a bed of quinoa or mixed greens for a hearty salad bowl experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the chicken salad separately from the wraps in an airtight container to prevent sogginess. Keep the salad refrigerated and consume within 2 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe is best enjoyed fresh. Because of the fresh fruit and crunchy veggies, freezing is not recommended as it would alter the texture and flavor significantly.
Reheating
There is no need to reheat the salad as it is served cold and fresh. If you prefer your chicken warm, you can heat the chicken before mixing it with the other ingredients, but keep the salad chilled once combined for optimal freshness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves time on prep, adding a delicious roast flavor to your Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe.
What can I substitute for Greek yogurt?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or extra mayonnaise can be used, though yogurt adds a nice tang and lighter texture.
Can I make this recipe vegan or vegetarian?
For a vegetarian twist, replace the chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and swap mayo with vegan mayonnaise. The fruit and nuts provide plenty of flavor and texture to keep it interesting.
How do I prevent the apple from browning?
The lemon juice in the dressing helps prevent browning. Another trick is to toss the apple right before serving or keep it soaked briefly in cold water with a splash of lemon juice before chopping.
What type of wrap is best for these chicken salad wraps?
Whole wheat wraps provide a nice nutty flavor and added fiber, but you can also use spinach or tomato basil wraps for an extra colorful presentation and subtle flavor variation.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe—it’s a meeting of fresh, crunchy, sweet, and creamy all in one bite. Whether you’re making a quick lunch for yourself or serving a crowd, this recipe brings warmth and comfort without feeling heavy or complicated. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own. Trust me, these wraps will quickly become a favorite go-to meal in your kitchen!
Print
Waldorf Chicken Salad Wraps Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 wraps
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Waldorf Chicken Salad Wrap recipe offers a fresh and healthy twist on a classic combination of chicken, crisp celery, juicy grapes, crunchy walnuts, and sweet apple, all mixed with a creamy yogurt and mayo dressing. Wrapped in whole wheat tortillas, these wraps are perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Chicken Salad
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 2 sticks celery (chopped finely)
- Handful red seedless grapes (cut into halves)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1 apple (honeycrisp preferred, chopped finely)
- Handful lettuce (torn)
Dressing
- 1 heaped tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (2%)
- 1 heaped tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt & pepper (to taste)
Wraps
- 2–4 whole wheat wraps
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Chop and prep the chicken, celery including celery leaves if available, grapes halved, walnuts, apple, and torn lettuce. Add all these ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
- Mix Dressing: Add plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and lemon juice to the bowl with the prepared ingredients. Stir well to combine everything thoroughly. Adjust the dressing quantities according to your taste preference and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Assemble Wraps: Spoon the chicken salad mixture evenly onto the whole wheat wraps. Fold the wraps to enclose the filling. Serve the wraps immediately. Alternatively, enjoy the chicken salad on its own or with bread if preferred.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider including chopped celery leaves when chopping celery.
- The dressing quantities can be adjusted for creaminess and tartness to suit your taste.
- Using whole wheat wraps adds fiber and nutrients compared to white flour tortillas.
- The chicken salad can also be served without wraps as a standalone salad.
- For a crunchier texture, toast the walnuts lightly before adding.
