If you’ve ever craved a fresh, crisp salad with just the right balance of sweet, savory, and tangy, then this Honeycrisp Apple Waldorf Salad (Lightened Up) is going to become your new favorite. This twist on the classic Waldorf salad uses juicy Honeycrisp apples, tender chicken breast, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing that’s light yet satisfying. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic side, or a healthy dinner option. With the perfect crunch from walnuts and the burst of sweetness from grapes and cranberries, this salad is a vibrant celebration of textures and flavors.

Why It Deserves a Spot

This salad isn’t just another mix of greens and fruit; it’s a thoughtfully crafted dish that offers so much more:

Refreshing and Nutritious: The Honeycrisp apples add a natural crisp sweetness packed with fiber, while the chicken breast provides lean protein to keep you full and energized.
Lightened-Up Twist: Swapping traditional mayonnaise for Greek yogurt cuts down on fat and calories without sacrificing creaminess.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re meal prepping or entertaining guests, this salad is easy to make and can be dressed up or down.
Flavorful and Balanced: The combination of tart lemon juice, warming cinnamon, and a touch of honey creates a dressing that perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the apples and grapes.
Versatile and Adaptable: You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs, making it a fantastic recipe to customize.

If you love salads with apples, you might also want to check out this delicious Apple Walnut Salad for another fresh take with walnuts and seasonal greens.

Shopping List

2 Honeycrisp apples, cored and chopped
1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
1/2 cup green grapes, halved
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/4 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh lettuce leaves for serving (such as romaine, butter lettuce, or green leaf)

Before You Start: Equipment

Cutting board and sharp knife – for chopping apples, chicken, and walnuts
Mixing bowl – to combine all salad ingredients
Small bowl – for whisking together the yogurt dressing
Measuring spoons and cups – for precise ingredient amounts
Salad serving bowl or individual plates – to present your salad beautifully
Salad tongs or large spoon – for gentle mixing

Mastering Honeycrisp Apple Waldorf Salad (Lightened Up): How-To

Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Other Ingredients

Start by washing the Honeycrisp apples thoroughly. Core them to remove seeds and chop into bite-sized pieces—keeping the skin on adds beautiful color and extra fiber. Halve the green grapes, dice the cooked chicken breast, chop the walnuts coarsely, and have the dried cranberries ready.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, honey, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth that elevates the flavors without overpowering the salad.

Step 3: Combine the Salad Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the chopped apples, chicken, grapes, walnuts, and dried cranberries. Pour the dressing over the salad and carefully fold everything together until all ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Lay fresh lettuce leaves on your serving platter or individual plates. Spoon the Honeycrisp Apple Waldorf Salad (Lightened Up) on top of the lettuce. This adds a crisp base and makes the salad more visually appealing. Serve immediately for the best crunch, or chill briefly if you prefer it cold.

Spring–Summer–Fall–Winter Ideas

Spring: Add fresh peas or asparagus tips for a vibrant green touch and extra crunch.
Summer: Swap grapes for juicy blueberries or raspberries for a seasonal burst of flavor.
Fall: Incorporate roasted butternut squash or pumpkin seeds alongside the walnuts for a cozy, autumnal feel.
Winter: Add pomegranate seeds or substitute dried cranberries with chopped dates or figs for a festive sweetness.

If you’re looking for a heartier meal idea for fall, the Cornbread Apple Stuffing is a fantastic dish that brings warmth and seasonal flavors to your table. Alternatively, try the Spiced Apple Sausage Kale Stuffing Skillet for a savory, comforting option that pairs beautifully with your salad.

Chef’s Notes

Choosing Apples: Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, but feel free to experiment with Fuji or Pink Lady apples for different flavor nuances.
Chicken Prep: Use leftover cooked chicken or poach fresh chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper for a tender protein addition.
Nut Alternatives: If you’re allergic to walnuts, try pecans or almonds for a similar crunch and nutty flavor.
Dressing Variations: Add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like dill or parsley to customize the dressing.
Serving Suggestions: This salad makes a fantastic sandwich filling or a topping for crackers as a light appetizer.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This Honeycrisp Apple Waldorf Salad (Lightened Up) can be made a few hours in advance, but for optimal freshness, it’s best assembled just before serving. If preparing ahead:

Keep the chopped apples separate and toss them with a little lemon juice to prevent browning.
Store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Combine all ingredients just before serving to maintain the crisp texture.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours, but note the apples may soften over time.

Troubleshooting Q&A

How can I prevent the apples from browning quickly?

To keep your Honeycrisp apples looking fresh and vibrant, toss them with a little lemon juice immediately after chopping. The acidity slows down oxidation, which causes browning.

Can I use a different type of chicken or protein?

Absolutely! Grilled turkey breast, rotisserie chicken, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option work wonderfully in this salad. Just make sure they’re cooked and diced into bite-sized pieces.

What can I substitute if I don’t have walnuts?

If walnuts aren’t available or you prefer a different nut, pecans, almonds, or even toasted sunflower seeds can add a delightful crunch and texture to the salad.

Is it okay to prepare this salad the night before?

While you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to combine them just before serving. The apples and walnuts maintain their crunch best when not sitting in the dressing for too long.

More Recipes You’ll Love

Apple Walnut Salad – A fresh and simple salad perfect for any season.
Cornbread Apple Stuffing – A flavorful side dish packed with cornbread and apples.
Spiced Apple Sausage Kale Stuffing Skillet – A hearty skillet meal with bold fall flavors.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Honeycrisp Apple Waldorf Salad (Lightened Up) chilled or at room temperature, nestled on fresh lettuce leaves for a crisp, colorful presentation. This salad pairs beautifully with a crusty whole grain bread or a light soup for a balanced meal. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, as a side dish at dinner, or bringing it to a gathering, the combination of flavors and textures will leave everyone asking for the recipe.

Bright, fresh, and nourishing, this salad is a wonderful way to celebrate the crunchy sweetness of Honeycrisp apples all year round. Try it once, and it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation!

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