Cleaned-Up Waldorf Salad

Need a dish to bring to a gathering? This Cleaned-Up Waldorf Salad is always a crowd-pleaser. It’s packed with lean protein, crisp fruit, crunchy vegetables, and heart-healthy walnuts, all tossed in a lighter dressing made with Greek yogurt and avocado mayonnaise.

One of the best meal-prep strategies is cooking protein in advance. A batch of seasoned chicken tenderloins can be used throughout the week for salads, grain bowls, wraps, and quick dinners. In this recipe, we use homemade Southernly BBQ-seasoned chicken to elevate a classic Waldorf salad with extra flavor and nutrition.

BBQ Chicken

Ingredients

• 2 lbs organic chicken tenderloins
• 2–3 teaspoons Southernly BBQ Seasoning (recipe below)

Directions

Preheat oven to 375°F. Season chicken tenderloins with BBQ seasoning and place on a baking sheet. Bake for 25–28 minutes, or until cooked through and lightly browned. Allow to cool before chopping for salads or storing for future meals.

Southernly BBQ Seasoning

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1½ tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 2½ tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1½ teaspoons oregano
• 1½ teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 weeks.

Waldorf Chicken Salad

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken tenderloins, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • (Rotisserie chicken may be substituted)
• 1/3 cup plain nonfat or low-fat Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup avocado mayonnaise
• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 medium red apple, diced
• 1 cup green grapes, halved
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and cooled

Directions

1. Combine chicken, apple, grapes, celery, and walnuts in a large bowl.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, avocado mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt.
3. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

Why We Love This Recipe

• High in protein and perfect for meal prep
• Lighter than traditional Waldorf salad
• Naturally sweet from apples and grapes
• Rich in fiber, healthy fats, and crunch
• Great for lunches, potlucks, and easy weeknight meals

Serving Ideas

Serve over mixed greens, in lettuce cups, on whole-grain toast, or enjoy on its own for a satisfying high-protein lunch.