California Pizza Kitchen Waldorf Chicken Salad

This recipe includes some unique items not normally found in the traditional Waldorf salad.

California Pizza Kitchen’s Waldorf Chicken Salad is a delightful and satisfying dish that combines a variety of flavors and textures. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this salad offers a balanced mix of greens, fruits, nuts, and grilled chicken. The combination of crisp mixed baby greens, crunchy celery, sweet red grapes, tart granny smith apples, and candied walnuts creates a delightful contrast of flavors.

The grilled chicken breast adds a savory and protein-rich element to the salad, making it a satisfying and filling meal option. The tangy and creamy dressing, made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic, and seasonings, complements the ingredients perfectly, enhancing the overall taste of the salad.

In addition to its delicious taste, the Waldorf Chicken Salad offers several nutritional benefits. The mixed baby greens provide essential vitamins and minerals, while the celery adds fiber and crunch. The fruits, including the granny smith apples and red grapes, contribute natural sweetness and provide antioxidants and vitamins. The candied walnuts offer a dose of healthy fats and a delightful crunch.

Overall, California Pizza Kitchen’s Waldorf Chicken Salad is a well-rounded and nutritious option that offers a refreshing and satisfying dining experience. Whether enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, this salad is sure to please your taste buds while nourishing your body with its wholesome ingredients.

SERVES: 2

INGREDIENTS:

SALAD DRESSING

• 1 cup olive oil
• ½ cup balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• ½ teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt

SALAD

• 6 cups mixed baby greens
• ½ cup diced celery
• 1 granny smith apple, chopped in bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup halved red seedless grapes
• 2 sliced grilled chicken breasts
• ½ cup candied walnuts
• Crumbled gorgonzola cheese, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Whisk all the ingredients for the dressing together in a bowl with a lid.
2. Chill the salad dressing and plates in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before serving.
3. Toss the greens, celery, and fruits together and place on the chilled plates.
4. Drizzle on the salad dressing.
5. Top the salad with grilled chicken breast, candied walnuts, and crumbled gorgonzola cheese.

NUTRITIONAL BENEFITS:

• Rich in Fiber: The mixed baby greens and celery in the salad are excellent sources of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes satiety, and supports a healthy digestive system.
• High in Vitamins and Minerals: The granny smith apples, red grapes, and mixed baby greens provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and antioxidants. These nutrients play a vital role in supporting overall health and boosting the immune system.
• Protein-Rich: The grilled chicken breast serves as a lean source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, supporting muscle health, and promoting satiety.
• Healthy Fats: The candied walnuts contain healthy fats, such as omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and provide satiety.
• Antioxidant-Rich: The fruits and vegetables in the salad, including the apples, grapes, and mixed baby greens, are rich in antioxidants. These compounds help protect cells from damage caused by harmful free radicals and contribute to overall health and well-being.