Are you craving something that perfectly balances sweet and tangy flavors with a satisfyingly creamy texture? Look no further than this delicious honey mustard chicken salad! This versatile dish brings together tender chunks of chicken, a velvety honey mustard dressing, and crisp fresh ingredients for a meal that’s sure to please any crowd. Best of all, this honey mustard chicken salad comes together quickly and easily, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual entertaining.

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A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

The secret to an amazing honey mustard chicken salad lies in the perfect balance of ingredients. The sweetness of honey complements the tangy kick of mustard, while creamy mayonnaise brings everything together. Add in tender chicken pieces and your choice of crunchy vegetables, and you’ve got a satisfying meal that hits all the right notes.

Ingredients

For the Salad:

3 cups cooked boneless, skinless chicken breasts, shredded or diced
1 cup celery, finely diced
½ cup red onion, finely chopped
½ cup red grapes, halved (optional)
⅓ cup sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

⅓ cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1½ tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Cook the chicken if not using pre-cooked chicken. Poach in simmering water for 15-18 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F, or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Cool the chicken completely before handling. Shred or dice into bite-sized pieces.
Whisk together all dressing ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined.
Combine chicken, celery, red onion, grapes (if using), and nuts in a large bowl.
Pour the honey mustard dressing over the chicken mixture.
Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
Sprinkle with fresh dill.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Key Information

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time	Servings	Calories (per serving)
15 minutes	20 minutes	35 minutes + chilling time	4-6	Approximately 320

Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 5 servings):

Calories: 320
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Carbs: 8g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Chef’s Tips & Tricks

Perfectly Cooked Chicken

There are several methods to prepare your chicken for this creamy chicken salad recipe:

Poaching: Gently simmer chicken breasts in water or broth with aromatics for 15-18 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Baking: Season chicken breasts, place on a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 20-25 minutes.
Grilling: Marinate chicken breasts, then grill for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Instant Pot: Add chicken with 1 cup of broth, cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then natural release for 5 minutes.
Rotisserie Chicken: For the ultimate time-saver, simply shred a store-bought rotisserie chicken.

Dressing Consistency

For a thicker dressing, increase the mayonnaise by 1-2 tablespoons.
For a thinner consistency, add 1-2 teaspoons of water or lemon juice.
For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Make-Ahead & Storage

This easy honey mustard chicken salad is perfect for meal prep:

Make up to 2 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
The salad will keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated.
For best results, keep nuts separate and add just before serving to maintain their crunch.
Not recommended for freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate when thawed.

Achieving the Perfect Balance

For a sweeter dressing, add an extra teaspoon of honey.
For more tanginess, increase the Dijon mustard or apple cider vinegar.
Taste and adjust seasoning before adding to the chicken mixture.

Variations & Customizations

This creamy chicken salad recipe is incredibly versatile. Try these delicious variations:

Mediterranean: Add chopped cucumber, feta cheese, and kalamata olives.
Autumn Harvest: Mix in dried cranberries, diced apples, and swap walnuts for pecans.
Spicy Southwest: Add diced jalapeños and substitute spicy brown mustard for Dijon.
Herb Garden: Incorporate fresh herbs like tarragon, parsley, and chives.

Dietary Adaptations

Keto/Low-Carb: Use a sugar-free honey substitute and serve in lettuce cups.
Dairy-Free: Ensure your mayonnaise is dairy-free (most are).
Paleo: Use paleo-approved mayonnaise and natural honey.

Serving Suggestions

Your honey mustard chicken salad shines in many presentations:

Sandwiches: Serve on whole grain bread, croissants, or sourdough with lettuce and tomato.
Wraps: Roll in tortillas or flatbreads with fresh greens.
Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce cups or over a bed of mixed greens.
Appetizers: Spoon onto cucumber rounds or endive leaves for elegant finger food.
Stuffed Vegetables: Fill halved avocados or hollowed bell peppers.

Perfect Pairings

Fresh fruit salad
Tomato soup
Kettle chips
Pickle spears
Light green salad

Ingredient Deep Dive

What makes honey mustard chicken salad so irresistible? It’s all about the complementary flavors:

Honey provides natural sweetness that balances the acidic components.
Dijon mustard contributes tanginess and depth without overwhelming heat.
Mayonnaise creates creaminess while helping emulsify the dressing.
Apple cider vinegar adds brightness and helps preserve freshness.

The combination creates a perfect harmony that enhances the mild flavor of chicken while creating a satisfying mouthfeel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs can be a more flavorful and juicy alternative. Just make sure they’re boneless, skinless, and fully cooked to 165°F before shredding.

Can I make this without mayonnaise?

Absolutely. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a combination of both for a different flavor profile and texture.

How long does honey mustard chicken salad last in the fridge?

3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of chilling.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Not recommended. Mayo-based dressings tend to separate when frozen and thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture. It’s best enjoyed fresh.

What’s the best mustard to use?

Dijon mustard works best for its balanced flavor, but you can experiment with whole grain mustard for added texture or spicy brown mustard for extra kick.

This easy honey mustard chicken salad recipe brings together protein-packed chicken, a perfectly balanced dressing, and customizable mix-ins for a versatile dish that works as a main course or side. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead or serving a crowd, this creamy chicken salad recipe is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection!