Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, grilled or baked chicken breast is a fantastic choice!

Mixed Salad Greens: I love using a mix of lettuce, spinach, and arugula for texture and flavor. If you don’t have this blend, any fresh greens like kale or romaine work well, too.

Cherry Tomatoes: These add sweetness and color to the salad. If you can’t find them, you can chop up any fresh tomatoes you have on hand.

Cheese: Cheddar is my favorite for this salad, but feel free to swap it with feta or goat cheese for a different taste! You could also omit cheese entirely for a dairy-free version.

Nuts: I like to add almonds for crunch, but walnuts or pecans are great options too. For a nut-free version, you can simply leave them out.

How Can I Make the Perfect Honey Mustard Dressing?

The homemade honey mustard dressing is where the magic happens! It’s super simple, and all it requires is mixing a few ingredients together. Here’s how:

• In a bowl, combine Dijon mustard and honey for that sweet and tangy flavor.
• Add apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to give it some zing.
• Whisk in olive oil slowly to achieve a creamy texture.
• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and adjust to taste.

This dressing is not just for the salad; it can also be used as a dip for veggies or a sandwich spread! Enjoy making it your own! 🥗

How to Make Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds or walnuts (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

How Much Time Will You Need?

This easy honey mustard chicken salad takes about 10 minutes to prepare. If your chicken is already cooked, you can whip this up super fast. Just mix, toss, and serve!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Whisk Together the Dressing:

In a small bowl, add the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), and olive oil. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste. Use a whisk or fork to mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. Set this aside for later.

2. Prepare the Salad:

Grab a large salad bowl and toss in the mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and your cooked chicken. Make sure everything is nicely combined and ready to be dressed!

3. Add the Dressing:

Now, drizzle your homemade honey mustard dressing over the salad. Take a pair of salad tongs or spoons and gently toss the salad, ensuring all the ingredients are lightly coated in that delicious dressing.

4. Optional Toppings:

If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese and nuts, sprinkle them on top of the salad now. They add a great crunch and flavor! Feel free to skip this step if you want a lighter version or if you have any dietary restrictions.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Your fresh, flavorful honey mustard chicken salad is ready to devour! Serve immediately for the best taste. Enjoy it as a meal on its own or alongside your favorite dish!

Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken, is perfect for this salad. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced for easy mixing!

How Can I Make This Salad Vegan?

To make this salad vegan, swap out the chicken for chickpeas or tofu. You can also use a plant-based cheese alternative or omit the cheese altogether. For the dressing, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.

How Should I Store Leftovers?

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to prevent the greens from wilting. Just give it a quick toss with the dressing before serving!

What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon mustard on hand, you can use yellow mustard for a milder flavor or whole grain mustard for a bit of texture. Just remember that it will slightly change the taste of the dressing.