How to Make the Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe (Ready in 20 Minutes)

Did you know that the honey mustard chicken salad recipe we’re about to share was the number 1 chicken salad recipe on Pinterest and Facebook for all of 2016 and 2017? That’s not surprising when you consider how delicious and quick it is to make!

In fact, this protein-packed meal delivers an impressive 27 grams of high-quality protein per serving and comes together in just 10 minutes. Whether you’re looking for the best honey mustard chicken salad recipe for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep, we’ve got you covered. This versatile dish works beautifully in wraps, flatbreads, on rolls, or simply scooped on top of fresh greens.

What makes our simple honey mustard chicken salad recipe special? Besides the tender, caramelized honey mustard chicken thighs that cook up in under 15 minutes, we’ve packed it with all the fixings like fresh diced tomatoes, crunchy bacon, and creamy avocado. The dressing itself is perfectly balanced – creamy and tangy with just a touch of sweetness.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of creating the perfect honey mustard chicken salad sandwich or salad bowl that will quickly become your new favorite go-to meal.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before diving into the preparation, let’s gather everything you’ll need for your perfect honey mustard chicken salad. The right combination of ingredients makes all the difference between an ordinary salad and one that will have everyone asking for your recipe.

Essential ingredients for the salad base

The foundation of any great honey mustard chicken salad starts with the protein. I recommend using 2 cooked chicken breasts, chopped into bite-sized pieces. For convenience, you can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken (removing the skin to reduce saturated fat), or even canned chicken in a pinch.

For the fresh components, you’ll need:

Crisp greens like romaine lettuce
½ cup chopped celery for essential crunch
Red onion for a flavor boost (finely chopped works best)
Cherry or grape tomatoes for juicy sweetness

What goes into the honey mustard dressing

The magic of this recipe truly lies in the perfectly balanced honey mustard dressing. To create this sweet-tangy masterpiece, you’ll need:

Base ingredients:

¼ to ⅓ cup mayonnaise (I prefer avocado oil-based for healthier fats)
2-3 tablespoons Dijon mustard (for best results, avoid using yellow or stone ground mustard)
1-2 tablespoons honey

Flavor enhancers:

1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice for brightness
1 small garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional add-ins for extra flavor and texture

Additionally, you can elevate your honey mustard chicken salad with these delicious extras:

Fruits: Red grapes (halved), diced apples, dried cranberries, or pineapple chunks add wonderful sweetness.

Nuts and seeds: ½ cup chopped walnuts or toasted sliced almonds provide satisfying crunch and healthy fats.

Flavor boosters: Crispy bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon can transform your salad entirely.

Furthermore, avocado slices make a creamy addition that pairs beautifully with the honey mustard flavor profile.

Make the Honey Mustard Dressing

The heart of any honey mustard chicken salad recipe lies in its dressing. Creating this sweet and tangy concoction is surprisingly simple, yet the results are absolutely mouthwatering.

Whisking the perfect balance of sweet and tangy

To create the perfect honey mustard dressing, I start with quality ingredients. In a medium bowl, I combine:

2-3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard (avoid yellow or stone ground mustard for best results)
1-2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness
¼ cup mayonnaise for creaminess
1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or fresh lemon juice
One minced garlic clove and a pinch of salt and pepper

Whisk these ingredients vigorously until smooth and well blended. The proper whisking technique ensures a creamy texture without lumps. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. For a tangier dressing, simply add more mustard; for sweeter results, increase the honey.

How to use the dressing as a marinade

Surprisingly, this versatile dressing doubles as an excellent chicken marinade. Pour it over your chicken in a resealable bag or container and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For maximum flavor absorption, I recommend marinating for 1-8 hours. The longer your chicken marinates, the juicier and more tender it will be.

The acid from the vinegar or lemon juice works alongside the oil to tenderize the chicken while infusing it with that signature honey-mustard flavor.

Tips for making it ahead of time

Not only can you make this dressing ahead of time – you should! The flavors actually improve as it “ages” in the refrigerator. Store your dressing in an airtight container or mason jar for up to two weeks.

Certainly, give it a good shake or stir before using, especially if you notice the honey settling at the bottom. For meal prep convenience, consider doubling the batch to have plenty on hand for salads, sandwiches, or impromptu marinade needs throughout the week.

Cook and Prepare the Chicken

The perfect chicken forms the backbone of any memorable honey mustard chicken salad recipe. Let’s explore the various methods to prepare juicy, flavorful chicken that will elevate your salad from ordinary to extraordinary.

Grilling vs. pan-searing vs. rotisserie

Each cooking method imparts a unique flavor profile to your honey mustard chicken salad:

Rotisserie chicken offers unmatched convenience. Store-bought rotisserie chicken makes your salad super quick to prepare and provides savory flavors that complement the honey mustard dressing perfectly. Simply remove the skin and shred or cube the meat.

Pan-searing creates a golden brown crust that adds texture and flavor. To pan-sear chicken breasts, pat them dry with paper towels, season with salt and pepper, and cook in a hot skillet with olive oil for 4-5 minutes per side. This method takes approximately 8-10 minutes total and works beautifully for honey mustard chicken salad sandwiches.

Grilling delivers smoky notes that enhance the honey mustard profile. Preheat your grill to 400°F, cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, then let rest for 5-10 minutes.

How to marinate for maximum flavor

For truly exceptional results, marinate your chicken in the honey mustard dressing you prepared earlier. Place chicken in a resealable bag or shallow container with the marinade for at least 30 minutes, though 1-8 hours yields even better results.

The longer your chicken marinates, the juicier and more tender it will be. Moreover, you can freeze marinated chicken for up to 3 months, making meal prep effortless.

Following marination, cook your chicken using any of the methods above. Subsequently, allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting to redistribute juices.

Slicing or shredding: what works best

The texture of your chicken dramatically impacts your final honey mustard chicken salad:

Shredded chicken is typically the preferred choice for composed chicken salad sandwiches. The increased surface area helps the chicken absorb more dressing, creating evenly distributed flavors. To shred cooked chicken, pull it apart using two forks or your fingers.

Diced chicken works well as a topping for leafy salads but tends to create a chunkier texture. In contrast, shredded chicken melds beautifully with other ingredients like celery, carrots, and herbs.

Regardless of which method you choose, ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

Assemble and Serve the Salad

Now comes the fun part – bringing all our prepared ingredients together to create a stunning honey mustard chicken salad. The presentation is just as important as the preparation.

Layering the greens and toppings

For a visually appealing honey mustard chicken salad, start by placing romaine lettuce and arugula in a large bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Next, add sliced chicken on top, followed by colorful toppings like bacon, strawberries, red onions, avocado, and corn. This creates an eye-catching presentation that will impress guests.

Alternatively, for a layered approach, start with chicken as the first layer, then add potatoes, carrots, and eggs with small amounts of dressing between each layer.

Drizzling the dressing the right way

Instead of using a whisk, put dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well before drizzling over your salad. Apply dressing a couple of tablespoons at a time while gently tossing, adding more to taste.

Serving ideas: bowl, wrap, or honey mustard chicken salad sandwich

Once assembled, enjoy your honey mustard chicken salad in multiple ways:

Piled onto a croissant with lettuce
Stuffed into pita bread pockets
Between slices of brioche, Hawaiian, or white bread
Over romaine lettuce or mixed greens
With crackers, chips, or pretzels for dipping

Conclusion

This honey mustard chicken salad truly stands out as one of the most versatile and delicious meals you can prepare in your kitchen. After all, there’s a good reason it dominated Pinterest and Facebook as the top chicken salad recipe for two consecutive years! The perfect balance of sweet honey, tangy mustard, and savory chicken creates a flavor profile that satisfies even the pickiest eaters.

Undoubtedly, the best part about this recipe is its flexibility. You can customize it based on what’s available in your pantry or refrigerator. Whether you choose rotisserie chicken for convenience, pan-sear chicken breasts for that golden crust, or grill for smoky notes, the result will be equally delicious.

Additionally, this recipe works wonderfully for meal prep. The dressing actually improves with time, making it perfect to prepare ahead for busy weekdays. You can store it separately and assemble fresh salads throughout the week, or prepare complete meals in advance.

The serving options are equally impressive. From crisp salad bowls to hearty sandwiches on brioche bread, this recipe adapts to your hunger level and dietary preferences. Furthermore, the protein-packed nature of this dish (27 grams per serving!) makes it an excellent choice for post-workout meals or when you need sustained energy.

Most importantly, remember that cooking should be enjoyable. This recipe gives you room to play with flavors and textures. Try different add-ins like grapes, walnuts, or avocado to discover your perfect combination. The simple preparation process means less time cooking and more time enjoying a delicious, nutritious meal with family and friends.

Next time you’re searching for a quick yet impressive dish, pull out this honey mustard chicken salad recipe. Your taste buds will thank you, and so will anyone lucky enough to share the meal with you!

FAQs

Q1. How do I make a quick honey mustard dressing for chicken salad? Combine 2-3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard, 1-2 tablespoons of honey, ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1-2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, and a minced garlic clove in a bowl. Whisk until smooth. Adjust sweetness or tanginess by adding more honey or mustard to taste.

Q2. What’s the best way to cook chicken for a honey mustard salad? You have several options: use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience, pan-sear chicken breasts for a golden crust, or grill for a smoky flavor. Whichever method you choose, ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing or shredding.

Q3. Can I prepare the honey mustard chicken salad in advance? Yes, you can prepare components in advance. The dressing can be made and stored in an airtight container for up to two weeks. You can also marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time. Assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

Q4. What are some tasty add-ins for honey mustard chicken salad? Enhance your salad with add-ins like halved red grapes, diced apples, dried cranberries, chopped walnuts, or toasted almonds. For extra flavor, consider adding crispy bacon bits, hard-boiled eggs, or fresh herbs like parsley or tarragon. Avocado slices also pair well with the honey mustard flavor.

Q5. How can I serve honey mustard chicken salad? This versatile dish can be served in multiple ways. Enjoy it piled onto a croissant, stuffed into pita pockets, or between slices of brioche or white bread for a sandwich. You can also serve it over mixed greens for a lighter option, or with crackers and chips for dipping.