Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 large chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds); 2 tablespoons Better than Bouillon chicken base; 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste); 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; 1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons honey; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (plus more as needed); 3/4 cup sliced almonds; 1/4 cup sliced green onions

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 22 reviews

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If you’re looking for a bright, flavorful dish that’s both comforting and fresh, this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe is absolutely the answer to your cravings. It blends tender, juicy chicken with a luscious balance of tangy honey mustard dressing, crunchy almonds, and zippy green onions—making every bite a delightful combination of textures and tastes. Whether you’re packing lunch, hosting a casual gathering, or just craving something wholesome and quick, this salad is a total winner you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows three white dishes on a white marbled surface. The largest dish is a rectangular white tray topped with a fresh salad made of green leafy lettuce, sliced cherry tomatoes, thin white cheese strips, chopped nuts, and small brown pieces that look like seeds or beans. There are two smaller round white plates, each holding similar salad layers with leafy greens, tomatoes, cheese strips, and nuts. Around the dishes, there are small white bowls holding sliced red tomatoes, chopped white cheese, and thinly sliced pale purple onions. Also visible are two whole green pears and a wooden bowl of folded soft white tortillas. The whole setting is on a pale yellow checkered cloth, and everything looks fresh and colorful. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, color, and texture. From the perfectly cooked chicken to the crunchy almonds, every item is essential to creating that irresistible balance.

3 large chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds): Use fresh, quality chicken for the best tenderness and protein-packed base.
2 tablespoons Better than Bouillon chicken base: This adds a deep, savory flavor to the poaching water, infusing the chicken with extra taste.
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt (plus more to taste): Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and salad as a whole.
1/4 teaspoon white pepper: Offers a subtle heat and gentle peppery tone without overpowering the dish’s brightness.
1/4 teaspoon granulated garlic: Infuses a mild, but essential savory note that complements the honey and mustard perfectly.
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: The star of the dressing, providing sharpness and a bit of zing.
2 tablespoons honey: Adds sweetness that balances the mustard’s tanginess and creates that distinct honey mustard flavor.
1 tablespoon white vinegar: Lifts the overall flavor with a clean, acidic punch essential to the dressing’s brightness.
1/2 cup mayonnaise (plus more as needed): Brings creaminess and smooth texture, tying all elements together.
3/4 cup sliced almonds: The satisfying crunch factor that adds texture contrast and a subtle nutty taste.
1/4 cup sliced green onions: Fresh and mildly sharp, these add a vibrant pop of color and flavor throughout the salad.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Poach the Chicken with Flavor

Start by preparing a flavorful poaching liquid with the Better than Bouillon chicken base dissolved in water. Once boiling, add your chicken breasts, cover, and let them gently cook off heat for at least 20 minutes. This method ensures the chicken stays juicy, tender, and infused with subtle savory notes—all the better for your salad.

Step 2: Chop and Season the Chicken

After the chicken has cooled enough to handle, chop it into bite-sized chunks. Spread them out on a cutting board and sprinkle with sea salt, white pepper, and granulated garlic. This step allows the seasoning to absorb evenly and perfectly seasons every piece, elevating the flavor profile in every forkful.

Step 3: Whisk the Honey Mustard Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, white vinegar, and mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This combination creates the luscious dressing that defines the salad’s signature taste—a harmonious blend of tangy, sweet, and rich flavors.

Step 4: Combine and Mix

Once the chicken is sufficiently cooled, add it to the dressing along with the sliced almonds and green onions. Gently mix everything together to evenly coat the chicken with that glorious dressing while distributing the crunchy and fresh ingredients throughout the salad.

Step 5: Refrigerate for Best Results

This is a crucial step: cover your salad and refrigerate it overnight. This resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully, and when you’re ready to serve the next day, simply drain any excess liquid and, if needed, stir in a touch more mayonnaise for extra creaminess. It’s an easy trick that makes your Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe taste extra special.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a colorful salad sits on a white marbled surface. The salad has a base of dark green curly kale mixed with chunks of light green cucumber and slices of red onion rings. Scattered yellow corn kernels and small halved red and yellow cherry tomatoes add bright spots of color. On top, there are several pieces of grilled chicken with visible char lines, light brown with some dark grill marks, sliced and placed in the center in two neat rows. Three thick slices of yellow peach rest on the side of the bowl. Two gold forks are placed on the right edge of the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To take your salad presentation up a notch, sprinkle a few extra sliced almonds on top for that irresistible crunch and scatter finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of green freshness. A light drizzle of honey or a quick dusting of paprika can also add visual appeal and complementary flavor.

Side Dishes

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is delightfully versatile. Serve it alongside crisp green lettuce leaves, crusty artisan bread, or buttery croissants for a satisfying meal. Alternatively, pair it with fresh veggie sticks or a light soup to balance the creamy richness with a refreshing contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salad in hollowed avocado halves or stuff it into whole wheat pita pockets for portable lunches. Layer it on crackers as a fancy appetizer or pile it atop a vibrant bed of mixed greens to turn it into a hearty, colorful entrée.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can keep any leftover Honey Mustard Chicken Salad refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure to drain any excess liquid before serving leftovers to keep the texture just right and add a bit of fresh mayo if needed to refresh the creaminess.

Freezing

Because of the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing as it can affect texture and flavor. It’s best enjoyed fresh or stored in the fridge for a few days instead.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold or at room temperature. Reheating is not recommended since the mayo-based dressing may separate and the crunchy elements lose their appeal. Simply take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving to bring it to perfect eating temperature.

FAQs

Can I use leftover cooked chicken for this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover roast or grilled chicken works wonderfully here. Just make sure it’s chopped into bite-sized pieces and chilled before combining with the dressing to keep all those fresh flavors vibrant.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad overnight?

While you can enjoy it immediately, letting the salad chill overnight allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste and texture. It truly makes a noticeable difference.

Can I substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt?

You can swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter version, but the texture and creaminess will be slightly different. Yogurt adds a tangy twist and healthier profile, so it’s a great option if you prefer.

What type of mustard is best for this recipe?

Dijon mustard is ideal because of its smooth texture and balanced pungency, which pairs perfectly with honey and vinegar. You can experiment with whole grain mustard for extra texture but expect a slightly different flavor.

How crunchy are the almonds in this chicken salad?

The sliced almonds provide a lovely crunch that contrasts beautifully with the tender chicken and creamy dressing. Toasting the almonds lightly before mixing enhances their nutty flavor, though it’s optional depending on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s just that good—balanced, creamy, and full of texture with a perfect mix of sweet and tangy flavors. It’s simple enough to throw together on a busy day but delivers impressive taste every time. Give it a try soon and watch it become a favorite in your recipe rotation!

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Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need