Name: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cooked Chicken BreastUse rotisserie chicken or poached breast, shredded finely to maximize surface area for dressing coverage.; Mayonnaise or Creamy SubstituteThe base of the dressing; use a good quality version for optimal texture and richness.; Dijon MustardProvides the necessary sharp tang and depth of flavor crucial for authentic honey mustard flavor.; Whole Grain MustardAdds visual interest and a mild, slightly nutty spice that balances the sweetness of the honey.; HoneySelect a liquid, high-quality honey to ensure easy mixing and sweet, floral notes in the dressing.; Fresh CeleryFinely diced celery is mandatory for that essential crunch that breaks up the salad’s creaminess.; Dried Cranberries or RaisinsAdds a crucial burst of chewy sweetness; dried cranberries introduce a subtle tartness.; Toasted Pecans or WalnutsRoast these briefly to enhance their flavor and ensure a satisfying, crunchy texture contrast.; Red OnionUse a very small amount, finely minced, to provide a sharp aromatic lift without overpowering the main flavor.; Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon JuiceA splash is needed to brighten the dressing and cut through the richness of the creamy base.; SeasoningsSalt, black pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika are essential for seasoning the chicken mixture properly.

Ingredients

Cooked Chicken BreastUse rotisserie chicken or poached breast, shredded finely to maximize surface area for dressing coverage.
Mayonnaise or Creamy SubstituteThe base of the dressing; use a good quality version for optimal texture and richness.
Dijon MustardProvides the necessary sharp tang and depth of flavor crucial for authentic honey mustard flavor.
Whole Grain MustardAdds visual interest and a mild, slightly nutty spice that balances the sweetness of the honey.
HoneySelect a liquid, high-quality honey to ensure easy mixing and sweet, floral notes in the dressing.
Fresh CeleryFinely diced celery is mandatory for that essential crunch that breaks up the salad’s creaminess.
Dried Cranberries or RaisinsAdds a crucial burst of chewy sweetness; dried cranberries introduce a subtle tartness.
Toasted Pecans or WalnutsRoast these briefly to enhance their flavor and ensure a satisfying, crunchy texture contrast.
Red OnionUse a very small amount, finely minced, to provide a sharp aromatic lift without overpowering the main flavor.
Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon JuiceA splash is needed to brighten the dressing and cut through the richness of the creamy base.
SeasoningsSalt, black pepper, and a pinch of smoked paprika are essential for seasoning the chicken mixture properly.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Crunchy Elements
Step 2: Whisk the Masterful Dressing
Step 3: Combine and Chill the Salad
Step 4: Allow Flavors to Marry

Notes

Store this salad in an airtight container for up to three days, but for peak freshness and crunch, consider stirring in the pecans and celery just before you serve any leftovers.
Since this dish is always served cold, remove it from the refrigerator 10 minutes prior to eating to allow the dressing to soften slightly, improving both the texture and flavor delivery.
For a beautiful presentation, serve this vibrant salad mounded in crisp Bibb lettuce cups, or spooned onto toasted mini croissants to contrast the creamy filling.
Ensure you finely shred the chicken and whisk the dressing thoroughly using both whole-grain and Dijon mustards to achieve a complex, rich texture that fully coats every piece.

Author: Kristin Romick
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

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