Description
A light and flavorful Honey Mustard Chicken Salad without mayo, perfect for a quick and healthy meal. This salad features a tangy honey mustard vinaigrette combined with shredded chicken, crunchy celery, sweet dried cranberries, and optional kale slaw for added texture and nutrition. Ready in just 20 minutes, it serves four and is ideal for lunch or a light dinner.
Ingredients
Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
- ⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- 2.5 tbsp dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
Chicken Salad
- 2.5 cups cooked shredded chicken (about 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- ½ cup diced red onion (about ¼ of one large onion)
- ½ cup diced celery (about 2 stalks)
- ½ cup dried cranberries (or dried craisins, cherries, etc.)
- 1 cup kale slaw (optional)
Instructions
- Make the Honey Mustard Vinaigrette: In a small bowl or glass mason jar, whisk together the extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, dijon mustard, and honey until well combined and smooth.
- Prepare the Chicken Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, diced red onion, diced celery, dried cranberries, and kale slaw if using. Drizzle the prepared honey mustard vinaigrette over the mixture.
- Mix and Serve: Toss all the ingredients thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve immediately or refrigerate to let flavors meld before enjoying.
Notes
- You can substitute shredded rotisserie chicken for cooked chicken breasts to save time.
- Kale slaw is optional, but adds a nice crunch and extra nutrients.
- Adjust the amount of honey or mustard in the vinaigrette to balance sweetness and tanginess to your preference.
- This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Serve on a bed of lettuce or in a sandwich wrap for a delicious variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken breasts; otherwise 0 minutes if using pre-cooked chicken)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
