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A vibrant Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, and cherry tomatoes in a large white bowl.

Crunchy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

This recipe redefines chicken salad by focusing on a symphony of textures. Tender, juicy chicken is enveloped in a perfectly balanced honey mustard dressing, while crisp celery, sharp red onion, and toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch in every single bite.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Appetizer, Lunch, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 1 cup good-quality mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 stalks celery, finely diced
  • 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Dry skillet
  • Rubber spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole grain mustard, and honey until the mixture is completely smooth and emulsified. Season with salt and pepper, then taste and adjust if necessary.
  2. Place the chopped pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast for 3-5 minutes, shaking the pan frequently, until they are fragrant and lightly browned. Remove from the pan immediately to prevent burning and set aside to cool completely.
  3. To the bowl with the dressing, add the shredded chicken, diced celery, diced red onion, cooled toasted pecans, and chopped fresh parsley.
  4. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold all the ingredients together. Continue folding until everything is evenly coated in the dressing without mashing the chicken.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better) to allow the flavors to meld together. Give it a final stir before serving and adjust seasoning one last time if needed.

Notes

Tips for Success: For the best texture, ensure your cooked chicken is completely cooled before mixing it with the dressing. Do not skip the chilling step; it is essential for developing a cohesive, delicious flavor.
Variations & Add-ins: For a tangier, lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. Toasted walnuts or slivered almonds work well in place of pecans. For a sweet contrast, add 1/3 cup of dried cranberries or one finely diced crisp apple (like Honeycrisp). For a savory kick, add 4-5 strips of crumbled crispy bacon.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.