Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Without Mayo is a delicious and refreshing alternative to traditional chicken salads. It’s light, flavorful, and free from mayo, making it perfect for anyone who isn’t a fan of creamy, mayonnaise-based dressings. The combination of shredded chicken, crunchy celery, tangy red onion, sweet dried cranberries, and kale slaw, all tossed in a homemade honey mustard vinaigrette, makes this dish vibrant, healthy, and satisfying. It’s perfect for meal prep, sandwiches, wraps, or as a salad topping!

Ingredients

For the chicken salad:

2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (use rotisserie chicken for convenience)
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 cup celery, diced
1/4 cup dried cranberries (unsweetened)
1 cup kale slaw (optional, or substitute any coleslaw mix)

For the honey mustard vinaigrette:

2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp Dijon mustard

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a small bowl or mason jar, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, honey, and Dijon mustard to make the honey mustard vinaigrette.
In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, diced red onion, celery, dried cranberries, and kale slaw (if using).
Drizzle the honey mustard vinaigrette over the chicken mixture and stir until fully combined.
Serve as a sandwich, wrap, or in a salad, and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Prep time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Variations

Nuts for Crunch: Add sliced almonds or chopped walnuts for extra texture.
Fruit Addition: Incorporate diced apples or grapes for a touch of sweetness.
Different Greens: Swap kale slaw with other slaw varieties like broccoli slaw for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: This salad is best served cold, so there’s no need to reheat. Just enjoy it fresh!

FAQs

Why create a no mayo chicken salad?

Not everyone enjoys mayo, and many prefer a lighter, dairy-free, and egg-free option. This recipe provides a fresh and healthy alternative.

Can I chop my chicken instead of shredding it?

Absolutely! If you prefer chopped chicken instead of shredded, that will work just fine.

Is this chicken salad good for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! This salad stores well in the fridge and is versatile for sandwiches, wraps, or snack plates.

Can I use yellow mustard instead of Dijon?

Dijon mustard is recommended for its sharp flavor, which creates the best honey mustard vinaigrette. Yellow mustard will result in a different taste.

How long does this chicken salad last in the fridge?

This chicken salad lasts up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried cranberries?

Yes, fresh fruit such as diced apples or sliced grapes can be used in place of dried cranberries for a fresh, sweet twist.

Can I use a store-bought dressing instead of making my own?

While homemade dressing is preferred for flavor, you can substitute with a store-bought honey mustard dressing, though it may alter the flavor slightly.

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saver for this recipe and provides great flavor.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally dairy-free since it does not contain any dairy products.

What can I serve this chicken salad with?

This chicken salad works wonderfully in sandwiches, wraps, or as a topping for salads or crackers.

Conclusion

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Without Mayo is a deliciously healthy alternative to the traditional mayo-heavy versions. It’s light, flavorful, and versatile, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch. With the tangy honey mustard vinaigrette and nutrient-rich ingredients, this dish is a guaranteed hit for anyone looking for a fresh, mayo-free chicken salad option!

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Without Mayo