Right, let’s cut to the chase! We’re diving into a recipe that’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen: honeybaked ham chicken salad. This dish is a perfect blend of savory ham, tender chicken, and a light, creamy dressing that brings all the flavors together. It’s not just a salad; it’s a meal that satisfies with every bite. Here’s what you need to know:
- Course: Salad
- Cuisine: American
- Total Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Kitchen Equipment Needed
Before you start tossing ingredients together, make sure you have the right tools for the job. You won’t need much, but here’s what should be on your counter:
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cooked chicken breast | 2 cups, shredded |
| Honeybaked ham | 1 cup, diced |
| Celery | 1/2 cup, chopped |
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/4 cup |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tablespoon |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Spring onions | 1/4 cup, chopped |
Fact: The use of honeybaked ham elevates this salad from ordinary to extraordinary, infusing a sweet and smoky flavor that’s hard to resist.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prep Ingredients
- Chop and measure all your ingredients so everything is ready to mix.
- Combine chicken, ham, celery, and spring onions in a large mixing bowl.
Make sure your chicken is cooled down before mixing, as warm chicken can melt the dressing, making it too runny.
Step 2 – Make the Dressing
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
A good dressing should coat the ingredients lightly; avoid drowning your salad in too much sauce.
Additional Tips
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- Add crunch by tossing in some slivered almonds or walnuts.
- Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair this delightful salad with a crusty baguette or over a bed of fresh greens for a complete meal. Here are some quick suggestions:
- Croissants
- Freshly baked whole wheat bread
- A side of fruit salad
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 345 kcal |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Cholesterol | 96 mg |
| Sodium | 870 mg |
Approximations based on standard ingredients; actual values may vary.
Dietary Information
This honeybaked ham chicken salad is perfect as is for a gluten-free diet and can be easily adapted for low-carb diets by reducing the honey and substituting the sour cream with more mustard.
FAQs about Honeybaked Ham Chicken Salad
What’s the best way to store this salad?
Keep it refrigerated in an airtight container; it should stay fresh for up to 3 days.
Can I use leftover ham?
Absolutely, leftover ham is perfect for this recipe. Just ensure it’s chopped to the right size.
What makes this salad special?
The combination of honeybaked ham with the creamy, tangy dressing and crisp vegetables creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Can I make it vegetarian?
While the ham is a key ingredient, you could substitute chickpeas or another protein for a vegetarian version.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce to the dressing to kick things up a notch.
Is this salad keto-friendly?
By modifying the dressing to remove honey and using a full-fat mayonnaise or yogurt, you can make it more suitable for a ketogenic diet.
Can I freeze this salad?
It’s best served fresh; freezing may affect the texture of the ingredients and dressing.
Conclusion
This honeybaked ham chicken salad is a standout recipe that’s as easy to make as it is delicious to eat. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a picnic, or as part of your meal prep for the week. Give it a try, and I guarantee it’ll be a hit.
Now, I’d love to hear from you! Drop your thoughts, tweaks, or questions about the recipe in the comments below. Let’s get the conversation started!
Honeybaked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe
Equipment
- Chopping board
- Sharp knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing spoon
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
- 1 cup diced honeybaked ham
- 1/2 cup chopped celery
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped spring onions
Instructions
Step 1 – Prep Ingredients
- Chop and measure all your ingredients so everything is ready to mix.
- Combine chicken, ham, celery, and spring onions in a large mixing bowl.
- Make sure your chicken is cooled down before mixing, as warm chicken can melt the dressing, making it too runny.
Step 2 – Make the Dressing
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir to combine thoroughly.
- A good dressing should coat the ingredients lightly; avoid drowning your salad in too much sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
- Add crunch by tossing in some slivered almonds or walnuts.
- Let the salad chill for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
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