Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Without Mayo
A lively, mayo-free chicken salad with a tangy homemade honey mustard vinaigrette, crisp celery, sweet cranberries, and sharp red onion. Light, versatile, and packed with protein, perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Ideal for health-conscious eaters and families.
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Tossing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High-Protein Halal-Friendly
Ingredients
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (grilled, baked, or rotisserie)
1 cup chopped celery
1/2 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup dried sweet cranberries (sweetened or unsweetened)
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon honey (adjust as needed)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1-2 tablespoons olive oil (to reach desired vinaigrette consistency)
Salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste
Optional garnish: shaved cheddar cheese, chopped fresh cilantro, avocado slices
Instructions
Combine Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil in a large bowl
Stir until the dressing is smooth and well emulsified
Add shredded chicken, chopped celery, diced red onion, and sweet cranberries
Toss gently to coat the chicken salad evenly with the honey mustard vinaigrette
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, adding extra honey or vinegar if preferred
Serve chilled as is, or on crusty bread for a sandwich version
Top with optional garnish of cheddar cheese, cilantro, or avocado for extra flavor
Notes
For quick prep, use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours
Adds 250mg sodium if using store-bought cranberries (use fresh pomegranate seeds as a low-sodium alternative)
Halal-friendly: ensure all chicken is halal-certified, and avoid substituting olive oil with animal fat