I love a good chicken salad for quick lunches and easy dinners. Today, I’m sharing two of my favorite chicken salad recipes that are simple to make and packed with great taste. These recipes are perfect when you need a meal that’s both satisfying and straightforward, whether for meal prep or a light meal.
Both options use cooked chicken, making them super fast to put together. Get ready to enjoy some fresh and easy chicken salad meals!
Jump to Recipe:
Quick Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
This honey mustard chicken salad is creamy and bright, making it a perfect quick lunch or light dinner. The dressing balances sweetness with a little tang, coating tender chicken pieces beautifully.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Honey Mustard Chicken
- Cooked Chicken: You can use leftover roast chicken or quickly poach some breasts for the best texture. Shred or dice it as you like.
- Dijon Mustard: This brings a nice sharpness that cuts through the honey’s sweetness, giving the dressing more depth.
- Celery Crunch: Adding finely diced celery offers a wonderful crisp texture and fresh taste to every bite of your salad.
What You Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup finely diced celery
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 15 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Mix the Dressing
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth and well blended.
Step 2: Combine Salad Ingredients
Add your shredded or diced cooked chicken and the finely diced celery to the bowl with the dressing. Make sure all ingredients are ready for mixing.
Step 3: Season and Chill
Gently stir everything together until the chicken and celery are fully coated with the honey mustard dressing. Taste the salad and add salt and black pepper as needed. Cover the bowl and chill the chicken salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before you serve it.
📝 Final Note
This honey mustard chicken salad tastes even better after an hour or two in the fridge, as the flavors have time to come together. Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Amazing Sesame Chicken Salad Recipe
This sesame chicken salad brings a fantastic Asian-inspired taste to your meal prep. It’s light, fresh, and full of great textures, making it a delicious choice for any day.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Sesame Chicken Salad
- Toasted Sesame Oil: This ingredient is key for that rich, nutty flavor, so do not skip it! Remember, a little goes a long way.
- Crunchy Veggies: Water chestnuts and shredded carrots add a wonderful crispness that contrasts well with the tender chicken.
- Fresh Ginger: A small amount of freshly grated ginger adds a bright, aromatic kick to the dressing, enhancing the overall taste.
What You Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts
⏱️ Time: 20 minutes🍽️ Yields: 3-4 servings
How to Make It
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the rice vinegar, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and grated fresh ginger. Continue mixing until all these dressing ingredients are well combined.
Step 2: Add Chicken and Vegetables
Add the shredded cooked chicken, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, and sliced water chestnuts to the bowl with the sesame dressing. Ensure all ingredients are ready for the next step.
Step 3: Toss and Serve
Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the sesame dressing. You can serve this salad immediately or chill it for later enjoyment.
📝 Final Note
For an extra layer of taste and texture, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds over the top of the salad just before serving. This adds a lovely finish.