Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Pecans

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February 21, 2026

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Pecans blends sweet honey, bold mustard, and tender chicken into one fresh and satisfying dish. Crunchy pecans add texture while crisp celery and onions brighten each bite. The creamy honey mustard dressing coats everything perfectly. This simple recipe works for quick lunches, light dinners, or weekly meal prep.


Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Sweet and tangy honey mustard flavor
  • Crunchy toasted pecans
  • High-protein and satisfying
  • Ready in 20 minutes
  • Perfect for sandwiches or wraps

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • ยฝ cup pecans, chopped and toasted
  • ยฝ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ยผ cup red onion, finely diced
  • ยฝ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • ยฝ teaspoon salt
  • ยฝ teaspoon black pepper

Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.


Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Add chicken, pecans, celery, and red onion to a large bowl.
  2. Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
  3. Pour dressing over the chicken mixture.
  4. Fold gently until evenly coated.
  5. Chill for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.
  6. Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Pecans cold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve on croissants, sandwich bread, or lettuce wraps. Spoon over mixed greens for a lighter option. Add extra pecans on top for added crunch.


Quick Tips or Variations

  • Add diced apples for sweetness and crunch.
  • Stir in dried cranberries for a pop of flavor.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Pecans ahead of time?

Yes. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

What type of mustard works best?

Dijon mustard gives smooth flavor, but whole grain mustard adds texture.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes. Serve in lettuce wraps or over greens to keep it gluten free.

Can I freeze chicken salad?

Freezing is not recommended because the dressing may separate.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Pecans delivers sweet honey flavor, tangy mustard, and crunchy texture in every bite. This easy recipe keeps lunch fresh, simple, and satisfying.

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Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Pecans


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  • Author: Laura Jennings
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Pecans is a sweet and tangy lunch recipe with crunchy toasted pecans.


Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken breast shredded

1/2 cup pecans chopped and toasted

1/2 cup celery chopped

1/4 cup red onion diced

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper


Instructions

1. Add chicken pecans celery and onion to bowl

2. Whisk mayonnaise Dijon honey vinegar salt and pepper

3. Pour dressing over mixture

4. Fold gently until coated

5. Chill 30 minutes

6. Serve cold

Notes

Toast pecans for best flavor

Store up to 3 days

Do not freeze

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 9g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 95mg

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