Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s satisfying and flavorful with a combination of tender chicken, sweet honey-baked ham, and a creamy dressing. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, a quick dinner, or even a potluck, this salad will surely impress. In my experience, it’s always a crowd-pleaser and easy to make! Let’s dive into how to prepare this delicious, tasty, and delightful salad that brings together the best of both worlds—chicken and honey-baked ham.

Ingredients for the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe

- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 cup honey-baked ham, diced
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup sweet pickles, chopped
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe
- Cook and Shred the Chicken:
Begin by cooking your chicken breasts. After cooking, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks or chop it into small cubes.
- Prepare the Ham:
Dice the honey-baked ham into small cubes. The ham’s sweetness adds a nice balance to the chicken’s savory flavors.
- Chop the Vegetables and Pickles:
Finely chop the celery, red onion, and sweet pickles. The crunch from the fresh celery and the tang from the pickles are essential to the texture and flavor of the salad.
- Make the Dressing:
Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and honey in a large mixing bowl. Stir until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste. The honey gives the dressing a subtle sweetness that perfectly complements the ham.
- Combine the Ingredients:
Add the shredded chicken, diced ham, chopped celery, red onion, and pickles into the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything gently until well combined.
- Chill the Salad:
Cover the bowl carefully with plastic wrap and let the salad chill in the active refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This generally helps the flavors meld together, making the salad even more refreshing.
- Garnish and Serve:
Just before serving, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the salad for a touch of color. Serve the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe in bowls or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
Serving and Enjoying
To serve the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe, ladle the salad into individual bowls or plate it on a bed of greens for a lighter option. The creamy dressing and tender chicken and ham make each bite incredibly satisfying. Encourage your guests to savor the sweetness of the ham paired with the savory chicken and the crunch of the vegetables.
Here are some chef’s tips to elevate your Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe
- Use Fresh, High-Quality Chicken:
Opt for freshly cooked chicken breasts or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you cook the chicken yourself, add a pinch of salt and pepper before cooking to enhance the flavor.
- Balance the Sweetness:
The honey-baked ham already sweetens the salad, so adjust the amount of honey in the dressing to your liking, but keep it subtle to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Add a Crunchy Element:
For extra texture, try adding finely chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts. It brings a nice crunch that complements the creaminess of the dressing.
- Chill the Salad:
After mixing the ingredients, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the attractive flavors to meld together and the salad to reach a refreshing, cool temperature.
- Customize the Veggies:
If you want to add more freshness, try incorporating other vegetables, such as diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even some leafy greens, for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make it Healthier:
Substitute half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter version. This keeps the salad creamy but reduces the fat content, adding protein.
- Use a Sweet and Tangy Dressing:
Combine the honey with Dijon mustard or a splash of apple cider vinegar for a deeper flavor profile. This will add a tangy kick that balances out the sweetness of the ham.
- Serve It in Creative Ways:
While the salad is excellent, consider serving it in wraps, whole-grain bread for a sandwich, or on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter meal.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs:
A sprinkle of some fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can enhance the salad’s flavor and add a pop of color, making it even more inviting and visually appealing.
- Adjust to Personal Taste:
This salad is versatile! Feel free to experiment by adding your favorite fresh ingredients, such as boiled eggs, apple slices, or even a dash of hot sauce for a bit of heat.
By following these tips, you can take your Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe to the next level, making it even more flavorful, refreshing, and customizable.
Here is an estimated breakdown of the nutrition information for the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe based on typical ingredients and serving sizes. This matter can vary depending on the specific brands or portion sizes used
Servings: 2 (approximately)
Per Serving:
- Calories: ~400-450 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~15-18g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sugar: ~7g (from honey, pickles, and ham)
- Fat: ~30g
- Saturated Fat: ~4-5g
- Cholesterol: ~60mg
- Sodium: ~700-800mg (depends on the ham and mayonnaise used)
- Potassium: ~350mg
- Vitamin A: ~4% of the Daily Value (DV)
- Vitamin C: ~10% of the DV
- Calcium: ~4% of the DV
- Iron: ~8% of the DV
Breakdown of key ingredients:
- Chicken Breast: Lean protein, high in B vitamins and selenium.
- Honey Baked Ham: Adds sweetness, flavor, and sodium.
- Mayonnaise: Contributes healthy fats (monounsaturated) but is calorie-dense.
- Dijon Mustard: Adds a touch of tanginess with minimal calories.
- Honey: Provides natural sweetness and a small amount of carbs.
- Pickles and Celery: Low-calorie, high in fiber, and provide crunch.
This is an approximation. For more precise information, use a nutrition calculator or app, especially when using different ingredients or serving sizes.
Here are some related recipe names that complement or offer similar flavors to the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe
- Sweet Ham and Chicken Salad with Pineapple
- Crispy Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
- Chicken and Ham Waldorf Salad
- Chicken Salad with Apples, Grapes, and Honey
- Cranberry Chicken Salad with Honey Baked Ham
- Chicken, Ham, and Avocado Salad
- Honey Dijon Chicken Salad with Bacon
- Grilled Chicken and Ham Salad with Balsamic Glaze
- Apple and Ham Chicken Salad with Walnut Crunch
- Smoked Ham and Chicken Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette
These recipes share the main ingredient of chicken combined with ham and can also include fruits, nuts, or tangy dressings for flavor variations. They’re great alternatives or ways to expand on the classic Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe!
FAQ
1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe?
Ans: Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves you time.
2. How long can I store the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe in the fridge?
Ans: It can last up to 3 days in the active refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
3. Can I make the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Ans: You can prepare it a few hours before serving or even the night before.
4. What can I substitute for fresh mayonnaise in the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe?
Ans: You can use fresh Greek yogurt or sour cream as a healthier alternative.
5. Can I add other ingredients to the Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe?
Ans: For variety, you can add things like diced apples, grapes, or even boiled eggs.
Conclusion
The Delicious Easy Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines the savory taste of chicken with honey-baked ham’s sweet and smoky notes. With just a few fresh ingredients and simple steps, you can create a comforting and satisfying meal. This lovely, attractive salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish the next time you’re in the mood for something deliciously different.