Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe

A Delicious Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe To Try Today For You

Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for any occasion. 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 worldsโ€”chicken and honey-baked ham.

Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe

Ingredients For The Delicious And Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe

Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe
  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
  • 1 cup honey-baked ham, diced
  • ยฝ cup celery, finely chopped
  • ยผ cup fresh red onion, finely chopped
  • ยฝ 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 Perfect 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 Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe in bowls or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

                Serving And Enjoying

                To serve the Perfect 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.

                Here Are Some Chef’s Tips For The Perfect 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 Perfect 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 Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe

                                    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

                                    This is an approximation for the Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe. For more precise information, use a nutrition calculator or app, especially when using different ingredients or serving sizes.

                                    FAQ

                                    1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken for the Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe?

                                    Ans: Yes, rotisserie chicken works well and saves you time.

                                    2. How long can I store the Perfect 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 Perfect 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 Perfect 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 Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe?

                                    Ans: For variety, you can add things like diced apples, grapes, or even boiled eggs.

                                    Conclusion

                                    The Perfect 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 and attractive Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing, delicious dish the next time you’re in the mood for something deliciously different.