Honey baked ham chicken salad is a refreshing and nutritious dish. It combines the rich flavors of honey-baked ham and tender chicken with fresh vegetables and a tangy dressing.
It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish for gatherings. This salad is not only easy to make but also packed with protein and vitamins, making it a healthy choice for any meal.
In this article, I will guide you with an easy honey baked ham chicken salad recipe. This is going to be healthy and tasty as well.
| Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Ingredients | Honey, chicken, baked ham, onion, mustard, cranberries. |
| Total Time To Make | 30 to 45 Minutes. |
| Side Dishes | Cornbread, Sandwich, Rice. |
Ingredients Needed for Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad Recipe
For this delicious honey baked ham chicken salad recipe, I use the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 cup of diced honey baked ham
- 1 cup of diced celery
- 1/2 cup of diced red onion
- 1/2 cup of chopped pecans
- 1/2 cup of dried cranberries
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
The choice of ingredients depends on the individual’s taste. If you want to add or remove ingredients other than the above listed, feel free to go with that.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad
Now it’s time to cook the honey baked ham chicken salad. I am giving you the steps exactly that I follow each time I make this recipe.
Step-1: Preparing the Ingredients
Start by preparing all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. You have to prepare the following before going to the salad preparation step.
- Cook and shred the chicken. You can use leftover chicken or cook fresh chicken breasts and shred them with two forks.
- Dice the honey baked ham into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the celery and red onion finely.
- Toast the pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Let them cool before chopping.
Step-2: Making the Dressing
The dressing is what brings all the flavors together in this salad. Remember it is the most important step of this recipe. So, be careful while making the dressing.
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step-3: Assembling the Salad
All the essential ingredients are ready. We are just one step sort of making a delicious honey baked ham chicken salad. Now it’s time to bring everything together.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, diced honey baked ham, celery, red onion, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients.
- Gently toss the salad until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Completed all 3 steps? Congratulations! You have does it again!
In the beginning, you may mess up. But don’t worry! Everyone makes a mess at the beginning of something new.
Follow the steps again on another day. Obviously, you will be successful in making a delicious honey baked ham chicken salad. Which is healthy and tasty as well.
Serving Suggestions
Our honey baked ham chicken salad is ready. But how will you consume this? Don’t know what side dishes go well with honey baked ham chicken salad?
That’s what I am going to share with you now. I have combined many dishes with honey baked ham chicken. Among those following I found most goes well side by side.
- As a Main Dish: First thing first, this honey baked ham chicken salad is hearty enough to be served as a main dish. Pair it with some crusty bread or a side of fresh fruit for a complete meal.
- In Sandwiches: Turn this salad into a delicious sandwich filling. Use whole-grain bread, a fresh croissant, or even a wrap for a quick and satisfying lunch.
- As a Side Dish: This salad also makes a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or potlucks. It’s a versatile dish that complements a variety of main courses.
- With Cornbread: You can combine it with cornbread with honey for a healthy breakfast.
You can have different ideas than me. So, whatever you want to try with this honey baked ham chicken salad recipe, you can give it a try.
Tips for Perfect Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad
I would like to share some key considerations while making the honey baked ham chicken salad. These tips might be useful for you to make the perfect honey baked ham chicken salad.
Choosing Quality Ingredients
Opt for high-quality honey baked ham and fresh, organic vegetables whenever possible. The better the ingredients, the better your salad will taste.
Adjusting the Sweetness
If you prefer a less sweet salad, you can reduce the amount of honey in the dressing. Alternatively, if you like it sweeter, add a bit more honey to taste.
Making Ahead
You can prepare the salad a few hours ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together and makes for an even tastier salad.
Health Benefits of Honey Baked Ham Chicken Salad
You might be wondering what are the health benefits of this dish. First of all, I am not a doctor who can guarantee you about the health benefits of honey baked ham chicken.
But after exploring online I found some common health benefits of this dish. Those include the following.
- Protein-Packed Meal: Both chicken and ham are excellent sources of protein, essential for muscle building and repair. This salad is a great way to get a healthy dose of protein in your diet.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: With ingredients like celery, red onion, and dried cranberries, this salad is rich in vitamins and minerals. Celery is a good source of vitamin K, while red onion provides antioxidants.
- Healthy Fats: The pecans in this salad add a dose of healthy fats, which are important for heart health. They also provide a satisfying crunch and extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
This salad pairs well with a variety of dishes, including soups, sandwiches, or even grilled meats. It’s also delicious on its own as a light meal. Yes, kids will enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this salad. It’s a great way to introduce them to a variety of healthy ingredients. Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days.What can I serve with this salad?
Is this salad suitable for kids?
How do I store leftovers?
Conclusion
This honey baked ham chicken salad recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for any meal. With a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Whether you’re serving it as a main dish, a sandwich filling, or a side, this salad is versatile, easy to make, and packed with health benefits. Enjoy your meal!
Have you ever tried this dish? Comment below about your experience of making this dish.
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