Anabelle Mclean Ina Garten’s Mustard Chicken Salad is a bold and flavorful twist on the classic chicken salad. With tender, juicy chicken coated in a tangy mustard dressing and enhanced by crunchy vegetables and fresh herbs, this dish is perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or a light, satisfying lunch.
What is Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad?
Mustard Chicken Salad is a creamy and zesty dish made with shredded or diced chicken, a mustard-based dressing, and fresh, crunchy vegetables. Ina Garten’s recipe balances the tanginess of mustard with a touch of sweetness and creaminess, creating a salad that’s both delicious and versatile.
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Reasons to Try Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad
- Tangy and Flavorful: The mustard dressing adds bold, zesty flavors.
- Quick and Easy: Comes together in just minutes with pre-cooked chicken.
- Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, salads, or as a standalone dish.
- Healthy and Light: High in protein and packed with fresh ingredients.
Ingredients Needed to Make Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad
- Cooked chicken breasts – 4 cups, shredded or diced
- Mayonnaise – ½ cup
- Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
- Whole-grain mustard – 1 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Red onion – ¼ cup, finely diced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Optional mix-ins: Sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or diced apples
Instructions to Prepare Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Fold in the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
What Goes Well With Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad?
- Sandwich Bread or Wraps: Use the salad as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.
- Salad Greens: Serve over a bed of mixed greens for a light and healthy meal.
- Crackers or Crostini: Perfect for a party appetizer or snack.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted carrots or asparagus for a complete meal.
Key Tips for Making Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad
- Use High-Quality Chicken: Roasted or poached chicken works best for this recipe.
- Balance the Flavors: Adjust the mustard or lemon juice to suit your taste preferences.
- Add Crunch: Incorporate nuts, diced apples, or even radishes for added texture.
- Make It Ahead: The salad tastes even better after sitting for a few hours in the fridge.
- Serve Creatively: Use it as a stuffing for hollowed-out tomatoes or avocados for a fresh presentation.
Creative Variations of Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the dressing.
- Mediterranean Twist: Mix in olives, feta cheese, and cherry tomatoes.
- Herbed Option: Add dill, tarragon, or chives for an herby flavor boost.
- Lighter Dressing: Replace some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add Fruits: Include diced apples, grapes, or dried apricots for a sweet contrast.
Storage Guidelines for Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad
- Refrigerate leftovers: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Avoid Freezing: Freezing changes the texture of the mayonnaise-based dressing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
- Stir Before Serving: Give the salad a good stir after refrigeration to redistribute the dressing.
Nutrition Value
- Calories: ~250 per serving
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fats: 15g
- Vitamin C: ~10% of the daily value
- Iron: ~8% of the daily value
Wrapping Up
Ina Garten’s Mustard Chicken Salad is a zesty, creamy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold flavors and versatile uses, it’s a recipe that can easily become a staple in your kitchen.
Try it today and savor the delicious tang of this classic favorite!
More Ina Garten Recipes
- Ina Garten Summer Minestrone Soup
- Ina Garten Loaded Potato Soup
- Ina Garten Roasted Red Pepper Soup
- Barefoot Contessa Black Bean Soup
Ina Garten Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Mustard Chicken Salad is a creamy and zesty dish made with shredded or diced chicken, a mustard-based dressing, and fresh, crunchy vegetables. Ina Garten’s recipe balances the tanginess of mustard with a touch of sweetness and creaminess, creating a salad that’s both delicious and versatile.
- Prep Time: 15
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken breasts – 4 cups, shredded or diced
- Mayonnaise – ½ cup
- Dijon mustard – 2 tbsp
- Whole-grain mustard – 1 tbsp
- Fresh lemon juice – 1 tbsp
- Celery – 2 stalks, diced
- Red onion – ¼ cup, finely diced
- Fresh parsley – 2 tbsp, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- Optional mix-ins: Sliced almonds, dried cranberries, or diced apples
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, whole-grain mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Fold in the cooked chicken, celery, red onion, and parsley. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly with the dressing.
- Taste and Adjust: Adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice, as desired.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.
