This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a tasty blend of tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a sweet honey mustard dressing. It’s perfect for a light lunch or dinner!
I love how quick and simple this salad is to whip up. Plus, who doesn’t love dipping their fork into that creamy dressing? It’s like a little taste of sunshine on your plate! ☀️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best here. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey breast can be used instead. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries add sweetness. If they’re not in season, you can swap them for blueberries or raspberries for a similar taste and texture.
Avocado: This creamy addition is delightful, but if you’re not a fan, try using sliced cucumbers instead for a refreshing crunch.
Bacon: For a healthier version, turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas can be used. They provide crunch without the added fat.
Whole Grain Mustard: If you prefer a milder taste, yellow mustard can work as a substitute. For a spicy kick, try Dijon mustard instead!
How Do You Grill Chicken Perfectly for Salad?
Grilling can seem tricky, but it’s easy once you get the hang of it! Here’s what you need to do:
- Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high. This helps get nice grill marks.
- Season your chicken well with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil to keep it moist.
- Grill each side for about 5-7 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F (75°C).
- Let the chicken rest before slicing. This keeps it juicy as it relaxes.
Following these steps will ensure your chicken is flavorful and perfectly cooked for your salad!
Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 ear of corn, cooked and kernels cut off the cob (or 1 cup frozen corn, thawed)
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for dressing)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for dressing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful salad takes around 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 10 minutes grilling the chicken, while the rest of the time is for preparing the salad and dressing. It’s quick, easy, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. While it heats up, season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Drizzle them with olive oil to keep them moist while grilling.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Once the grill is ready, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re fully cooked, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). After grilling, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it thinly. This helps lock in the juices!
3. Make the Dressing:
While the chicken is grilling, you can whip up the honey mustard dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the whole grain mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a bit of salt and pepper until everything is well mixed and emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired!
4. Assemble the Salad:
In large serving bowls, start with a layer of chopped romaine lettuce as your base. On top of the lettuce, artfully arrange the sliced grilled chicken, strawberries, avocado, corn kernels, and chopped bacon. Each ingredient adds a pop of flavor and color!
5. Dress and Serve:
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing generously over the salad. If you like, give the salad a gentle toss to mix everything up. Serve immediately for the best freshness and flavor. Enjoy your delicious and healthy honey mustard chicken salad!
This delightful salad combines sweet strawberries, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and tangy honey mustard dressing, creating a satisfying meal bursting with flavor!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this salad. Just skip the grilling step, slice it up, and combine with the other ingredients for a quick and convenient meal!
Can I Substitute Other Ingredients?
Yes! If strawberries aren’t in season, you can switch them out for blueberries or sliced apples. For the dressing, if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can add a bit more honey. Feel free to customize based on what you have on hand!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftover salad, store the components separately in airtight containers. The chicken and salad mixture can keep for about 2 days in the fridge. Dress the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crunchy!
What Can I Serve with This Salad?
This salad is great on its own, but you could also serve it with whole grain rolls or a side of quinoa for a heartier meal. It pairs well with a light soup or fruit on the side as well!
