This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a perfect blend of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a sweet honey mustard dressing. It’s great for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how quickly I can whip this up! Just chop, mix, and enjoy. Plus, it’s a tasty way to use up leftover chicken. Your taste buds will thank you! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are quick to cook and lean. For a healthier option, use turkey breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience, just make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces!
Whole Grain Mustard: This adds a nice tangy flavor. If you don’t have it, yellow mustard works too, but it won’t be as robust. You can also use Dijon mustard for a similar flavor profile.
Honey: It gives a sweet contrast. If you’re vegan, try maple syrup or agave syrup. They provide similar sweetness without using honey.
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring sweetness. If they’re out of season, try apple slices, mandarin oranges, or even dried cranberries for a different fruity twist!
Avocado: For creaminess, avocado is great! If you’re looking for a substitute, try sliced cucumbers for freshness or some crumbled feta cheese for added flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Grill the Chicken?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here’s how to make it easy and delicious:
- Start with a nice marinade. This adds flavor and keeps it juicy.
- Preheat your grill pan or skillet on medium-high heat. This helps achieve that beautiful char.
- Don’t crowd the pan! Cook in batches if necessary for even cooking.
- Always let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices in!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have perfectly grilled chicken that enhances your salad!
Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus more for cooking)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 ear of corn, cooked and kernels removed
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- Optional: wooden skewers for grilling the chicken
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad takes about 10 minutes of prep time and an additional 30 minutes to marinate the chicken. Once everything is cooked, you can put it together in just 10 minutes. In total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes for a fresh and scrumptious meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken and Marinade:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the whole grain mustard, honey, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Set aside about 2 tablespoons of this mixture to use as a dressing later. Coat the chicken breasts well with the remaining marinade and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for more flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken:
Once marinated, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and lightly coat it with oil. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook each side for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are fully cooked and have a lovely golden char. After cooking, remove them from the heat and let them rest for about 5 minutes before slicing thinly.
3. Prepare the Salad Base:
In large salad bowls, layer the chopped romaine lettuce evenly. Then, artfully arrange the sliced strawberries, avocado slices, corn kernels, and crispy bacon over the lettuce, making sure each bowl has a colorful topping.
4. Add Chicken:
Top each salad with the freshly sliced grilled chicken, ensuring an even distribution of deliciousness.
5. Make the Dressing:
For the dressing, take the reserved 2 tablespoons of your marinade and whisk it together with olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice), honey, mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until it blends smoothly.
6. Dress and Serve:
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing generously over the salads. Toss gently if you’d like, or serve each salad with the dressing on top. Enjoy your fresh, sweet, and savory meal!
This salad is not only a burst of flavors but also a beautiful presentation that’s sure to impress. Enjoy the crunchy goodness with every bite!
FAQ for Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Can I Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Using store-bought rotisserie chicken can save you time. Just shred or chop the chicken and mix it with the marinade, then toss it with the salad ingredients. No need to grill!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, omit the chicken and bacon. You can substitute the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for added protein, and the crispy bacon can be replaced with toasted nuts or seeds for a crunchy texture.
What Should I Do With Leftover Dressing?
Leftover honey mustard dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using, as it may separate over time.
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
You can prep the components ahead of time! Marinate the chicken, chop the veggies, and make the dressing a day before. However, assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce and toppings fresh and crisp.
