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Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
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★★★★★

4.7 from 18 reviews

This Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a delightful combination of tender marinated chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables tossed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a nutritious lunch or light dinner, this salad balances flavors and textures beautifully, featuring romaine lettuce, grape tomatoes, avocado, corn, and a flavorful dressing made from honey, whole grain mustard, and dijon mustard.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade/Dressing Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons smooth dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, optional for balance)
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • A pinch of salt for seasoning

Salad Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 1/4 cup chopped bacon (rind and fat removed)
  • 4 cups cleaned romaine lettuce leaves
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes (or cherry, halved)
  • 1 large avocado (pitted and sliced)
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade/Dressing: Begin by whisking together the honey, whole grain mustard, dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Pour half of this mixture into a shallow dish and marinate the chicken for ideally two hours in the refrigerator, reserving the other half to use later as the salad dressing.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a nonstick pan or grill pan over medium heat and add about a teaspoon of oil. Sear or grill the marinated chicken fillets on each side until golden, crispy, and cooked through, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes.
  3. Cook the Bacon: Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel, drizzle another teaspoon of oil, and fry the bacon until it is crispy. Drain on paper towels if needed.
  4. Assemble the Salad: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Prepare the salad ingredients by arranging the romaine lettuce, halved grape tomatoes, sliced avocado, corn kernels, and thinly sliced red onion in a bowl or platter. Add the chicken strips on top.
  5. Dress and Serve the Salad: Whisk the reserved marinade/dressing with 2 tablespoons of water to thin it out. Drizzle this over the assembled salad, sprinkle with crispy bacon, and season with additional salt and cracked pepper if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy your hearty, flavorful salad.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours for best flavor; you can also marinate overnight.
  • If you prefer a spicier dressing, add a pinch of cayenne or black pepper to the marinade.
  • Use chicken breasts instead of thighs if you want a leaner option.
  • The salad can be served with crusty bread or as a standalone meal.
  • Leftover dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey mustard chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, honey mustard dressing, grilled chicken salad, summer salad

Find it online: https://freshrecipehub.com/best-honey-mustard-chicken-salad-recipe/