This yummy honey mustard chicken salad is perfect for a light meal. Juicy chicken, fresh greens, and a sweet honey mustard dressing come together for a delightful dish!
Honestly, I love how the dressing adds a fun touch. It’s a great way to sneak in some tasty veggies while still feeling like it’s a treat. Who can resist that? 😄
Plus, this salad is super easy to whip up! Just grill the chicken, toss in the greens, drizzle with that sweet dressing, and you’re all set for a delicious meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is convenient and cooks quickly. If you’re looking for a low-fat option, use turkey breast instead. You can also grill extra and use it for sandwiches or wraps later!
Romaine Lettuce: This is my go-to for a crunchy base, but you can substitute with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens for different flavors. Just choose what you love!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a nice crunch. You can swap it out for turkey bacon or leave it out for a healthier choice. Sometimes, I like to use roasted chickpeas for a plant-based crunch!
Strawberries: Fresh strawberries bring sweetness. Feel free to use other fruits like blueberries, apples, or mango if strawberries aren’t in season.
Honey Mustard Dressing: Dijon mustard gives a special kick. If you prefer less tang, regular yellow mustard works too, and you can use maple syrup in place of honey for a vegan option.
How Do I Grill Chicken Perfectly?
Grilling chicken can be tricky, but here are some simple tips to get juicy, evenly cooked pieces:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill helps to create those nice grill marks.
- Season your chicken generously with salt and pepper, and a little olive oil helps prevent sticking.
- Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). A meat thermometer is great for this!
- Let the chicken rest before slicing. This helps keep the juices inside!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have delicious, tender chicken for your salad every time!
Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 ear fresh corn, kernels cut off the cob (about 1 cup)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tbsp dijon mustard (preferably whole grain dijon)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar or white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes grilling the chicken and about 5-10 minutes mixing the ingredients for the salad and dressing. Perfect for a quick, delicious meal!
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 the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle with olive oil to add flavor and prevent sticking.
2. Grill the Chicken:
Once your grill is hot, place the chicken breasts on it. Grill for about 5-7 minutes on each side, making sure they’re cooked through. You want the internal temperature to reach 165°F (74°C). After grilling, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into strips.
3. Make the Honey Mustard Dressing:
While the chicken is grilling, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s smooth and well mixed. Give it a taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
4. Assemble the Salad:
In large salad bowls, place the chopped romaine lettuce as your base. Top it with the sliced grilled chicken, avocado, strawberries, fresh corn kernels, and crumbled bacon for that crispy texture.
5. Drizzle and Serve:
Finally, drizzle your homemade honey mustard dressing over the salad and serve immediately. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful honey mustard chicken salad!
This salad is a delightful combination of savory grilled chicken, sweet strawberries, and fresh corn, all with a tangy honey mustard dressing to tie it all together. It’s an easy and satisfying meal!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Just shred or slice it up and toss it into the salad for a quick meal. This can save you time and reduce waste!
What Can I Substitute for Dijon Mustard?
If you don’t have dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard or honey mustard. Just keep in mind that the flavors will be slightly different; honey mustard will add more sweetness, while yellow mustard will be milder.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, it’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the greens from wilting!
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Yes! You can replace the chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for protein, use a plant-based bacon alternative, and substitute maple syrup for honey in the dressing to make it vegan-friendly!
