Indulge in the delightful crunch and bold flavors of Honey Mustard Chicken Salad—a light, yet flavor-rich option as a hearty meal or a zesty side dish!
This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe is a beautiful blend of sweet and tangy flavors. The chicken and bacon make it hearty while the freshly cut apples and crisp greens make it light.
This honey mustard salad will be on repeat all summer long! It’s loaded with all of my favorite things and ready to go in just 30 minutes. Best of all? My kids devour it! To complete the meal, try serving this with Instant Pot Quinoa Pilaf or Instant Pot Risotto.
Table of Contents
Reasons to Love This Salad
- Honey Mustard pairs perfectly with various salads, enhancing flavors with its sweet and tangy taste.
- Stays fresh in the fridge, making it excellent for meal prep.
- This homemade Honey Mustard Dressing can be whipped up in minutes, ideal for fast, nutritious meals.
Recipe Ingredients
- Honey Dijon Vinaigrette: This dressing blends the smooth sweetness of honey with the sharp, tangy kick of Dijon mustard.
- Candied or Caramelized Walnuts: These walnuts add a crunchy texture and a rich, sweet, slightly toasted flavor.
- Crumbled Feta or Gorgonzola: These cheeses introduce a creamy texture and a sharp, salty flavor.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations
- Topping Options: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture, dried cranberries for a tart sweetness, and sunflower seeds or your favorite nuts for an extra crunch. Top it off with crumbled feta or gorgonzola, or indeed, any of your favorite cheeses, to introduce a rich, salty note.
- Substitute with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, yellow mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This version offers a milder, slightly sweeter taste. For additional flavor, you can include optional additions such as minced fresh garlic or garlic powder for a bit of spice and depth, and a splash of lemon juice to add a fresh, citrusy note.
How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Step 1: While the chicken and bacon are cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Use a large salad bowl or two medium salad bowls, depending on the serving size. Place the greens in, then top with the remaining toppings.
Step 3: Drizzle dressing over the top and serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- Quick Preparation: For a speedy assembly, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own chicken breast. Opt for packaged bacon crumbles to avoid the hassle and smoke of frying fresh bacon.
- Enhance Flavor with Marinade: For even more depth of flavor, you can marinate the chicken in honey mustard sauce before cooking. This not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with the sweet and tangy flavors of the dressing. If you don’t have time to marinate them for the suggested couple of hours, it’s absolutely fine to cook them right away. You can grill or sear them in a large skillet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chicken thighs are a great substitute for chicken breast in this salad. They’re flavorful and tend to stay juicier, adding a richer taste to the dish. Just cook them until done, then slice them into bite-sized pieces.
Yes, you can add vegetables like sliced cucumbers, red onion, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes, shredded carrots, chopped romaine lettuce, or even small florets of broccoli for added crunch and nutrition.
Storage Info
STORE the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It’s best to keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the freshness of the greens.
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Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large chicken breast - seasoned and cooked, and cut into cubes*
- 2 strips bacon - cooked
- 4 loosely packed cups greens - I used a 50/50 spring mix and spinach blend
- 1/2 red apples - cubed
- 1 green onion - sliced
- 1/3 c. candied or caramelized walnuts
- 1/4 c. toasted sliced almonds
- 2-3 tbsp. honey dijon vinaigrette
Additional toppings (optional):
- 1/2 large avocado - cut into chunks
- 2 tbsp. dried cranberries
- 2 tbsp. sunflower seeds
- 1 tbsp. crumbled feta or gorgonzola
Instructions
- While the chicken and bacon are cooking, prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Use a large salad bowl or two medium salad bowls, depending on the serving size. Place the greens in, then top with the remaining toppings.
- Drizzle dressing over the top and serve immediately.
That dressing is so good! I will be using a lot more! Love the crunch & textures!
I love the crunchy walnuts and the sweetness of this salad. It is one of my all-time favorites!
Thanks a lot for sharing this amazing honey mustard chicken salad recipe! Super flavorful and easy to make! Fam really loves it and will have this again for sure!
Very tasty! My husband and I enjoyed this recipe for lunch today. Will make it again!
So glad you enjoyed this perfect-for-summer salad.
Made this for my mom and she loved it! All great flavors that work so well together.
Yay! So glad your mom enjoyed it!