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The Ultimate Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Crispy Bacon & Creamy Avocado

Indulge in the perfect harmony of fresh, sweet, and savory flavors with our incredibly popular Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. This isn’t just any salad; it’s a complete, satisfying meal designed to delight your taste buds. Featuring succulent chicken marinated and dressed in the most irresistible 5-ingredient honey mustard dressing, crispy bacon bits, creamy avocado slices, juicy tomatoes, and crisp red onion, this honey chicken salad offers a delightful textural and flavor experience in every bite. It’s truly the ultimate combination of fresh and hearty, making it a beloved recipe by readers around the globe.

Forget the notion of salads as mere side dishes. Our honey mustard chicken salad is crafted to be the star of your table, robust enough to satisfy even the hungriest appetites. Its refreshing, sweet, and savory notes come together to create a culinary masterpiece that has earned its place as a reader favorite worldwide. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe promises a meal that is both light in feel and deeply satisfying in flavor.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado on a platter — A vibrant Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, generously topped with crispy bacon and creamy avocado, served on a rustic platter.

What Makes This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Unforgettable

The magic behind this sensational honey mustard chicken salad lies primarily in its exceptional dressing. This isn’t just any dressing; it’s a marvelously versatile concoction made from only five simple ingredients that cleverly performs double duty: it acts as both a flavorful marinade for the chicken and a delectable drizzle for the assembled salad. By marinating the chicken in this sweet, tangy, and subtly garlicky mixture, each piece of poultry absorbs a depth of flavor that transforms it into an incredibly juicy and golden-seared delight.

Every element in this salad is carefully chosen to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The smoky, salty crispness of the bacon complements the rich, buttery smoothness of the avocado. Fresh, vibrant tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion cut through the richness, adding a bright, refreshing counterpoint. When all these components are tossed together with the remainder of the incredible honey mustard salad dressing, you get a meal-worthy salad that feels remarkably light yet is profoundly satisfying, leaving you feeling nourished and content.

The Secret is in the Dual-Purpose Dressing

The ingenuity of this recipe stems from its dual-purpose dressing. By dividing the dressing, you ensure that the chicken is deeply infused with flavor before cooking, while a fresh batch is reserved to coat the final salad, providing maximum zest without compromising food safety. This approach guarantees that every single element of your honey chicken salad is bursting with that signature sweet and tangy honey mustard flavor. The marination tenderizes the chicken, allowing it to cook up perfectly seared with a beautiful golden crust, locking in all the moisture and flavor.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

This honey mustard chicken salad recipe truly shines because of its carefully curated balance of simple, fresh ingredients, all brought together by a bold, tangy-sweet dressing that, as mentioned, doubles as a fantastic marinade. Here’s a closer look at the key components and what they contribute:

Honey: The star of the dressing, honey provides a natural, comforting sweetness that perfectly mellows the sharpness of the mustards. It creates the iconic flavor profile that makes this dressing so addictive and helps caramelize the chicken beautifully during searing.
Whole Grain & Dijon Mustard: The strategic use of both whole grain and Dijon mustard adds incredible depth and complexity. Whole grain mustard brings a delightful texture and a robust, tangy kick, while Dijon mustard introduces a smooth, refined, and mildly sharp flavor. This combination ensures a well-rounded and sophisticated dressing.
Chicken Thighs or Breasts: The protein powerhouse of the salad. Whether you choose juicy chicken thighs for extra flavor and tenderness or lean chicken breasts for a lighter option, marinating them in the honey mustard ensures they become incredibly tender and absorb that delicious signature flavor throughout. They truly become the star of the dish, delivering savory goodness in every forkful.
Avocado: Creamy, ripe avocado slices are essential for adding a luxurious richness and healthy fats to the salad. Their smooth texture provides a wonderful contrast to the crisp greens and crunchy bacon, while their mild flavor perfectly balances the tangy dressing and savory chicken.
Crispy Bacon: Nothing quite elevates a salad like the smoky, salty crunch of perfectly cooked bacon. Diced and fried until golden and crisp, bacon bits add an irresistible depth of flavor and a satisfying texture that makes this salad feel truly indulgent.
Fresh Vegetables: A vibrant mix of crisp romaine lettuce, sweet grape or cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion forms the refreshing base of this salad. These ingredients provide essential crunch, natural sweetness, and a bright, zesty counterpoint to the richer components. Adding corn kernels brings an extra burst of sweetness and texture.

Note: For a comprehensive list of all ingredients and their precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this article.

How to Craft Your Delicious Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Creating this flavorful honey mustard chicken salad is straightforward, designed to deliver maximum taste with minimal fuss. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

Step 1: Prepare the Dual-Purpose Dressing and Marinade

Begin by whisking together the honey, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, if preferred), minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined. This mixture is your sensational honey mustard dressing.
Carefully reserve half of this dressing mixture and place it in the refrigerator to chill. This portion will be used later as the final salad dressing.
Pour the remaining half of the dressing into a shallow dish containing your chicken thighs or breasts. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally, for two hours, to infuse maximum flavor and tenderness. If time allows, marinating overnight in the fridge yields even better results.

Step 2: Cook the Perfectly Seared Chicken

Heat a nonstick pan, grill pan, or cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add a teaspoon of olive oil to coat the bottom.
Once the pan is hot, carefully place the marinated chicken fillets into the pan. Sear the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until it is beautifully golden-brown, crispy on the exterior, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
If cooking multiple pieces, sear them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can steam the chicken instead of searing it.
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring incredibly tender and moist chicken.

Step 3: Achieve Crispy Bacon Perfection

While the chicken rests, wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. If necessary, add another touch of oil (though bacon fat might be sufficient).
Add the diced bacon (trimmed of rind and excess fat) to the pan and fry over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the bacon is perfectly crispy and golden-brown.
Once cooked, remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. This ensures maximum crispness.

Step 4: Assemble Your Fresh Salad Base

In a large salad bowl or on an elegant serving platter, arrange the fresh romaine lettuce leaves as the foundation.
Evenly distribute the sliced grape or cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado slices, sweet corn kernels, and crisp red onion over the lettuce. Spreading the ingredients evenly ensures that every forkful offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures.

Step 5: Slice Chicken and Arrange

Once rested, slice the cooked honey mustard chicken into bite-sized strips or cubes.
Artfully arrange the chicken pieces over your prepared salad base. This ensures that each serving gets a generous amount of protein, making the salad truly a meal in itself.

Step 6: Dress, Garnish, and Serve

Retrieve the reserved honey mustard dressing from the refrigerator. If it’s too thick, whisk in about 2 tablespoons of water (or more, if needed) to achieve your desired consistency.
Generously drizzle the freshly prepared honey mustard dressing over the entire salad.
Finally, scatter the crispy bacon bits over the top. Add a touch of extra salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions for Your Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

This honey mustard chicken salad recipe is robust enough to be a standalone meal. However, if you’re looking to integrate it into a larger feast or offer complementary flavors, here are some ideas:

For a cozy and hearty spread, pair it with something comforting like Creamy Beef Stroganoff With Mushrooms. The rich, velvety sauce of the Stroganoff beautifully complements the sweet and tangy notes of the salad, creating a balanced and deeply satisfying meal.
For equally delicious yet lighter options, consider serving alongside Slow Cooker Mediterranean Chicken or Grilled Chicken Caprese With Buffalo Mozzarella. Both dishes bring vibrant, savory flavors that harmoniously blend with the crisp vegetables and the distinctive honey mustard salad dressing, making them perfect companions for your honey chicken salad.
Alternatively, serve with a side of crusty bread or warm garlic knots to soak up any extra dressing, or a light soup for a comforting lunch.

Frequently Asked Questions About Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Can I Use Turkey Instead Of Chicken?

Absolutely! Turkey fillets or even leftover roast turkey can be easily swapped in for chicken to create a delicious and often lighter twist on this honey mustard chicken salad recipe. Adjust cooking times as needed for turkey, ensuring it’s cooked through.

Can I Meal Prep This Salad?

Yes, this salad is excellent for meal prepping! To keep everything fresh and crisp, cook the chicken and bacon in advance. Store the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and prepared dressing in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Wash and chop your romaine lettuce and other vegetables, storing them separately as well. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the salad and drizzle with the dressing for a quick and fresh meal.

Should I Serve This Salad Warm or Cold?

Both options are delicious and depend on your preference! You can serve this honey mustard chicken salad warm, enjoying the freshly grilled chicken and crispy bacon right off the pan, which adds a comforting element. Alternatively, you can chill all the components for a refreshing cold honey chicken salad, perfect for hot days or when you prefer a cooler meal.

Can I Add Other Vegetables?

Certainly! This salad is highly customizable. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even black beans for extra flavor and nutrients. Adjust quantities to your liking for a salad that perfectly suits your taste.

How Long Does the Dressing Last?

The honey mustard dressing, when stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator, can last for up to 5-7 days. This makes it ideal for making a larger batch for multiple meals throughout the week.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado

A popular reader favorite, this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad has been remade all over the world, time and time again! A salad that’s a meal in itself, this is THE ultimate chicken salad recipe. Featuring a crazy good 5-ingredient dressing that doubles as a marinade, combined with crispy bacon and creamy avocado for an unforgettable taste experience.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 25 mins

Servings: 4 people

By: Karina

Ingredients

For the Dressing / Marinade:

1/3 cup honey
3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard (smooth and mild)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, optional – to cut through the sweetness)
1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
1 pinch salt (to season)
4 skinless boneless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

For the Salad:

1/4 cup diced bacon (trimmed of rind and fat)
4 cups Romaine lettuce leaves (washed, chopped)
1 cup grape tomatoes (or cherry tomatoes, sliced)
1 large avocado (pitted and sliced)
1/4 cup corn kernels (canned, frozen, or fresh)
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

Prepare Dressing & Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together honey, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, and salt until well combined. Pour half of this mixture into a shallow dish to marinate the chicken fillets. Cover and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours (or longer for maximum flavor). Refrigerate the reserved half of the dressing to use later.
Cook Chicken: Heat a nonstick pan or grill pan over medium heat with a teaspoon of oil. Sear the marinated chicken fillets for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). If cooking multiple pieces, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Once cooked, remove from heat and let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5-10 minutes.
Crisp Bacon: Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel. Add another teaspoon of oil if needed (or use rendered bacon fat) and fry the diced bacon until crispy. Transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess fat.
Assemble Salad Base: While the chicken rests, arrange the washed romaine lettuce leaves in a large serving bowl or platter. Distribute the sliced tomatoes, avocado slices, corn kernels, and red onion over the lettuce.
Slice Chicken & Add to Salad: Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces and arrange them over the salad greens and vegetables.
Dress & Serve: Retrieve the reserved honey mustard dressing from the refrigerator. If it’s too thick, whisk in 2 tablespoons of water (or more, to taste) to thin it to your desired consistency. Drizzle the dressing generously over the assembled salad. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top and season with a little extra salt and freshly cracked pepper, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Tip for Perfect Chicken: We highly recommend searing your chicken pieces in a hot pan for that beautiful, crispy exterior and juicy interior. This caramelization adds a fantastic depth of flavor that baked or boiled chicken simply can’t match.

Vinegar Adjustment: The amount of apple cider vinegar can be adjusted to your taste. Start with 1 tablespoon for a milder tang and add the second if you prefer a sharper dressing to cut through the sweetness of the honey.

Customization: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite salad ingredients! Hard-boiled eggs, feta cheese, or crunchy croutons would also be excellent additions.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Variations in ingredients and preparation methods may alter nutritional values.

Tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments below!