Zesty Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad with Jalapeno Honey Mustard Recipe

Crisp greens and succulent chicken create the perfect backdrop for this zesty avocado bacon chicken salad with jalapeno honey mustard.

Smoky bacon crumbles add a delightful crunch to every forkful.

The creamy avocado chunks provide a rich, buttery texture that complements the tender chicken.

Spicy jalapeño honey mustard drizzled on top brings a tangy kick that awakens your taste buds.

Each bite balances heat, sweetness, and savory notes in a harmonious blend.

Vibrant colors and bold flavors make this salad a standout dish for lunch or a light dinner.

Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad with Jalapeno Honey Mustard: Why It Rocks

• Kickstart Healthy Eating: Packed with nutritious ingredients like chicken, avocado, and fresh vegetables, this salad transforms healthy dining into a delicious adventure.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients, adjust spice levels, or modify dressing consistency to match personal taste preferences without compromising the recipe's core flavor profile.
• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Requires minimal preparation steps and basic cooking skills, making it perfect for busy home cooks seeking a satisfying meal without complex techniques.
• Flavor Explosion: Combines bold spices, tangy jalapeño honey mustard, and crispy bacon to create a mouthwatering dish that elevates traditional chicken salad into an exciting culinary experience.

Essential Ingredients for Avocado Bacon Jalapeno Salad

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that serves as the main component of the salad.
• Chili Powder: Adds a warm and spicy flavor to the chicken.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky and sweet undertone to the seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall savory profile of the chicken.
• Onion Powder: Contributes a mild, sweet aromatic element to the seasoning.

• Lettuce: Provides a fresh and crisp base for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Adds a juicy and bright element to the dish.
• Pickles: Introduces a tangy and crunchy texture.
• Avocado: Offers a creamy and rich texture to the salad.
• Feta Cheese: Brings a tangy and salty flavor profile.
• Fresh Herbs: Adds a burst of fresh and aromatic notes.

• Honey Mustard, Jalapeno, Salt, Pepper: Creates a spicy and sweet dressing with balanced heat.

• Olive Oil: Helps to coat and season the chicken.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky and crispy element to the salad.
• Chili Flakes: Adds an extra kick of heat to the dish.

How to Make Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 425°F.

Grab a baking sheet and get ready for some flavor magic.

Step 2: Season Chicken for Roasting

• Olive oil
• Chili powder
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Chili flakes
• Salt
• Pepper

Massage the seasonings into the chicken until every piece is beautifully coated.

Roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes until edges look deliciously charred.

Step 3: Build Salad Base

Spread out a bed of crisp lettuce in a large bowl.

Sprinkle in juicy tomatoes and tangy pickles for extra crunch and excitement.

Step 4: Whip Up Jalapeno Honey Mustard Dressing

• Jalapeno
• Honey
• Mustard

Add water to reach your desired consistency.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt.

Step 5: Assemble and Dress Salad

Drizzle dressing over the salad.

Gently add roasted chicken, creamy avocado chunks, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon bits.

Give everything a light toss.

Serve immediately and enjoy your flavor explosion!

Pro Tips for Avocado Bacon Jalapeno Salad

• Mix spices thoroughly to ensure even coating, creating a flavorful and well-seasoned roasted chicken for the salad.
• Gradually add water while blending to achieve your desired dressing thickness, making it light and pourable.
• Chop vegetables and prepare ingredients just before assembling to maintain crisp textures and vibrant flavors.
• Layer ingredients gently to prevent crushing delicate components like avocado and herbs, maintaining the salad's visual appeal.
• Adjust chili flakes and jalapeño quantities to personalize the spice intensity according to your taste preferences.

Delicious Twists for Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with roasted tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms, swap bacon for crispy tempeh bacon or coconut bacon bits.
• Low-Carb Version: Swap lettuce for baby spinach or arugula, use cauliflower rice as a base instead of traditional greens.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add black beans, corn, and swap jalapeno honey mustard for a chipotle lime dressing. Use queso fresco instead of feta.
• Mediterranean Spin: Replace bacon with grilled halloumi cheese, use cucumber instead of pickles, and add kalamata olives for extra flavor.

Serving Recommendations for Avocado Bacon Salad

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Serve this zesty salad on a large wooden board for a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation that highlights the colorful ingredients.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a hearty grain bowl by adding quinoa or brown rice underneath for a more filling meal with extra texture.
• Fresh Wrap Adventure: Wrap the chicken, avocado, and bacon mixture in large lettuce leaves or soft tortillas for a portable lunch option that's easy to take on-the-go.
• Spicy Side Companion: Pair the salad with crispy tortilla chips or crunchy cucumber slices to add an extra layer of texture and complement the jalapeño honey mustard dressing.

How to Store Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent salad from getting soggy.
• Do not freeze this salad as avocado and lettuce will lose texture and become unappetizing when thawed.
• Warm chicken separately in microwave for 30-45 seconds on medium power, or in oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain moisture.
• For best taste, recommend making a new salad instead of reheating. Crisp lettuce and fresh ingredients will taste much better than stored version.

FAQs

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili powder, chili flakes, and jalapeno honey mustard add a mild to moderate heat level that can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the spices.

• Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and has a light char on the outside, which takes about 15-20 minutes in a 425°F oven.

• What if I don't have a blender for the dressing?

You can whisk the dressing ingredients vigorously in a bowl or use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency.

Avocado Bacon Chicken Salad with Jalapeno Honey Mustard Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent avocado bacon chicken salad dances with zesty jalapeño honey mustard, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins and Meats:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
• 6 strips cooked bacon (chopped)
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese

Fresh Produce and Herbs:

• 6 cups shredded lettuce or mixed greens
• 1–2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
• 1 cup mixed herbs: basil + cilantro
• 1 avocado (chopped)
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños

Seasonings and Dressing Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Chili flakes
• Salt
• Black pepper

Jalapeño Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons tahini
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 425° F for roasting the chicken with a robust blend of spices.
2. Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and generously coat with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Ensure even distribution of seasonings.
3. Roast the seasoned chicken for 15-20 minutes until edges become lightly charred and meat is thoroughly cooked.
4. Create the salad base by combining crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles in a large serving bowl.
5. Craft the jalapeno honey mustard dressing by blending all components until smooth, gradually adding water to achieve desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
6. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad base, then strategically layer roasted chicken, creamy avocado chunks, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon pieces.
7. Generously pour additional dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and flavors are well distributed.
8. Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant mix of textures and bold flavors.

Notes

• Customize the chili powder and flakes to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
• Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this salad.
• Control the dressing thickness by gradually adding water, achieving the perfect drizzling texture without compromising flavor.
• Roast extra chicken and prepare dressing in advance for quick, convenient lunch assembly during busy weekdays.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 493 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 679 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 13 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 86 mg