Zesty Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Avocado & Bacon Recipe

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with this crisp honey mustard chicken salad that blends tangy and sweet flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces coated in a zesty honey mustard glaze create an irresistible main attraction.

Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch that perfectly complements the creamy avocado slices.

Fresh greens provide a vibrant base for this protein-packed meal.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of textures and tastes that will satisfy your hunger.

The combination of ingredients transforms a simple salad into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily make at home.

Crisp Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Avocado and Bacon: Why It Stands Out

• Kickstart Flavor Exploration: Dive into a taste adventure with this zesty chicken salad that combines sweet honey mustard, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado for a mouthwatering experience.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare the marinade and chicken ahead of time, making this recipe perfect for busy weekdays or quick lunch solutions that don't compromise on taste.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Easily swap ingredients or add your favorite veggies to create a personalized salad that suits your mood and dietary preferences.
• Nutrition-Packed Delight: Packed with protein from chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and a burst of fresh vegetables, this salad offers a balanced and satisfying meal in one bowl.

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that serves as the main component of the salad and absorbs the honey mustard marinade.
• Bacon: Provides a crispy, salty element that adds depth and richness to the salad.

• Lettuce, Red Onion: Creates a crisp and refreshing base for the salad.
• Tomatoes, Corn, Avocado: Adds color, sweetness, and creamy texture to complement the chicken.

• Honey, Mustard, Oil: Combines to create a tangy and sweet flavor profile that coats the chicken and dresses the salad.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall taste and brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Water: Helps to thin out the dressing for easy drizzling over the salad.

How to Prepare Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare Flavorful Marinade

Whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well combined.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Pour half of the marinade into a shallow dish, submerge chicken, and refrigerate for two hours to infuse deep flavors.

Keep the remaining marinade for dressing.

Step 3: Sear Perfect Chicken

Heat a nonstick pan with a touch of oil over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, developing a beautiful caramelized exterior.

Allow chicken to rest for a few minutes after cooking.

Step 4: Crisp Bacon Bits

Clean the previous pan and add a new splash of oil.

Fry bacon until it reaches a delightful crispy texture with perfect golden edges.

Step 5: Assemble Vibrant Salad

Slice the rested chicken into appealing strips.

• Crisp lettuce
• Juicy tomatoes
• Creamy avocado slices
• Sweet corn kernels
• Thinly sliced red onion

Step 6: Dress and Garnish

Whisk a splash of water into the reserved marinade to create a light dressing.

Drizzle over the salad.

Sprinkle crispy bacon pieces on top.

Season with additional salt and cracked pepper if desired.

Tips for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Perfection

• Let chicken soak in honey mustard mixture for at least two hours to maximize flavor absorption and tenderize the meat.
• Use a nonstick pan and high heat to create a golden, crispy exterior on chicken without drying out the inside.
• Fry bacon until perfectly crisp for added texture and smoky flavor that complements the sweet and tangy dressing.
• Thin out reserved marinade with water to create a light, flavorful dressing that coats salad ingredients evenly.
• Add fresh avocado slices just before serving to prevent browning and maintain creamy, vibrant texture.

Flavor Twists for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, marinated in the same honey mustard sauce for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the marinade and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free for those with sensitivity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap corn for roasted cauliflower florets and use a sugar-free honey substitute to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining flavor profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Remix: Substitute bacon with crumbled feta cheese and add cucumber and kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired version of the salad.

Serving Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Best

• Picnic Perfect Plating: Arrange the salad on a large wooden board for a rustic, inviting presentation that looks Instagram-worthy.
• Protein Power Boost: Sprinkle toasted sunflower seeds or chickpeas on top to add extra crunch and plant-based protein for a more substantial meal.
• Fresh Side Companion: Serve with warm, crusty sourdough bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious honey mustard dressing and complete the dining experience.
• Beverage Pairing Delight: Complement the salad with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing iced green tea to balance the rich flavors of chicken and bacon.

How to Store Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

• Store leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep bacon and dressing separate to maintain crispness.
• Separate components before freezing. Chicken can be frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 15-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.
• When ready to eat, quickly reassemble salad with fresh ingredients and crisp bacon to restore the original texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs or tenders. Just ensure they’re cooked to the correct internal temperature.

• Is it necessary to marinate the chicken for two hours?

No, while marinating for two hours enhances flavor, even 30 minutes can provide good taste and tenderness.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving to keep ingredients fresh and crisp. Keep dressing and bacon separate until serving.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, reduce oil quantity, and add more vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for extra nutrients.

Crisp Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Avocado and Bacon Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp honey mustard chicken salad blends zesty flavors with creamy textures for a delightful meal. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and smooth avocado create a perfect balance you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 4 skinless and boneless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/4 cup diced bacon (trimmed of rind and fat)

Fresh Produce:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce leaves (washed)
• 1 cup sliced grape or cherry tomatoes
• 1 large avocado (pitted and sliced)
• 1/4 cup corn kernels
• 1/4 red onion (sliced)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/3 cup honey
• 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
• 2 tablespoons smooth and mild dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1–2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Salt to season

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Instructions

1. Prepare the honey mustard marinade and dressing by thoroughly blending all components in a mixing bowl, ensuring a smooth, well-incorporated mixture.
2. Reserve half the marinade in a separate container and refrigerate for later use as a dressing, while pouring the remaining half into a shallow dish for chicken marination.
3. Allow chicken to absorb marinade flavors for approximately 120 minutes in the refrigerator, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.
4. Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a light coating of oil, reaching around 375°F.
5. Carefully transfer marinated chicken to the hot pan, searing each side until a golden-brown crust develops and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Remove chicken from heat, letting it rest for 3-5 minutes to retain moisture and allow juices to redistribute.
7. Using the same skillet, cook bacon until achieving a crisp, golden texture with slightly curled edges.
8. Slice rested chicken into uniform strips for even distribution across the salad.
9. Arrange a bed of fresh lettuce and strategically layer sliced tomatoes, creamy avocado, sweet corn kernels, and thinly sliced red onion.
10. Position chicken strips atop the vegetable base, creating an appealing visual presentation.
11. Whisk reserved marinade with two tablespoons of water to thin consistency, then delicately drizzle over the salad.
12. Garnish with crispy bacon fragments and optionally season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste.

Notes

• Marinate chicken for maximum flavor absorption, allowing the honey mustard blend to deeply penetrate the meat for a more robust taste profile.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F, preventing any potential foodborne illness while maintaining juicy texture.
• Use high-heat searing technique to create a golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and develops a delicious caramelized crust on the chicken.
• try grilled tofu for a vegetarian version, or use turkey bacon for a lighter protein alternative.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 365 kcal
• Sugar: 15 g
• Sodium: 410 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg