This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of tender chicken, crunchy veggies, and a sweet honey mustard dressing. Perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Grilled or roasted chicken breast is best for flavor. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken works great too. You can also use leftover chicken from another meal!
Mixed Greens: Fresh mixed greens add crunch and nutrients, but feel free to substitute with kale or arugula for a different flavor. Baby spinach is also a tasty choice!
Blueberries: Fresh blueberries are sweet and juicy. If they’re out of season, you can swap them with strawberries or grapes for a similar taste and texture.
Blue Cheese: I love the tang of blue cheese, but if you’re not a fan, feta or goat cheese make excellent alternatives.
Bacon: For a healthier option, consider using turkey bacon or bacon bits. You can even omit it entirely if you prefer a vegetarian option!
How Do You Make Sure Your Chicken is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking chicken can be tricky! For juicy, tender chicken, it’s important to use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let chicken rest for a few minutes before chopping to retain juices.
- If grilling, cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes per side.
- For roasting, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20-30 minutes, depending on thickness.
- When resting, tent the chicken with foil to keep it warm.
Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or chopped (grilled or roasted)
- 4 cups fresh mixed greens or spinach
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup dried cherries or dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup sliced slivered almonds
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing (recipe below)
Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Time Needed:
This delicious salad takes about 15-20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes making the dressing and cooking the chicken and bacon, then it’s as simple as assembling your ingredients!
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, and apple cider vinegar until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set the dressing aside for now.
2. Cook the Chicken:
If you haven’t cooked your chicken yet, grill or roast the chicken breasts until they are fully cooked through. This usually takes about 6-7 minutes per side if grilling, or 20-30 minutes at 375°F (190°C) if baking. Let the chicken cool, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
3. Cook the Bacon:
Fry the bacon slices in a pan over medium heat until they are crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, then chop the bacon into small pieces.
4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large plate or in a big bowl, spread out the fresh mixed greens or spinach as your salad base.
5. Add Toppings:
Evenly sprinkle the cooked chicken, fresh blueberries, dried cherries or cranberries, crumbled blue cheese, slivered almonds, and crispy bacon over the greens. Make it colorful and inviting!
6. Drizzle Dressing:
Pour the honey mustard dressing over the top of the salad or serve it on the side in a small bowl for guests to add their own dressing.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Give the salad a gentle toss if you wish, or enjoy it as is to admire all the beautiful colors! This salad is perfect on its own or alongside some crusty bread.
Enjoy your delicious and refreshing Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad!
FAQ about Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken is perfect for this salad. Just dice it up, and you’ll save time in the kitchen!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again to prevent the greens from wilting.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the honey mustard dressing in advance! Just store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Give it a good shake or stir before using, as it may thicken a bit in the fridge.
What Can I Substitute for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can easily replace it with feta or goat cheese for a similar creamy texture and tang. Shredded cheddar also works well for a milder flavor!
