Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy & Delicious

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Looking for a refreshing, protein-packed meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome? This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad recipe delivers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors in every bite. Featuring tender grilled chicken, crisp vegetables, and a homemade honey mustard dressing that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving a crowd, this versatile salad comes together in just 30 minutes and is guaranteed to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

• Ready in just 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
• Packed with 25g of protein per serving – keeps you full and satisfied
• Customizable ingredients – easily adapt based on what’s in your fridge
• Meal-prep friendly – make ahead and enjoy throughout the week
• Perfect balance of flavors – sweet, tangy, savory, and fresh
• Versatile serving options – enjoy as a main dish or side salad
• Kid-approved – even picky eaters love this honey mustard chicken salad!

Ingredients for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

For the Salad Base:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
• 8 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, spinach, arugula, or your favorite blend)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup toasted almonds or walnuts
• 1/4 cup dried cranberries
• Optional: 1/4 cup crumbled feta or goat cheese

For a gluten-free honey mustard chicken salad, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially the mustard in the dressing.

For the Honey Mustard Dressing:

• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Optional: 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, Dijon mustard, honey, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Place chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip-top bag and pour the marinade over them.
3. Turn to coat evenly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard and honey until well combined.
2. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while continuously whisking to emulsify.
3. Add apple cider vinegar, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and optional lemon juice.
4. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
5. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Preheat grill or skillet to medium-high heat.
2. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off.
3. For grilling: Grill chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. For stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a skillet. Cook chicken for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
6. Slice into thin strips against the grain.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large bowl, add mixed greens as the base.
2. Arrange cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, and shredded carrots on top.
3. Add sliced honey mustard chicken across the salad.
4. Sprinkle with toasted nuts, dried cranberries, and optional cheese.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Drizzle the homemade honey mustard dressing over the salad.
2. Toss gently to coat or serve with dressing on the side.
3. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious honey mustard chicken salad!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

• Marinating secret: For the juiciest chicken, marinate for at least 30 minutes, but no more than 4 hours (the acid can break down the meat too much).
• Dressing consistency: Want a thinner dressing? Add 1-2 tablespoons of water or more lemon juice.
• Make ahead: Prepare the dressing up to 5 days in advance and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Protein alternatives: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, salmon, or tofu for a different twist.
• Extra crunch: Add apple slices, croutons, or sunflower seeds for additional texture.
• Time-saving hack: Use rotisserie chicken and store-bought honey mustard dressing when in a hurry.
• The secret to the best honey mustard chicken salad is balancing the sweet honey with tangy mustard – adjust to your taste preference!

Best Ways to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

The versatility of this honey mustard chicken salad makes it perfect for various serving options:

• Main dish: Serve in a large bowl for a complete and satisfying meal.
• Wrap: Roll up in a tortilla with extra dressing for a portable lunch.
• Sandwich: Layer between whole grain bread with avocado for a delicious sandwich.
• Side dish: Serve smaller portions alongside grilled steak or fish.
• Party platter: Arrange components separately on a large platter and let guests build their own salads.
• Meal prep: Portion into containers with dressing on the side for grab-and-go lunches.

Pair this salad with crusty bread, a light soup, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete meal that will satisfy the whole family.

Nutritional Information for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Per serving (recipe serves 4):

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 24g (mostly healthy fats from olive oil and avocado)
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 19g (mostly from the honey in the dressing)
• Sodium: 680mg

This low-carb honey mustard chicken salad provides an excellent balance of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, making it a nutrient-dense meal option that will keep you satisfied for hours.

Storage & Leftovers

• Assembled salad: Best enjoyed immediately after preparation.
• Undressed salad: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Dressing: Keeps in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in a sealed container.
• Cooked chicken: Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
• How long does honey mustard chicken salad last in the fridge? If stored properly with dressing separate, components will last 2-3 days.
• Best reheating method for chicken: Warm gently in the microwave for 30 seconds or enjoy cold.

For meal prep, store all components separately and assemble just before eating to maintain optimal freshness and texture.

FAQs for Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Can I freeze honey mustard chicken salad?

While the dressed salad doesn’t freeze well, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add to fresh salad ingredients when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of Dijon mustard in honey mustard chicken salad?

Yellow mustard, whole grain mustard, or spicy brown mustard are excellent alternatives. Each will provide a slightly different flavor profile, so adjust honey quantities to balance the taste.

Is honey mustard chicken salad healthy?

Yes! This salad is packed with lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber-rich vegetables. To make it even healthier, reduce the honey in the dressing or use a natural sweetener alternative.

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the chicken with plant-based protein like grilled tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. The honey mustard dressing complements these alternatives beautifully.

Related Recipes

If you love this honey mustard chicken salad, try these other delicious recipes:

• Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad with Homemade Dressing
• Strawberry Spinach Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
• Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing
• Thai-Inspired Peanut Chicken Lettuce Wraps
• Avocado Chicken Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing

Conclusion

Now you know how to make the best honey mustard chicken salad at home! This versatile, nutritious, and incredibly flavorful salad is perfect for any occasion – from weeknight dinners to special gatherings. The combination of tender marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and that irresistible sweet-tangy dressing creates a meal that’s both satisfying and wholesome.

What’s your favorite way to customize this honey mustard chicken salad? Leave a comment below and share your delicious variations! Don’t forget to save this recipe and share it with friends and family who appreciate incredible, homemade meals.

Enjoy your homemade Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad – a restaurant-quality dish made right in your own kitchen!

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