Description
This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad features juicy grilled chicken breasts, crispy smoked turkey bacon, and a vibrant mix of fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. Tossed with a tangy natural honey mustard dressing and garnished with fresh parsley, this quick and nutritious salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner, balancing sweet, savory, and crunchy textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Vegetables and Greens
- 4 cups mixed greens (baby spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Natural Honey Mustard Dressing
- 3 tablespoons natural honey mustard (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. Grill or pan-sear over medium heat until cooked through with a golden crust, about 6-8 minutes per side. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly to lock in juiciness.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the chicken cooks, crisp the smoked turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crunchy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber, and red onion. Toss gently to mix evenly.
- Make the Natural Honey Mustard Dressing: Whisk together natural honey mustard, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Add the sliced chicken and chopped smoked turkey bacon to the salad bowl. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat without bruising greens. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F for best results.
- Use fresh, well-washed crisp greens to maintain salad texture.
- Add dressing just before serving to avoid sogginess.
- Adjust dressing sweetness or acidity by modifying honey or apple cider vinegar quantities.
- Incorporate crunchy ingredients like cucumber and bacon for texture.
- Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
- Grilled chicken can be frozen separately for future meals.
- Reheat chicken gently before adding to fresh salad components.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling and Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: honey mustard chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy chicken salad, grilled chicken salad, smoked turkey bacon salad, fresh greens salad, quick lunch recipe
