Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado

This salad is a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors. Featuring juicy grilled or seared chicken glazed in a five-ingredient honey mustard dressing (which also doubles as a marinade), it’s complemented by crispy bacon, creamy avocado, sweet corn, grape tomatoes, and red onion slices. Designed as a hearty meal, this salad has become a fan favorite and has been widely shared for its flavor-packed, balanced profile. Whether you're looking for a light dinner, a protein-rich lunch, or a show-stopping potluck dish, this honey mustard chicken salad delivers on every front.

Ingredients

For the Honey Mustard Dressing/Marinade:

• ¼ cup honey

• 2 tablespoons whole grain mustard

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  
  

For the Salad:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 4 cups romaine lettuce (or Cos lettuce), chopped

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen and thawed, or canned)

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and chopped
  
  

Optional Additions:

• Boiled egg slices

• Croutons

• Arugula

• Asparagus spears
  
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dressing/Marinade:
In a bowl, whisk together the honey, whole grain mustard, Dijon mustard, olive oil, and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and well blended.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken thighs in a shallow dish. Pour half of the honey mustard dressing over the chicken, coating each piece well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for the best flavor infusion.

3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any remaining marinade. Cook the chicken for 6 to 7 minutes per side, or until it's cooked through and has a golden, caramelized exterior. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before slicing.

4. Assemble the Salad:
On a large serving platter or in a mixing bowl, layer the chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Add the sliced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, red onion slices, corn kernels, and chopped bacon. Top the salad with the sliced chicken, and drizzle the remaining honey mustard dressing over everything just before serving.

Serving

This honey mustard chicken salad makes approximately 4 servings. It's hearty enough to stand alone as a complete meal and versatile enough to serve at lunch, dinner, or even as a weekend brunch centerpiece. It’s colorful, fresh, and satisfying, with a great balance of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 550–600 kcal

• Protein: 35–40 grams

• Carbohydrates: 20–25 grams

• Fat: 35–40 grams

• Fiber: 6–8 grams
  
  

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on exact ingredients and quantities used.