This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a perfect mix of juicy chicken, crunchy veggies, and a sweet honey mustard dressing. It’s healthy, tasty, and ready in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: You can use grilled or roasted chicken for this salad. If you’re in a hurry, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut! Just shred or dice it up. For a vegetarian option, try chickpeas or tofu instead.
Greens: Spinach is my top choice, but any mixed greens or arugula work well here. If you want something different, try kale or romaine for a crunchy texture!
Blue Cheese: If blue cheese is not your thing, feta or goat cheese are excellent substitutes. They provide a nice creaminess and tang without the strong flavor of blue cheese.
Bacon: For a healthier option, turkey bacon is a good choice. If you’re keeping it vegetarian, omit the bacon altogether or try adding crispy chickpeas for crunch.
Dried Berries: Dried cranberries or cherries can replace blueberries for a tasty twist. If you prefer no dried fruit, just use extra fresh berries for a bright flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Make the Honey Mustard Dressing?
Making your own honey mustard dressing is super easy! This dressing is what brings the salad together, so follow these steps for the perfect mix of flavors:
- In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard and 2 tablespoons of honey. Adjust honey to taste for sweetness.
- Add 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice to give it a tangy kick.
- Whisk it all together, then slowly drizzle in 1/3 cup of olive oil while whisking. This helps emulsify (combine) the dressing.
- Finish with a pinch of salt and pepper, and taste for balance. You can tweak the ingredients until it’s just right for your palate!
This homemade dressing is quick and enhances the flavor of the salad beautifully! Store any extra in the fridge for later use.
Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (or mixed greens)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced or cubed (grilled or roasted)
- 1/3 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/4 cup crispy cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup slivered almonds
- 1/4 cup dried blueberries or raisins
- 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/4 cup honey mustard dressing (store-bought or homemade)
For the Honey Mustard Dressing (if making homemade):
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare if your chicken is already cooked. If you need to cook the chicken, add about 20-25 minutes more. So, you’ll be enjoying your delicious salad in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Dressing:
If you’re making your own honey mustard dressing, start by whisking together the Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar (or lemon juice), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Then, slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously until the dressing is smooth and nicely blended. Set this tasty dressing aside for later.
2. Cook the Chicken:
If your chicken isn’t cooked yet, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or roast them until cooked through. Once ready, let them cool slightly and then dice them into bite-sized pieces.
3. Build the Salad Base:
Grab a large salad bowl and lay down the fresh spinach leaves or your choice of mixed greens as the base. This will create a delightful platform for all the yummy toppings.
4. Add the Toppings:
On top of the greens, layer the diced cooked chicken, crumbled blue cheese, crispy chopped bacon, slivered almonds, dried blueberries or raisins, and fresh blueberries. All these components will add texture and flavor!
5. Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the homemade or store-bought honey mustard dressing evenly over your beautiful salad. This will bring all those delicious flavors together.
6. Toss and Serve:
Gently toss all ingredients to coat them with the dressing. Alternatively, you can serve the salad as is, letting everyone mix it up themselves. Either way works beautifully!
7. Enjoy!
Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste. Enjoy this delightful mix of fresh greens, savory chicken, tangy cheese, crispy bacon, crunchy nuts, and sweet fruits—all brought together by that wonderful honey mustard dressing!
This Easy Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a potluck. It’s colorful, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Greens for the Salad?
Absolutely! While spinach is a great base, feel free to use mixed greens, arugula, romaine, or even kale for a different flavor and texture. Each variety will bring its own unique taste!
How Can I Make This Salad Vegetarian?
To make this salad vegetarian, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can add more protein by including chickpeas or grilled tofu, and you can still enjoy all the delicious toppings!
What Are Good Substitutes for Blue Cheese?
If blue cheese isn’t your favorite, you can substitute it with feta or goat cheese. Both will provide a nice creaminess and tang without the strong flavor of blue cheese.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days. If you want to keep the greens fresh, store the dressing separately and add it right before eating!
