Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a deliciously tangy and healthy meal, featuring grilled chicken breasts served over a bed of mixed salad greens, fresh vegetables, and a flavorful honey mustard dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it combines protein, fresh produce, and a vibrant dressing for a satisfying and nutritious dish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, or spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, and pepper to season. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 6 to 7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips.
- Assemble the Salad Base: In a large bowl, toss together the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, sliced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion to create the fresh vegetable base of the salad.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dressing: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together the Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, and olive oil until well combined. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as needed for balance between sweet and tangy flavors.
- Combine Salad and Dressing: Add the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad mixture. Drizzle the prepared honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to evenly coat all the ingredients with the dressing.
- Serve: Serve the salad immediately for the best freshness. Optionally garnish with shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor and creaminess.
Notes
- Grilling the chicken imparts a smoky flavor, but you can also pan-sear or bake the chicken if preferred.
- For a lighter version, omit the shredded cheddar cheese.
- If you want a creamier dressing, add a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
- Feel free to substitute mixed greens with your favorite lettuce types.
- Ensure avocado is ripe for best texture and flavor.
