Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a sweet, tangy, and savory salad packed with juicy chicken, crisp greens, and crunchy toppings—all tied together with a creamy homemade honey mustard dressing. It’s a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breasts or thighs (grilled or pan-seared)mixed greens or romaine lettucecherry tomatoes (halved)cucumber (sliced)red onion (thinly sliced)avocado (sliced)shredded carrotsbacon (cooked and crumbled)hard-boiled eggs (optional, sliced)croutons (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing

Dijon mustardhoneymayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)apple cider vinegarolive oilsalt and black pepper

directions

Season and cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked, then slice or dice.

In a bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, mayo, apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the salad with a base of greens, then layer on the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, carrots, bacon, and eggs if using.

Top with sliced chicken and drizzle with honey mustard dressing.

Serve immediately with croutons if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–4 as a main dish.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15 minutesAssembly time: 5 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.

Swap bacon for turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version.

Add shredded cheese like cheddar or gouda for extra richness.

Use spinach or kale instead of romaine for added nutrients.

Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne to the dressing.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad and chicken separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.Honey mustard dressing can be refrigerated for up to 1 week.Reheat chicken before serving if preferred warm.Do not freeze.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes—just keep components and dressing separate until ready to serve.

Is the honey mustard dressing sweet?

Yes, it has a sweet-tangy flavor that balances the savory elements of the salad.

Can I use bottled honey mustard?

You can, but homemade dressing gives a fresher, more customizable flavor.

What kind of chicken works best?

Grilled or pan-seared chicken breast or thighs work great—seasoned simply with salt and pepper or marinated.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your dressing and add-ins like croutons or bacon are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is a flavorful, satisfying mix of tender chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy dressing. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and perfect for any meal when you’re craving something wholesome yet indulgent.