This vibrant salad is a masterpiece of flavors and textures, featuring succulent grilled chicken, crispy bacon, sweet corn, creamy avocado, and fresh, juicy strawberries. All harmoniously brought together with a tangy, homemade honey mustard dressing. Designed for a light yet satisfying lunch or dinner, this recipe yields four generous servings, promising a refreshing culinary experience with every zesty bite!

Contents

The Ultimate Honey Mustard Chicken Salad: Your Perfect Summer Meal

As summer transitions, and the days gradually shorten, there’s a unique charm in holding onto those sun-drenched memories. Our past months have been a whirlwind of joyful swim days, spontaneous road trips, cozy fire nights, lively barbecues, competitive backyard games, and those irresistible, impromptu ice cream dates. It’s been the most fun – and wonderfully chaotic – season yet with my family of five!

Throughout these warm months, our grill has been the star of countless dinners, keeping the heat out of the kitchen and meal prep effortlessly simple. We adore creating dishes that are not only delicious but also wholesome and quick, and this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad perfectly fits the bill. It’s the ideal way to enjoy a substantial meal without ever needing to turn on your oven. By thoughtfully combining lean protein like grilled chicken, an abundance of fresh greens, and nutritious carbohydrates from ingredients like corn and sweet strawberries, you can whip up an all-in-one meal that’s ready to serve in 30 minutes or less. And yes, you might even find yourself with enough room for a little indulgence afterward!

Let’s dive into creating this incredibly colorful, belly-filling, and utterly delicious salad. We promise, you are going to absolutely love it, making it a staple in your summer – and beyond – recipe rotation.

Why This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Will Be Your New Favorite

What makes this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad truly stand out? It’s the impeccable balance of flavors and textures that dance on your palate. Imagine tender, smoky grilled chicken providing a robust base, perfectly complemented by the salty crunch of crispy bacon. Then, add the refreshing sweetness of ripe strawberries and juicy nectarines, the creamy richness of avocado, and the subtle pop of corn, all atop a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. But the real magic happens when you drizzle it with a vibrant, homemade honey mustard dressing – it ties everything together with an irresistible sweet and tangy finish. It’s a meal that feels indulgent yet is packed with wholesome goodness.

Effortless Elegance for Any Occasion

This salad isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a casual backyard barbecue, packing a refreshing lunch for work, or seeking a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner, this salad delivers. Its vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes, ensuring it’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the ability to prep many of the components ahead of time means less stress and more enjoyment when mealtime arrives.

Crafting the Perfect Honey Mustard Dressing and Marinade

The soul of this salad lies in its spectacular honey mustard dressing, which doubles as a succulent marinade for the chicken. This dual-purpose dressing not only infuses the chicken with incredible flavor and keeps it tender during grilling but also provides that essential sweet and tangy kick to the finished salad. Here’s a closer look at what makes it so special:

Whole Grain Mustard: Provides a robust, earthy base with a delightful texture.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps emulsify the dressing.
Honey: Balances the mustard’s tang with natural sweetness.
White Balsamic or Apple Cider Vinegar: Introduces a bright, acidic lift that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing all the flavors.

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows it to absorb all these wonderful flavors, resulting in a more tender and juicy bite. Don’t skip this step if time permits, as it truly elevates the entire dish.

Beyond the Recipe: Customizing Your Chicken Salad
While our core recipe is designed for perfection, we encourage you to explore different ingredient combinations to suit your taste or the season. Salads are wonderfully forgiving, and swapping ingredients can lead to exciting new discoveries!

Seasonal Add-Ins to Inspire Your Creativity:

Summer Delights: Fresh arugula, crisp cucumber, vibrant bell peppers, crunchy carrots, tender zucchini, sweet apricots, tangy blackberries, ripe peaches, juicy tomatoes, and refreshing melon.
Fall Harvest: Crisp apples, earthy artichokes, hearty broccoli, flavorful Brussels sprouts, sweet carrots, rich figs, juicy grapes, crisp green beans, robust kale, savory mushrooms, soft pears, fresh spinach, and sweet potato.
Winter Warmth: Zesty oranges, sweet dates, tangy grapefruit, nutritious kale, exotic kiwi, earthy turnips, aromatic tangerines, tropical passion fruit, vibrant pomegranate, comforting winter squash, and tropical pineapple.
Spring Freshness: Tender asparagus, creamy avocado, delicate baby potatoes, spicy radishes, sweet peas, tart cherries, crisp green beans, tropical mango, and pungent scallions.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Perfection

Ready to embark on creating your own irresistible Honey Mustard Chicken Salad? We’ve broken down the process into easy-to-follow steps, ensuring a delightful cooking experience and a truly satisfying meal. From marinating the chicken to achieving that perfect crisp on the bacon, every detail counts towards the final amazing taste.

Prepare the Marinade & Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard, olive oil, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Reserve about 1/3 cup of this mixture in a separate small bowl – this will be your dressing. Place your chicken into the larger bowl and toss thoroughly to coat it in the marinade. Allow it to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or longer if your schedule permits, to fully infuse the flavors.
Grill the Chicken: Once marinated, remove the chicken from the liquid. Preheat your gas grill or a grill pan to a medium heat. Lightly brush the chicken with a touch of olive oil. Grill for approximately 10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked, with no pink remaining, and the juices run clear. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Crisp the Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer. Cook until beautifully browned and perfectly crispy, typically 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the cooked bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb residual grease.
Cook the Corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, wrap the shucked ears in foil and add them to the grill alongside the chicken for about 5 minutes, turning them periodically until tender. For frozen corn, simply cook it in a buttered skillet over medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Assemble Your Masterpiece: Arrange the chopped Romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl. Artfully top the lettuce with the sliced grilled chicken, crispy bacon pieces, creamy avocado, sweet nectarine slices, fresh strawberries, and your perfectly cooked corn.
Dress and Toss: Pour the reserved honey mustard dressing generously over the assembled salad. Gently toss all the ingredients together to ensure every piece is beautifully coated in the tangy, sweet dressing.
Serve and Enjoy: Your masterpiece is ready! Serve immediately and savor the incredible blend of flavors and textures.

Keep reading for the full, detailed ingredient list and printable recipe card below!

More Fresh and Delicious Salad Meals to Explore

Looking for more vibrant, meal-worthy salads that are perfect for any time of year? Discover these fantastic recipes to add to your culinary repertoire!

Mediterranean Orzo Salad
Peach and Avocado Caprese Salad
Grilled Chili-Lime Chicken Fajita Salad
Easy Tomato, Cucumber and Red Onion Salad
Watermelon & Feta Arugula Salad with Honey-Lemon Vinaigrette
Spicy Thai Steak Salad
Summer Strawberry-Peach Salad with Goat Cheese
Crispy Chicken Salad with Apples and Bacon
Chopped Cucumber Caprese Salad
Italian Pasta Salad

Bringing It All Together: A Feast for the Senses

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is truly a culinary delight, bursting with an outrageously good symphony of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors, complemented by a sensational array of textures! From the tender, perfectly grilled chicken and the satisfying crunch of crispy bacon, to the refreshing crispness of Romaine lettuce, the vibrant sweetness of strawberries and corn, the juicy burst of nectarines, and that unforgettable, tangy homemade honey mustard dressing – every element comes together to create an epic feast. It’s not just a treat for your taste buds, but a visual masterpiece that’s sure to impress!

For the freshest and most efficient preparation, we recommend chopping and prepping all your ingredients ahead of time before you start assembling your salad. This way, as soon as your chicken is hot off the grill, you’re ready to effortlessly combine everything and serve. To round out this incredible meal, we love serving it alongside some delightful sides. Consider pairing it with Crispy Parmesan Potato Wedges, warm and savory Cheesy Garlic Butter Crescent Rolls, a classic Creamy Macaroni Salad, or a hearty Southern Potato Salad. Each of these sides complements the salad beautifully, creating a wholesome and satisfying dining experience.

We sincerely hope you try this incredible Honey Mustard Chicken Salad recipe and find as much joy in it as we do. If you give it a go, please take a moment to leave a comment below and a star rating – your feedback is greatly appreciated!

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Yield:
4 servings

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
10 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Print Recipe

Ingredients

For the Dressing/Marinade:

1/3 cup whole grain mustard
3 Tbsp. olive oil
1-1/2 Tbsp. honey
1 Tbsp. white balsamic vinegar (apple cider vinegar also works!)
Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

For the Chicken Salad:

1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
1 Tbsp. olive oil (for grilling chicken)
1 head Romaine lettuce, chopped
6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
1 ripe fresh avocado, halved and sliced
1 ripe fresh nectarine, chopped (or peach)
1 cup sliced strawberries
1 cup fresh or frozen corn

For Garnish (optional):

Chopped fresh chives or scallions

Instructions

For the Dressing/Marinade:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the mustard, olive oil, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined. Reserve 1/3 cup of this mixture in a separate small bowl for the final dressing. Place the chicken into the larger bowl with the remaining marinade and toss to coat evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator, if time allows, for best flavor.

For the Chicken Salad:

To cook chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken from the liquid, discarding any remaining marinade. Preheat your gas grill or grill pan to medium heat. Lightly brush the chicken with 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Grill the chicken for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is completely cooked through and the juices run clear. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
To cook bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Lay the bacon slices in a single layer. Cook until browned and crispy, typically about 6-8 minutes, flipping as needed. Drain excess fat, then transfer the crispy bacon to a plate lined with paper towels. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.
To cook corn: If using fresh corn on the cob, wrap the shucked corn in foil and place it on the grill with the chicken; cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender. If using frozen corn, cook it in a buttered skillet set to medium-high heat for 5 minutes, or microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
To assemble salad: Place the chopped Romaine lettuce in a large serving bowl. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken, crispy bacon pieces, sliced avocado, chopped nectarine, sliced strawberries, and cooked corn evenly over the lettuce.
To dress salad: Pour the reserved honey-mustard dressing evenly over the top of the assembled salad. Gently toss all ingredients together to combine thoroughly, ensuring everything is coated with the delicious dressing.
Enjoy! Serve immediately and garnish with fresh chives or scallions, if desired.

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