Description
This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad combines fresh mixed greens, smoked turkey bacon, and a tangy, sweet natural honey mustard dressing for a vibrant and satisfying meal. Packed with tender cooked chicken breast and fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion slivers, it offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Perfect for quick lunches, light dinners, or meal prep, this salad is easy to customize with plant-based options and wholesome ingredients that nourish and delight.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 1 cooked chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups fresh mixed greens, washed and dried
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1/4 cup red onion slivers
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Natural Honey Mustard Dressing
- 2 tablespoons natural honey mustard dressing (made from natural honey, natural mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural))
- 1 tablespoon natural honey
- 1 tablespoon natural mustard
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- Pinch of salt
- Dash of freshly ground black pepper
Optional Variations
- Avocado slices, for creaminess and heart-healthy fats
- Grilled halloumi (plant-based) to replace turkey bacon for a vegetarian option
- Toasted almonds or walnuts for added nutty crunch
- Substitute grape juice (natural) in the dressing for a fruity sweetness
- Shredded carrots or bell peppers to boost color and crunch
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Cook or reheat the chicken breast until juicy and fully tender. Slice into bite-sized strips or cubes suitable for the salad.
- Cook the smoked turkey bacon: Fry or bake the smoked turkey bacon until crispy. Chop into small pieces for even distribution in the salad.
- Assemble the fresh veggies: Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly. In a large bowl, combine mixed greens with cucumber slices, halved cherry tomatoes, and red onion slivers to create a fresh and colorful base.
- Whisk the natural honey mustard dressing: In a small bowl, mix natural honey, natural mustard, olive oil, apple cider vinegar (natural), a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Toss everything together: Add the chicken, smoked turkey bacon pieces, and chopped parsley to the veggie mixture. Drizzle the dressing on top and gently toss to coat evenly without crushing the ingredients.
Notes
- Use room temperature dressing for better blending and even coating.
- Pat vegetables dry to prevent sogginess in the salad.
- Slice ingredients uniformly for balanced flavors and consistent texture.
- If adding nuts, toast them lightly to enhance flavor and crunch.
- For meal prep, store dressing separately and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, Fresh Salad, Healthy Lunch, Protein Salad, Smoked Turkey Bacon Salad, Natural Honey Mustard Dressing, Quick Salad Recipe, Gluten Free Salad