If you’re looking for a vibrant and delicious salad that perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and savory flavors, the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is your new best friend. This dish combines tender grilled chicken with crisp, fresh greens and a luscious honey mustard dressing that brings everything together beautifully. Whether you want a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this salad is wonderfully satisfying, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone who tries it.

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward that perfect Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. Each element plays a critical role—from the juicy grilled chicken adding protein and substance, to the crisp veggies that provide freshness and crunch, all brightened by a creamy but zesty dressing.

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The heart of the salad, offering tender and juicy protein when grilled properly.

1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds a subtle fruity flavor during grilling.
6 cups mixed salad greens: A colorful blend such as romaine, spinach, and arugula creates a lively base with varied textures and tastes.

1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): These sweet bursts brighten the salad and add a juicy contrast.
1 small cucumber (diced): Adds crispness and a refreshing coolness to the mix.

1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced): Gives a sharp, tangy kick that balances sweetness beautifully.
1/2 cup shredded carrots: Contributes vibrant color and natural sweetness.
1/4 cup walnuts (chopped, optional): Offers a delightful crunch and a hint of earthiness that complements the dressing.

1/3 cup honey: The star sweetener that blends perfectly with the mustard in the dressing.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard: Brings tang and complexity, making the dressing sing.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and smooth texture to the honey mustard dressing.

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Injects acidity that brightens the overall flavor.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill or skillet to medium heat. While it warms up, brush your chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper. This will help the chicken develop a delicious crust and prevent sticking. Grill the chicken for about 7 to 10 minutes on each side, ensuring it’s cooked through with a juicy interior. Let it rest a few minutes before slicing—it’s crucial for keeping the meat tender and flavorful.

Step 2: Mix the Honey Mustard Dressing

In a bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. This simple combination is the magic behind the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad. The creamy texture with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes will elevate every bite of your salad.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and add the mixed salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrots, and walnuts if you’re using them. These fresh ingredients create a vibrant and crunchy bed for the chicken.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Add the grilled, sliced chicken on top of the salad and drizzle the luscious honey mustard dressing all over. Toss everything gently to coat all ingredients with that wonderful dressing without bruising the greens. This step pulls all the flavors into a harmonious blend.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Salad

Garnishes

To make your Honey Mustard Chicken Salad even more inviting, sprinkle a few chopped walnuts or some freshly cracked black pepper on top. Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a burst of green and fresh aroma that complements the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

This salad is fantastic on its own but can be paired with crusty bread, warm garlic rolls, or a light soup for a more rounded meal. A chilled glass of white wine or iced tea also makes a lovely companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Looking to impress your guests? Serve the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad in individual mason jars for a cute picnic touch, or neatly arrange the ingredients in a large, shallow bowl for a buffet-style presentation. You can also stuff the salad into pita pockets for a fun handheld option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Honey Mustard Chicken Salad leftover, keep the dressing separate in an airtight container to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Store the salad components and chicken in the refrigerator and toss with dressing just before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftover cooked chicken breasts separately. When ready, thaw and slice the chicken, then mix it into freshly prepared veggies and dressing for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the grilled chicken gently in the microwave or a skillet over low heat before adding it back to your fresh salad. Avoid reheating the vegetables to keep them crisp and fresh.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken works well and saves time. Just make sure to slice it nicely and toss with your salad for an easy, flavorful meal.

Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra walnuts or chickpeas for protein. The honey mustard dressing will still make the salad taste amazing.

Can I use a different type of mustard in the dressing?

You can experiment with other mustards like whole grain or spicy brown mustard, but Dijon mustard gives the best balance of smoothness and flavor for this salad.

How long does the Honey Mustard Chicken Salad keep in the fridge?

When stored properly with dressing separate, the components last about 2 to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed fresh, so try to consume within that timeframe.

Can I add cheese to this salad?

Definitely! Crumbled feta or goat cheese adds a creamy, tangy element that pairs beautifully with the honey mustard dressing and grilled chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you haven’t tried this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad yet, you’re truly missing out on a perfect blend of fresh, wholesome ingredients wrapped in a creamy, tangy, sweet dressing. It’s a meal that’s easy to prepare but feels like something special—ideal for weekday lunches or impressing friends at a casual dinner. So go ahead, whip up this salad, and watch it become one of your favorites too!

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 28 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

A vibrant and flavorful Honey Mustard Chicken Salad combining tender grilled chicken breasts with fresh mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and shredded carrots. Tossed in a creamy honey mustard dressing made with Dijon mustard, honey, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar, this salad offers a perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors. Walnuts add a delightful crunch, making this dish a nutritious and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium heat. While heating, brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season them generously with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
Cook the Chicken: Grill the chicken breasts for 7 to 10 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked, making sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) to ensure safety. Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for a few minutes to retain its juices.

Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and apple cider vinegar. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and creamy to create the honey mustard dressing.
Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, shredded carrots, and chopped walnuts if using. Toss gently to mix the ingredients evenly.
Add Chicken and Dressing: Slice the rested chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized pieces. Add them to the salad and drizzle the honey mustard dressing over everything. Toss gently once more to coat the salad evenly with the dressing.

Serve: Plate the salad immediately, optionally garnishing with additional walnuts for extra crunch and flavor. This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain crispness.
Optional Marinating: For enhanced flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in some of the honey mustard dressing for 30 minutes before cooking. This infuses the chicken with extra tangy sweetness.
Customization Tips: You can customize your salad by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or avocado, or incorporating cheeses such as feta or goat cheese for added richness.

Storage Advice: Leftover salad should be stored in the refrigerator with the dressing kept separate to prevent the greens from becoming soggy. Combine just before serving.

Notes

Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety.
Marinating the chicken in dressing before grilling enhances flavor but is optional.

Walnuts add crunch but can be omitted or substituted with other nuts for allergies.
For a lighter dressing, mayonnaise can be reduced or replaced with Greek yogurt.
Keep dressing separate if storing leftovers to maintain salad freshness.

Feel free to adjust vegetable quantities based on your preference or seasonal availability.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Category: Salad
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 14g

Sodium: 420mg
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g

Unsaturated Fat: 13g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g

Fiber: 4g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Honey mustard chicken salad, grilled chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, mixed greens salad, easy chicken salad recipe