Best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Marinade/Dressing
01 -
1/3 cup honey
02 -
3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
03 -
2 tablespoons smooth dijon mustard
04 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
05 -
1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar (or white vinegar, optional for balance)
06 -
1 teaspoon minced garlic
07 -
A pinch of salt for seasoning
→ Salad
08 -
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
09 -
1/4 cup chopped bacon (rind and fat removed)
10 -
4 cups of cleaned romaine lettuce leaves
11 -
1 cup grape tomatoes (or cherry, halved)
12 -
1 large avocado (pitted and sliced)
13 -
1/4 cup corn kernels
14 -
1/4 red onion (thinly sliced)
# Instructions:
01 -
Begin by whisking together all the marinade/dressing ingredients until they are well combined. Pour half of this mixture into a shallow dish and use it to marinate the chicken fillets, ideally for two hours if time allows. Place the chicken in the refrigerator to marinate. Take the reserved, untouched half of the marinade and refrigerate it separately to use later as a dressing for the salad.
02 -
When the chicken is done marinating, heat a nonstick pan, grill pan, or skillet over medium heat, adding about a teaspoon of oil. Sear or grill the chicken fillets on each side until they are golden, crispy, and cooked through. If necessary, grill the chicken in batches to prevent excess water from being released. Once the chicken is cooked, set it aside to rest for a few minutes.
03 -
Using a paper towel, wipe the pan clean. Then, drizzle another teaspoon of oil into the pan and fry the bacon until it is crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on a paper towel if needed.
04 -
Slice the rested chicken into strips. Gather your salad ingredients by preparing fresh salad leaves, slicing tomatoes and avocados, cutting corn off the cob, and slicing onions. Arrange the salad with the prepared leaves, tomatoes, avocado slices, corn, onion strips, and the sliced chicken.
05 -
Take the reserved marinade/dressing from the refrigerator and whisk in 2 tablespoons of water to thin it out. Drizzle this dressing over the assembled salad. Sprinkle the crispy bacon over the top of the salad. If desired, season with a little extra salt and cracked pepper. Your hearty and flavorful salad is ready to serve and enjoy.
# Notes:
01 -
Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours will enhance the flavor.
02 -
The marinade doubles as the salad dressing, saving preparation time.