Description
A vibrant and refreshing Honey Mustard Chicken Salad combining tender grilled chicken, smoky turkey bacon, crisp mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, sunflower seeds, and fresh parsley, all tossed in a tangy natural honey mustard dressing. This quick and nutritious salad is perfect for a light yet satisfying lunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad
- 1 lb chicken breast, grilled and sliced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked and broken into pieces
- 4 cups mixed greens (romaine, arugula, baby spinach)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp sunflower seeds, toasted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Honey Mustard Dressing (natural)
- 2 tbsp honey (natural)
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season chicken breast lightly with salt and pepper. Grill on medium-high heat for about 6 minutes per side until cooked through and juicy. Let rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly to retain tenderness and flavor.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: While the chicken cooks, crisp turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Drain on paper towels, then break into bite-sized pieces once cooled.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and dry mixed greens thoroughly. Thinly slice cucumber and red onion. Halve cherry tomatoes. Place all vegetables into a large bowl for assembly.
- Make the Honey Mustard Dressing (natural): In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while whisking vigorously until the dressing emulsifies into a thick, tangy glaze.
- Assemble the Salad: Combine mixed greens, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and red onion in the large bowl. Add sliced chicken and turkey bacon pieces. Drizzle generously with the honey mustard dressing and toss gently for even coating. Top with toasted sunflower seeds and chopped fresh parsley.
Notes
- Use fresh mixed greens and ripe tomatoes for best flavor and texture.
- Allow grilled chicken to rest before slicing to lock in juices.
- Add dressing just before serving to keep greens crisp.
- Lightly toast sunflower seeds to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Adjust sweetness of dressing by modifying honey or mustard to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Honey Mustard Chicken Salad, grilled chicken salad, turkey bacon salad, healthy lunch salad, protein packed salad
