Description
If you love a bold, flavorful, and creamy salad that feels hearty yet refreshing, this Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad is exactly what you need! Juicy, tender chicken coated in a sweet and tangy honey mustard dressing pairs perfectly with buttery avocado, crisp greens, and crunchy toppings for a salad that’s anything but boring. It’s high in protein, packed with fresh ingredients, and comes together in minutes. Whether you’re making a quick lunch, a light dinner, or prepping meals for the week, this salad is pure perfection in every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor – Sweet honey, tangy mustard, creamy avocado, and juicy chicken in every bite
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days
- Nutrient-rich – Loaded with protein, healthy fats, and fresh veggies
- Great for meal prep – Stays delicious for days with the right storage tips
- Completely customizable – Add your favorite greens, nuts, cheese, or extras
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Dressing
Honey – Adds natural sweetness and balances the tanginess
Dijon mustard – Provides depth and a slightly spicy kick
Olive oil – Helps blend the dressing into a smooth, rich texture
Lemon juice – Brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh tang
Garlic – Enhances the dressing with a rich, savory note
Salt and pepper – Balances all the flavors perfectly
For the Chicken
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts – The protein-packed base of this salad
Olive oil – Helps the chicken cook evenly while keeping it moist
Garlic powder – Adds a mild savory boost
Salt and pepper – Simple seasoning for well-balanced flavor
For the Salad
Romaine lettuce or mixed greens – A fresh, crunchy base for the salad
Avocados – Creamy and rich, adding a satisfying texture
Cherry tomatoes – Sweet and juicy for a burst of freshness
Red onion – Adds a little bite and a touch of sharpness
Crispy bacon – Brings a salty, smoky crunch (optional but highly recommended!)
Feta or goat cheese – Adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the sweetness
Nuts or seeds – For extra crunch and texture
👉 Note Full ingredient measurements can be found in the recipe card below
How to Make Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together honey, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken breasts with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, red onion, crispy bacon, and cheese.
Step 4: Add the Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place it over the salad.
Step 5: Drizzle with Dressing & Serve
Pour the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use ripe but firm avocados – They should be creamy but not mushy
- Let the chicken rest – This keeps it juicy and prevents dryness
- Make extra dressing – It keeps well in the fridge for up to one week
- For extra crunch, add nuts – Almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds work great
- Grill the chicken for added flavor – A smoky char makes it even better
How to Serve Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad
- As a main dish – Serve with warm crusty bread or a side of quinoa
- As a wrap – Roll it up in a tortilla or pita for a quick grab-and-go meal
- With extra protein – Top with hard-boiled eggs or grilled shrimp
- Pair with soup – Goes great with a light vegetable soup or gazpacho
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess
Freezing
- Not recommended – Avocados and fresh greens don’t freeze well
Reheating
- If making ahead, store chicken separately and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before adding to the salad
FAQs
Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes The honey mustard dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week Just whisk before using
What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning?
Squeeze a little lemon juice over the sliced avocados to slow down oxidation and store them in an airtight container
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely Grilled salmon shrimp or tofu work just as well in this salad making it super versatile
Is this salad keto-friendly?
Yes If you skip the honey or use a sugar-free substitute this salad is low in carbs and great for a keto diet
Explore More Delicious Recipes
Conclusion
This Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad is fresh, flavorful, and packed with sweet, tangy, and creamy goodness. It’s a perfect balance of textures and tastes, making it an instant favorite for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re meal prepping, serving guests, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this salad has everything you need.
So grab your ingredients, whip up this delicious salad, and enjoy every bite! And hey—if you try it, let me know! Did you add a twist? Extra toppings? I’d love to hear how it turned out!
Happy cooking with Rita chef ❤️!
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Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad is packed with fresh flavors, juicy grilled chicken, creamy avocado, and a tangy homemade honey mustard dressing. It’s healthy, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
For the Honey Mustard Dressing
Honey for natural sweetness
Dijon mustard for tangy depth
Olive oil for smooth consistency
Lemon juice to brighten the flavors
Garlic for extra savory notes
Salt and pepper for balance
For the Chicken
Boneless skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein base
Olive oil to ensure even cooking
Garlic powder for added depth of flavor
Salt and pepper for seasoning
For the Salad
Mixed greens or romaine for a crunchy base
Avocados for creaminess and healthy fats
Cherry tomatoes for a juicy burst of flavor
Red onion for sharpness and crunch
Crispy bacon for a salty smoky touch optional
Feta or goat cheese for tangy richness
Nuts or seeds for added crunch and texture
Instructions
Whisk together honey Dijon mustard olive oil lemon juice garlic salt and pepper to make the dressing
Season chicken with olive oil garlic powder salt and pepper Cook in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through Let rest before slicing
Toss mixed greens avocado cherry tomatoes red onion crispy bacon and cheese in a large bowl
Add sliced chicken on top and drizzle with honey mustard dressing
Gently toss to coat and serve immediately
Notes
Use ripe but firm avocados to maintain the best texture
Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy
Make extra dressing and store in the fridge for up to one week
Add nuts like almonds or walnuts for extra crunch
Grill the chicken instead of pan-searing for a smoky touch
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Grilled
- Cuisine: American Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Honey Mustard Avocado Chicken Salad Avocado Chicken Salad Healthy Chicken Salad Honey Mustard Dressing Salad