Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado Recipe

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado is the kind of meal that fills you up, makes you swoon, and leaves you wishing lunchtime lasted forever. Juicy, golden seared chicken is tossed with crisp romaine, creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and sweet pops of corn, all blanketed in a punchy, homemade honey mustard dressing. Every forkful is a sunny burst of flavor—perfect for busy weeknights or show-off lunches.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Unbeatable Flavor Combo: Sweet honey, tangy mustard, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and buttery avocado make every bite exciting and crave-worthy.
  • Quick & Easy: You’ll have this stunning Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado ready in under 30 minutes, with minimal fuss.
  • Hearty and Satisfying: This recipe is protein-packed and full of healthy fats, so it’s a salad that actually leaves you feeling full and happy.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: The components can be prepped ahead for effortless lunches or meal prep all week long.
Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado is just how simple the ingredients are—each one shines, lending color, crunch, or a burst of flavor. You probably already have most of these on hand, and every component works together for that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory.

  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and a gorgeous, golden glaze to the chicken and dressing.
  • Whole Grain Mustard: Brings texture and gentle heat for a grown-up, delicious flavor.
  • Dijon Mustard: Smooths out the dressing with its creamy bite—don’t skip this for the best tang!
  • Olive Oil: Rounds out the dressing, making it silky and perfect for both marinading and drizzling.
  • Apple Cider Vinegar (or White Vinegar): Cuts through the sweetness and brightens up the whole salad—you can adjust to your preference.
  • Minced Garlic: Adds depth and savoriness that takes the chicken from plain to absolutely irresistible.
  • Salt: Just a pinch to make everything pop!
  • Chicken Thighs or Breasts: Use boneless, skinless chicken for juicy, quick-cooking results; thighs yield extra flavor, while breasts stay lean.
  • Bacon: Diced and crisped up to add a smoky crunch in every bite.
  • Romaine Lettuce Leaves: They’re sturdy, fresh, and hold up well with all those hearty toppings.
  • Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: For juicy, colorful pops of brightness and tang.
  • Avocado: Sliced for that dreamy, creamy texture—rich and full of heart-healthy fats.
  • Corn Kernels: Sprinkle in some sunny sweetness and a satisfying crunch.
  • Red Onion: Sliced thinly for a gentle bite and a lovely contrast of color.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado is how adaptable it is. Don’t be afraid to swap out ingredients or tweak flavors to fit your mood or whatever’s fresh in your fridge—this salad welcomes a little experimentation!

  • Make it Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and bacon—toss in crispy chickpeas or cubes of grilled halloumi for crave-worthy protein and crunch.
  • Add Extra Greens: Substitute or mix in baby spinach, arugula, or kale for different textures and extra nutrients.
  • Try a Different Protein: Grilled shrimp or even leftover steak make fabulous swaps for the chicken.
  • Spice It Up: Add a dash of hot sauce or thinly sliced jalapeño for a little kick.

How to Make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade & Dressing

Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together the honey, both mustards, olive oil, vinegar, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt. It should look golden and glossy. Pour half into a shallow dish for the chicken marinade and stash the other half in the fridge for the salad dressing.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Nestle your chicken thighs or breasts into the marinade, turning them to coat well. If you have a couple of hours, let them soak up all that flavor in the fridge—otherwise 15-20 minutes at room temp will do in a pinch for weeknight speed!

Step 3: Sear or Grill the Chicken

Heat a teaspoon of oil in a large nonstick skillet (or grill pan) over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken in a single layer—work in batches if needed. Let each side get beautifully golden and lightly crispy; this usually takes about 5-6 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Set aside and let it rest so all those juices stay locked in.

Step 4: Cook the Bacon

After the chicken is cooked, carefully wipe your pan clean and add another tiny splash of oil. Toss in the diced bacon and fry until super crispy and irresistible—your kitchen will smell like heaven right about now!

Step 5: Build the Salad

On a big serving platter or in a salad bowl, arrange the romaine lettuce leaves. Top with juicy halved tomatoes, avocado slices (fan them out for bonus points), crisp corn kernels, and those pretty red onion slices. Slice or shred the warm chicken and nestle it right on top.

Step 6: Dress & Finish

Whisk a splash or two of water into the reserved dressing (this helps it drizzle smoothly) and pour it generously over your salad. Sprinkle the bacon across the top and, if you’re a pepper fan, finish with some cracked black pepper and a little extra pinch of flaky salt. That’s it—Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado perfection!

Pro Tips for Making Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado

  • Marinade Magic: Even a quick 15-minute marinade makes a huge difference, but if you can, marinate your chicken for a full 2 hours to let those sweet and tangy flavors work their way in.
  • Chicken Rest Time: Always let your cooked chicken rest before slicing—this keeps it juicy and prevents all those flavorful juices from running out onto your cutting board.
  • Ultra-Crispy Bacon: Start with a cold pan for your bacon. As the pan heats, more fat renders out, giving you perfectly crisp bites every time.
  • Avocado Protection: To keep your avocado from browning, slice it at the very last minute, or toss slices gently with a little lemon juice before topping your salad.

How to Serve Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A flourish of fresh herbs—think snipped chives, chopped parsley, or even a few dill sprigs—adds instant freshness and a pop of color to your Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado. A final sprinkle of flaky sea salt or fresh cracked pepper never hurts, and if you love a citrusy zing, try a quick zest of lemon over the top right before serving!

Side Dishes

This salad is pretty much a meal on its own, but I love serving it with crusty slices of sourdough or a warm baguette to sop up every drop of dressing. For something extra refreshing, pair it with a juicy fruit salad or a sparkling lemonade to round out your sunshiney lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

For lunches on the go, layer your salad ingredients in a mason jar (dressing at the bottom, lettuce on top) for a pretty, portable meal. If you’re serving guests, arrange everything on a big platter “composed style” with each ingredient in its own section—guests can build their perfect bite of Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, bacon, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in its own jar—this keeps everything fresh and prevents the greens from wilting prematurely.

Freezing

While the salad ingredients themselves (lettuce, avocado, tomatoes) don’t freeze well, you can absolutely freeze cooked chicken or bacon. Store them in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months, then thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy another round of Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado.

Reheating

For best flavor, gently reheat chicken and bacon in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds at a time until warm—just be sure not to overcook. Let them cool slightly before adding to your salad so your greens stay perky and crisp.

FAQs

  1. Can I make Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado ahead of time?

    Absolutely! I recommend prepping the dressing, veggies, and bacon in advance, and storing each component separately in the fridge. Slice and add avocado just before serving for the freshest flavor and color. Then assemble everything for a quick lunch or easy dinner any day of the week!

  2. What’s the best way to keep avocado from browning?

    The trick is to slice your avocado right before serving. If you need to prep in advance, toss the slices in a little lemon or lime juice and store them in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed directly against the fruit to slow down oxidation.

  3. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

    Yes! Chicken breasts are leaner and cook quickly—just don’t overcook or they can dry out. Thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, but either cut works beautifully in this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado.

  4. Is this salad gluten-free?

    It sure can be! Just double-check your mustard and bacon labels to confirm they’re gluten-free. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, making this delicious salad a safe and satisfying option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for a salad that’s the very opposite of boring, give this Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado a try! It’s colorful, satisfying, and so ridiculously flavorful that you’ll want it on repeat. Grab your ingredients and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to something bright and utterly delicious today!

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Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad With Bacon & Avocado Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 349 reviews
  • Author: Mia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Bacon & Avocado is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds. Tender chicken marinated in a sweet and tangy dressing, paired with crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and fresh vegetables – it’s a perfect meal for any day of the week.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Dressing / Marinade:

  • 1/3 cup honey
  • 3 tablespoons whole grain mustard
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard smooth and mild
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1-2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, optional – to cut through the sweetness
  • 1 teaspoon garlic minced
  • 1 pinch salt to season
  • 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs or chicken breasts

For Salad:

  • 1/4 cup diced bacon trimmed of rind and fat
  • 4 cups Romaine lettuce leaves washed
  • 1 cup grape tomatoes cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 avocado large, pitted and sliced
  • 1/4 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 red onion sliced

Instructions

  1. Whisk marinade / dressing ingredients together to combine. Pour half the marinade into a shallow dish to marinade the chicken fillets for two hours if time allows. Refrigerate the reserved untouched marinade to use as a dressing.
  2. Heat a nonstick pan (or grill pan or skillet) over medium heat with about a teaspoon of oil and sear / grill chicken fillets on each side until golden, crispy and cooked through. (Grill in batches to prevent excess water being released.) Once chicken is cooked, set aside and allow to rest.
  3. Wipe pan over with paper towel; drizzle with another teaspoon of oil and fry the bacon until crispy.
  4. Slice chicken into strips and prepare salad with leaves, tomatoes, avocado slices, corn, onion strips and chicken.
  5. Whisk 2 tablespoons of water into the remaining untouched marinade / dressing and drizzle over the salad. Sprinkle the bacon over the top and season with a little extra salt and cracked pepper (optional).

Notes

  • Tip: We like to sear our chicken pieces for a beautiful, crispy finish.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 390
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 680mg
  • Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 4g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

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