Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Bacon is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors that makes for a perfect lunch or light dinner. Tender grilled or roasted chicken combines with crisp lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, and crispy bacon, all drizzled with a luscious honey mustard dressing. The combination of textures and flavors creates a satisfying salad that’s both hearty and refreshing.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick to make, packed with protein, and bursting with flavor. Each bite delivers a harmonious mix of sweet, tangy, and savory, and the crispy bacon elevates the salad to something indulgent yet healthy.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• A perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Healthy, protein-rich, and satisfying
• Ideal for lunch, dinner, or entertaining
• Customizable with favorite veggies or proteins

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes (if cooking chicken and bacon from scratch)
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Servings, Calories, Course & Cuisine

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~450 calories per serving
• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, sliced or shredded
• 4 cups mixed salad greens (lettuce, spinach, arugula)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup cucumber, sliced
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 4 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
• ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
• ¼ cup crumbled feta or blue cheese (optional)

For the Honey Mustard Dressing

• 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Cook chicken: Grill, bake, or pan-sear chicken until fully cooked and slice into strips.
2. Cook bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces.
3. Prepare dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, and vinegar. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Assemble salad: In a large bowl, combine salad greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, red onion, and crumbled cheese if using.
5. Add protein and bacon: Top with sliced chicken and crispy bacon.
6. Dress salad: Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and toss gently to combine.
7. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare ingredients: Wash and chop vegetables, slice cooked chicken.
2. Cook bacon: Fry until crispy, chop, and set aside.
3. Make dressing: Whisk together mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
4. Combine salad: Toss greens, tomatoes, cucumber, carrots, red onion, and optional cheese.
5. Top with protein: Add chicken and bacon.
6. Dress salad: Pour honey mustard dressing over salad and toss lightly.
7. Serve: Plate and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve

Serve this salad as a main course for lunch or dinner, or as a side for BBQs or brunch. Pair with crusty bread or garlic toast for a complete meal. Garnish with extra herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.

Recipe Tips

• Use leftover roasted chicken for a quicker version.
• Toast nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch.
• Adjust honey or mustard in the dressing to taste.
• Serve immediately after tossing to keep bacon crispy.
• Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter option.

Variations

• Southwest Version: Add black beans, corn, and avocado; use a chipotle honey mustard dressing.
• Asian Twist: Add shredded carrots, cucumber, and sesame seeds; swap dressing for honey soy sesame dressing.
• Fruit Addition: Add sliced apples or pears for a sweet contrast.
• Cheese Swap: Replace feta with blue cheese, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar.
• Grilled Vegetables: Add roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store dressing separately in an airtight container up to 3–4 days. Store salad greens separately for freshness. Cooked chicken and bacon can be stored in fridge up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for assembled salad; chicken and bacon can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or grill pan for chicken and bacon
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk for dressing
• Salad tongs

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving to keep bacon and greens crisp.

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely—perfect for a quick version.

Q: Can I make the dressing lighter?
A: Use Greek yogurt instead of olive oil for a creamier, lighter dressing.

Q: Can I omit bacon?
A: Yes, it will still be delicious without bacon or use turkey bacon as a healthier alternative.

Conclusion

Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Bacon is a satisfying, flavorful, and colorful dish that balances sweet, tangy, and savory notes. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light meal, it’s quick to prepare and highly customizable. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a luscious honey mustard dressing, this salad is a must-try for anyone seeking a hearty, delicious, and healthy meal.