Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means if you click on any Amazon links on my website and make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. It’s a great way to support my blog, so I can keep sharing delicious recipes with you!
This is the ultimate, year-round chicken salad for when you are craving something warm, comforting and delicious with all the healthiness of a salad! Perhaps to combat the food coma after the holidays?
Honey Mustard Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Salad
- Yield: 2 to 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich, flavorful honey-Dijon dressing does double duty as the marinade for chicken! Combined with crisp bacon, avocado, corn, tomatoes, red onions and sharp Cheddar, this recipe is perfect any time you want a flavorful, filling dinner salad!
Ingredients
MARINADE/DRESSING:
- 2/3 cup honey
- 1/3 cup whole-grain mustard
- 1/4 cup smooth Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 2 garlic cloves, minced and mashed to a paste with a pinch of salt
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1–1/2 pounds (about 3 large) chicken breasts
FOR THE SALAD:
- 5 slices thick-cut bacon, cubed
- 1/3 cup corn kernels
- 1 head of Romaine lettuce, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 big handfuls mixed salad greens
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled and sliced
- 2 ounces grated Cheddar
Instructions
- Whisk the marinade ingredients together in a small mixing bowl. Pour about half the marinade over the chicken in a shallow dish; cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Reserve the remaining marinade to use as the dressing and keep refrigerated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the diced bacon and cook until browned and crispy, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Place 1 tablespoon of the fat in a separate small skillet and pour off all but 1 tablespoon of the fat. Return the pan to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing most of the excess to drip off, and cook for about 8 to 10 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. You can finish in the oven at 400°, if necessary. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- When ready to serve, heat the small skillet with the bacon fat over medium-high heat. When hot, add the corn kernels and sear for about 1 minute, until hot and starting to brown. Remove from the heat.
- To prepare the salad: Place the Romaine in a large serving bowl. Top with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, avocado, cheddar, corn kernels, bacon and sliced chicken. Whisk about 3 to 4 tablespoons of water into the reserved dress
Notes
Inspiration: Honey Mustard Chicken Bacon + Avocado Salad on cafedelites.com
- Category: Salads, Chicken