When you want a salad that’s both healthy and incredibly delicious, this Honey Mustard Chicken Chopped Salad hits every mark perfectly. This vibrant salad combines tender, seasoned chicken breast with a colorful mix of fresh vegetables, all brought together by a tangy-sweet honey mustard dressing that makes every bite irresistible. The beauty of a chopped salad lies in getting a little bit of everything in each forkful, and this version delivers with crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy vegetables, and protein-packed chicken. Perfect for meal prep, light dinners, or impressive lunch gatherings, this salad proves that eating healthy never has to be boring.
Serves: 4-6 people
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the chicken:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the honey mustard dressing:
- 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried herbs (thyme or oregano)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the salad:
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 cups baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 large cucumber, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely diced
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese or goat cheese
- 1/2 cup toasted nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- 1/4 cup fresh herbs (parsley or chives), chopped
Preparing the Perfect Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes to absorb the flavors.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form.
Flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked through completely.
Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then dice it into small, bite-sized pieces. This resting time keeps the chicken juicy and tender.
Creating the Honey Mustard Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey until smooth. The mixture should be well combined with no streaks of honey visible.
Slowly add the apple cider vinegar while whisking continuously. Then gradually drizzle in the olive oil, whisking constantly to create a smooth, creamy dressing.
Add the minced garlic and dried herbs, then season with salt and pepper to taste. The dressing should have a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory flavors.
Chopping Your Vegetables
The key to a great chopped salad is uniform, small pieces that fit nicely on your fork. Chop the romaine lettuce and spinach into bite-sized pieces, about 1-inch squares.
Dice the cucumber and red bell pepper into small, uniform pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice the red onion. The goal is to have everything roughly the same size so each bite contains a perfect mix of ingredients.
Assembling Your Masterpiece
In a large serving bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce and spinach as your base. Add the diced chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and shredded carrots.
Drizzle about half of the honey mustard dressing over the salad and toss everything together using large spoons or salad tongs. Make sure all ingredients are evenly coated with dressing.
Adding the Final Touches
Sprinkle the crumbled cheese and toasted nuts over the top of the salad. Add the fresh herbs last to maintain their bright color and fresh appearance.
Serve immediately with the remaining dressing on the side, allowing people to add more if desired.
Make-Ahead Magic
This salad is perfect for meal prep. Store the chopped vegetables, cooked chicken, and dressing in separate containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
When ready to eat, combine the ingredients and add the dressing. The vegetables will stay crisp, and the flavors will be bright and fresh.
Serving Suggestions
This salad works beautifully as a complete meal on its own, but you can also serve it alongside crusty bread, pita chips, or a cup of soup for a more substantial meal.
For entertaining, consider serving it in individual bowls or glasses for an elegant presentation that shows off all the colorful layers.
Customization Ideas
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or add seasonal ingredients. Avocado, corn, bell peppers of different colors, or even fresh berries make excellent additions.
For extra protein, consider adding hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or different types of cheese. The honey mustard dressing complements almost any combination you choose.
Storage Tips
Leftover salad without dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain the crispness of the vegetables.
The honey mustard dressing will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week and can be used on other salads or as a dipping sauce for vegetables or chicken.
This Honey Mustard Chicken Chopped Salad transforms simple ingredients into something special, proving that healthy eating can be both satisfying and delicious. Every forkful delivers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will leave you looking forward to your next bite.
