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Grilled Chicken Salad Honey

Section: Fresh and Vibrant Salad Recipes

This vibrant salad features tender grilled chicken breast marinated in a tangy honey mustard sauce. Tossed with romaine lettuce, avocado, corn, tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, it’s a fresh, colorful meal that’s quick to prepare. The honey mustard doubles as a marinade and dressing base, offering a creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor that ties everything together. Perfect for a light dinner or healthy lunch, this salad is both satisfying and nutritious.

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Recipe Author Maria
Updated as of Tue, 15 Jul 2025 16:59:09 GMT
A grilled chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. Bookmark
A grilled chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. | foodbymary.com

This easy grilled chicken breast is transformed with a creamy tangy honey mustard sauce that works as both a marinade and dressing. This salad offers a light meal bursting with fresh vibrant flavors and satisfying protein.

I first made this during a busy week and found it to be a quick way to enjoy a healthy satisfying meal that my family loved immediately

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Pounded thin for even cooking and tenderness
  • Romaine lettuce hearts: Crisp fresh greens washed thoroughly
  • Cherry tomatoes: Halved to add juicy sweetness and vibrant color
  • Corn kernels: Bring a touch of natural sweetness fresh or frozen works well
  • Cucumber: Thinly sliced for cool refreshing crunch
  • Red onion: Adds sharpness and beautiful purple color
  • Ripe avocado: Sliced for creamy texture and richness
  • Cooked bacon: Chopped for smoky salty bites
  • Honey mustard: Used as both marinade and dressing base for balanced flavor
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Brings smooth richness
  • Fresh lemon juice: Adds bright acidity
  • Garlic: Minced finely for subtle pungency
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste

Step by Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Place the pounded chicken breasts in a medium bowl. Toss gently with two tablespoons of honey mustard to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate while heating the grill or grill pan. Marinating does not need to be long to infuse good flavor.
Prepare the Dressing:
In a small bowl or jar combine the remaining honey mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk or shake vigorously until smooth and well blended.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken about four minutes on each side until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove and let rest on a plate while assembling the salad.
Assemble the Salad:
Fill a large bowl with chopped romaine lettuce. Scatter chopped bacon, halved tomatoes, corn kernels, cucumber slices, red onion slices and sliced avocado over the lettuce. Slice the grilled chicken breasts into strips and arrange evenly on top.
Dress and Serve:
Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients. Add additional pepper if desired. Serve immediately for the freshest flavor.
A grilled chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. Bookmark
A grilled chicken salad with honey mustard dressing. | foodbymary.com

Storage Tips

Store leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. Dress only before serving to prevent wilting.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap romaine for iceberg or spring mix for different textures. Try substituting turkey bacon or omit bacon to lighten the salad further. Feel free to add nuts cheese or hard boiled eggs for extra protein and flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with warm dinner rolls or crusty baguette slices to round out the meal. Pair with a creamy mushroom soup or your favorite light soup for a comforting combination. Crispy baked sweet potato fries also complement the fresh crispness of the salad well.

A salad with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Bookmark
A salad with grilled chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. | foodbymary.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What type of chicken works best?

Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to an even thickness for quick, uniform grilling and juicy results.

→ Can I use frozen corn?

Yes, frozen corn works well. Thaw before adding or briefly cook to enhance sweetness.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate for at least 15 minutes; even a short time allows the honey mustard flavor to penetrate.

→ What can I substitute for romaine lettuce?

Iceberg lettuce or mixed greens make excellent alternatives depending on your preference.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store salad and dressing separately in airtight containers. Add dressing just before serving to keep salad fresh.

Grilled Chicken Salad Honey

A fresh, colorful grilled chicken salad with tangy honey mustard and vibrant veggies for a light, flavorful meal.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Time
10 minutes
Overall Time
25 minutes
Recipe Author: Maria

Dish Category: Salads

Recipe Difficulty: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine: American

Serves: 2 Serving Size (2 servings)

Dietary Options: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need to Cook

→ Chicken

Ingredient 01 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin and trimmed

→ Vegetables

Ingredient 02 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce hearts, washed
Ingredient 03 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Ingredient 04 1 cup corn kernels, fresh or frozen
Ingredient 05 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
Ingredient 06 1/4 cup red onion, peeled and thinly sliced
Ingredient 07 1 ripe avocado, halved, peeled, and sliced

→ Other

Ingredient 08 4 slices cooked bacon, cooled and chopped
Ingredient 09 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Honey Mustard Dressing

Ingredient 10 3 tablespoons honey mustard
Ingredient 11 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Ingredient 12 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Ingredient 13 1 clove garlic, finely minced
Ingredient 14 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Prepare

Step 01

Place the pounded chicken breasts in a medium bowl and toss gently with 2 tablespoons of honey mustard to coat. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the grill.

Step 02

Combine remaining honey mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl or jar. Whisk or shake until well blended.

Step 03

Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill chicken about 4 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest on a plate while assembling salad.

Step 04

In a large bowl, arrange chopped romaine lettuce. Top with bacon, tomatoes, corn, cucumber, red onion, and sliced avocado. Slice grilled chicken and place evenly over the salad.

Step 05

Drizzle prepared honey mustard dressing over salad. Toss gently to combine and season with additional pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

Extra Cooking Tips

  1. Pounding chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures uniform cooking and prevents dryness.
  2. Add dressing only to the portion you plan to eat to keep leftover salad fresh longer.
  3. If you’re making this indoors, I highly recommend using a grill pan to get those perfect grill marks and juicy flavor without an outdoor grill. I personally use the Lodge Cast Iron Grill Pan, and it’s a total game-changer for recipes like this. 👉 Grab it here on Amazon.

Must-Have Tools

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board

Allergen Information

Always check ingredient labels for allergens and seek expert advice if uncertain.
  • Contains mustard and garlic; check for individual sensitivities.
  • Contains bacon; avoid if allergic to pork or cured meats.

Nutrition Info (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance and aren’t a replacement for professional advice.
  • Calories Count: 420
  • Fats: 25 grams
  • Carbs: 20 grams
  • Proteins: 35 grams