🥗🔥 Honey Mustard Chicken, Avocado + Bacon Salad
Description:
This bold and flavorful salad features juicy grilled honey mustard chicken, crispy bacon, creamy avocado, and fresh mixed greens. It’s a satisfying and nutrient-rich meal perfect for low-carb, high-protein lifestyles—without sacrificing flavor. Ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients 🛒
Main Salad:
- 1 large grilled chicken breast (sliced)
- 2–3 slices crispy bacon (crumbled)
- 1 ripe avocado (sliced)
- 2–3 cups mixed salad greens (e.g., spinach, arugula, romaine)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- 1/4 red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
For the Honey Mustard Dressing (also used to marinate chicken):
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions ✅
- Make the Dressing/Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and pepper. - Marinate and Cook Chicken:
Coat the chicken breast with half the dressing and let sit for 15–30 minutes (optional). Grill or pan-sear for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Rest and slice. - Cook the Bacon:
Fry bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towel, then crumble. - Assemble the Salad:
On a large plate or bowl, layer mixed greens, sliced avocado, cherry tomatoes, and onion. Top with sliced chicken and bacon. - Drizzle & Serve:
Drizzle the remaining honey mustard dressing over the salad. Serve immediately.
Servings:
Serves 2
(Recipe can easily be doubled or scaled for meal prep.)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~450–500 kcal
- Protein: ~35g
- Fat: ~30g (from bacon, avocado, and olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: ~10–12g (mainly from honey and vegetables)
- Fiber: ~5g
- Sugar: ~6g
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on serving size and exact ingredients used.
Health Benefits 🌿
- 🐓 Lean Protein: Chicken breast supports muscle growth and keeps you full.
- 🥑 Heart-Healthy Fats: Avocado provides fiber and monounsaturated fats.
- 🥬 Low-Carb Friendly: Great for keto and low-carb diets.
- 🥓 Bacon for Flavor: Adds crunch and savory depth (can be subbed with turkey bacon).
- 🍯 Balanced Dressing: Honey mustard provides a flavorful yet moderate-calorie dressing.
Pro Tips & Notes 🔥
- Make It Dairy-Free: No cheese means it’s naturally dairy-free.
- Meal Prep Tip: Store dressing separately to keep greens crisp.
- Add Extra Crunch: Toss in nuts (like pecans or almonds) or seeds (sunflower, pumpkin).
- Custom Protein: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp, tofu, or steak.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based bacon and grilled tofu, and maple syrup in place of honey.
Q&A Section ❓
Q: Can I cook the chicken without marinating it?
A: Yes, but marinating adds flavor and moisture. Even 15 minutes helps!
Q: How long will leftovers last?
A: 1–2 days refrigerated. Keep dressing and avocado separate for freshness.
Q: Can I use store-bought dressing?
A: Sure! Look for a low-sugar honey mustard if watching carbs.
Q: What greens work best?
A: Arugula, baby spinach, and romaine are great. Mix for variety.
Q: Is this salad keto-friendly?
A: Yes—just reduce or omit the honey to minimize carbs further.