Honey Mustard Chicken Salad Bowl

This Honey Mustard Chicken Salad is my favorite meal when I want something hearty yet fresh. Juicy marinated chicken lays over crisp greens and sweet-tangy fruits, with slivered almonds and gorgonzola crumbles for rich texture. The honey mustard dressing ties everything together with creamy zing in every bite.

This salad turned into my summer potluck favorite after I made it for a picnic with friends and there was not a single leaf left. Now my family asks for it when blueberries are at their peak.

Ingredients

• Plain Greek yogurt: brings creaminess to the dressing and keeps it light Choose a high-quality yogurt with no added sugar for best flavor
• Yellow mustard and Dijon mustard: double up for tangy zip Select real Dijon for subtle heat
• Honey: adds mellow sweetness Raw or local honey gives the brightest flavor and extra health perks
• Fresh lemon zest: brightens up the dressing and marinade Always zest before juicing the lemon
• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: are lean and perfect for the grill Opt for organic or air-chilled for best texture
• Soy sauce: forms the umami-rich base of the marinade Tamari or coconut aminos both work for gluten-free needs
• Extra virgin olive oil: lends richness and helps keep the chicken moist during grilling Go for cold-pressed if possible
• Worcestershire sauce: adds savory complexity Look for a version without added sugar
• Minced garlic: infuses every bite so use fresh cloves for big flavor
• Romaine lettuce: gives plenty of crunch Choose crisp firm heads with no browning
• Gorgonzola cheese: brings creamy tang Pick a wedge for fresher crumbles instead of pre-crumbled cheese
• Slivered almonds: give the salad its signature crunch Toast briefly in a dry pan if you want extra flavor
• Bacon: offers smoky salty pops Make your own crispy bacon for the best texture
• Blueberries: provide juicy bursts of sweetness Go for plump deep-blue berries with no shriveling
• Dried cranberries or cherries: contribute tangy chew Unsweetened versions let you control the salad’s sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dressing:

Combine Greek yogurt yellow mustard Dijon mustard honey lemon zest salt and black pepper in a wide-mouth jar. Shake vigorously with the lid on until completely smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and add more honey or lemon to adjust sweetness and brightness as you like. Chill in the refrigerator until assembling the salad.

Marinate the Chicken:

In a small bowl whisk soy sauce olive oil Worcestershire sauce minced garlic lemon juice lemon zest salt and pepper. Pour mixture over chicken breasts in a shallow dish or zip bag ensuring every piece is coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least thirty minutes to develop flavor.

Grill the Chicken:

Heat your grill to a medium temperature about four hundred degrees. Clean the grates well so nothing sticks. Remove chicken from the marinade letting any excess drip off Place on the grill over direct heat and cook for four to five minutes per side. Then move to indirect heat and cook another five to seven minutes without flipping until a thermometer registers one hundred sixty at the thickest part.

Rest and Slice the Chicken:

Take the chicken off the grill and let it rest for five minutes so the juices settle inside. As the meat rests it will continue to cook up to a safe one hundred sixty five degrees. Slice into bite sized strips or cubes depending on your preference.

Assemble the Salads:

Divide romaine lettuce among four bowls. Top each with a portion of grilled chicken bacon slivered almonds gorgonzola blueberries and dried cranberries. Give the dressing another shake or stir then drizzle it evenly over the salads.

Serve:

Enjoy your hearty honey mustard chicken salad immediately while everything is crisp and fresh.

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I am obsessed with using really good local honey in this dressing because it transforms the flavor It brings back memories of collecting honey at a nearby farm with my kids before tossing together this exact salad for our family dinner That honey always makes it extra-special

Best Ways to Store Leftovers

If you want to keep salad fresh store all elements separately The chicken can stay juicy for up to three days in an airtight container in the fridge. The mixed greens blueberries and dressing each go in their own containers Assemble right before serving so nothing gets soggy If you pre-dress the salad only do so if you know it will be eaten within an hour

Ingredient Swaps for Any Pantry

You can swap chicken breasts for boneless chicken thighs for a juicier bite If you do not eat dairy use a plant-based yogurt and leave out the gorgonzola cheese For the nuts pepitas or toasted walnuts also add great crunch and are perfect for anyone with an almond allergy

How To Serve for Extra Appeal

Scatter a little extra lemon zest or fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the top for a restaurant look Serve this salad with crusty bread slices which soak up any extra honey mustard dressing This works as a packed lunch as well Spoon it into a container with a separate jar of dressing to drizzle before eating

Why This Salad Fits All Seasons

This salad is an American classic but you can easily give it a seasonal spin Swap in strawberries or apple slices in fall or use spinach during winter It is filling enough for dinner but fresh and colorful for any time of year I love how the recipe flexes to whatever is best at the market right now

Recipe FAQs

→ How do I ensure juicy grilled chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes and let it rest after grilling to lock in juices. Avoid overcooking; aim for an internal temp of 165°F.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and offer even more juiciness and flavor. Adjust grilling time as needed for the thicker cut.

→ What yogurt alternatives are suitable for dairy-free dressing?

Use any plain, unsweetened dairy-free yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt to maintain creaminess in the dressing.

→ Can the salad be made ahead of time?

Marinate the chicken and prep ingredients in advance, but assemble the salad and toss with dressing just before serving for best texture.

→ What other toppings work well with this dish?

Fresh herbs, roasted seeds, sliced avocado, or different cheeses can be added for extra flavor and variety.