Flavor-Packed Chopped Salad with Chicken and Honey Mustard Dressing
Are you ready to take your salad game to a whole new level of deliciousness? This chopped salad is so packed with goodness, even your veggies will be high-fiving each other! Imagine juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a medley of fresh veggies all hanging out in one bowl, topped with a homemade honey mustard dressing that’s the life of the party. Get your forks ready, because this salad is about to make your taste buds dance!
Chopped Salad with Chicken and Homemade Honey Mustard Dressing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes / Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked ingredients)
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (or homemade grilled chicken)
- 4 cups chopped iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup diced cucumber
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Honey Mustard Dressing
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Assemble the salad:
In a large bowl, combine iceberg lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, bacon, and rotisserie chicken.
Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
For the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and emulsified.
Add the dressing to the chopped salad and mix to combine (or serve the dressing on the side if desired!)
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out the feta with your favorite cheese—goat cheese, blue cheese, or even shredded cheddar can work wonders.
How long can I store the homemade honey mustard dressing?
You can store the homemade honey mustard dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just give it a good shake before using!
Is there a vegetarian version of this salad?
Definitely! Simply omit the chicken and bacon, and consider adding chickpeas or tofu for some extra protein.
Can I prepare the ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Chop the veggies and chicken ahead of time. Cook the bacon and make the honey mustard dressing. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the salad just before serving for maximum freshness.
Variation Ideas for Chopped Salad
This chopped salad is such a great basic recipe that you can add and subtract ingredients whenever you want – to use ingredients you already have or to customize to different palates! Some ideas for variations are:
1. Mediterranean Twist: Add Kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and swap the honey mustard dressing for a tangy Greek vinaigrette.
2. Southwest Flair: Include black beans, corn, and jalapeños, and top with a zesty lime-cilantro dressing.
3. Fruit Fusion: Toss in some diced apples, dried cranberries, and walnuts, and drizzle with a balsamic vinaigrette.
4. Asian-Inspired: Add edamame, shredded carrots, and mandarin orange segments, and dress with a sesame ginger dressing.
5. Protein Boost: Incorporate hard-boiled eggs, quinoa, and sunflower seeds for an extra punch of protein and crunch.
6. Vegan Delight: Replace chicken and bacon with marinated tofu and roasted chickpeas, and use a vegan honey mustard or tahini dressing.
7. Italian Flair: Add pepperoncini, roasted red peppers, and mozzarella balls, and dress with a classic Italian dressing.
8. Spicy Kick: Include some sliced radishes, pickled jalapeños, and a spicy sriracha mayo dressing for a bit of heat.
9. Berry Good: Mix in fresh strawberries, blueberries, and slivered almonds, and drizzle with a poppy seed dressing.
10. Herb Garden: Add fresh herbs like basil, cilantro, or dill, and use a lemon herb vinaigrette for a burst of fresh flavor.
