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Quick & High-Protein Honey Mustard Chicken Salad with Bacon and Avocado

A mound of creamy honey mustard chicken salad topped with diced avocado and crispy bacon bits on a white plate.

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This is the best Honey Mustard Chicken Salad recipe you will make. It is high in protein, uses a creamy no-mayo dressing, and includes bacon and avocado for maximum flavor. It is ready in 10 minutes, making it perfect for meal prep or a quick lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast
  • 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 ripe avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (for creaminess, optional for dairy-free)
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. If starting with raw chicken, cook and shred 2 chicken breasts. You need 2 cups of cooked chicken.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and garlic powder until smooth. This is your creamy Dijon honey dressing.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, celery, red onion, and parsley.
  4. Pour the honey mustard dressing over the chicken mixture.
  5. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated. Avoid overmixing to keep the avocado intact.
  6. Taste the salad and add salt and pepper as needed.
  7. Serve immediately, or chill for 30 minutes for flavors to meld. This is a great sandwich filling idea or a standalone high protein lunch recipe.

Notes

  • For a dairy-free or no-mayo option, skip the Greek yogurt and use 1/4 cup of mashed avocado or a dairy-free yogurt alternative in the dressing mixture.
  • This salad is naturally gluten free.
  • For a savory sweet salad variation, add 1/4 cup of dried cranberries or sliced grapes.
  • This recipe is excellent for weeknight chicken dinner prep; it keeps well for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

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