Crispy Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing
This crispy chicken salad is packed with all your favorites and topped with a perfectly sweet tangy honey mustard dressing! This is the salad I grew up loving, finally made paleo! Crispy grain-free “breaded” chicken is tossed with greens, bacon, chopped eggs, tomatoes and avocado to make it just like the classic.
This crispy chicken salad is packed with all your favorites and topped with a perfectly sweet tangy honey mustard dressing! This is the salad I grew up loving, finally made paleo! Crispy grain-free “breaded” chicken is tossed with greens, bacon, chopped eggs, tomatoes and avocado to make it just like the classic.
- 1/2 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup blanched almond flour
- 1 egg (whisked)
- 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard
- 3/4 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 lb chicken tenderloins (or breasts)
- 1/3 cup arrowroot flour (or tapioca)
- 3-4 tbsp coconut oil
- 3 tbsp raw honey (melted (if firm)*)
- 3 tbsp light olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 4 slices nitrate free bacon (sugar free for whole30 cooked
- 1/2 avocado (large or 1 smaller one sliced or chopped)
- 3 eggs (hardboiled cooled and chopped)
- 5 oz container salad greens (or the equivalent fresh
- Carbohydrate 4.87540708347443 g
- Cholesterol 0 mg
- Fat 10.5403091666667 g
- Fiber 2.43983325232598 g
- Protein 4.85678750000621 g
- Saturated Fat 0.803811666666667 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (134g)
- Sodium 268.740541666683 mg
- Sugar 2.43557383114845 g
- Trans Fat 0.496590416666666 g
- Calories 124 calories
Step-by-step
- Whisk together 1 egg, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup almond flour and 1/3 cup arrowroot flour.
- Dip chicken tenderloins in the egg mixture, then dredge in the almond and arrowroot flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Heat 3-4 tbsp coconut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes per side).
- While the chicken cooks, prepare the honey mustard dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup spicy brown mustard, 3 tbsp melted honey, and 3 tbsp olive oil.
- Cook bacon until crispy, then chop.
- Hard-boil 3 eggs, cool, and chop.
- Halve cherry tomatoes.
- Slice avocado.
- To assemble the salad, combine salad greens, cooked chicken, bacon, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, and avocado in a large bowl.
- Drizzle with honey mustard dressing and toss gently to combine.
My Favorite Crispy Chicken Salad: A Paleo Twist on a Classic
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. But I’m passionate about nourishing my family with wholesome food, and this crispy chicken salad has become a staple in our weekly rotation. It’s a perfect blend of satisfying crunch, vibrant flavors, and the ease of preparation that fits perfectly into my busy schedule. This isn't your average limp lettuce and shredded chicken affair; oh no, this is a party in a bowl!
I remember my grandmother making a similar salad when I was a child. The crispy, golden-brown chicken, the smoky bacon, the creamy avocado, the perfectly cooked eggs... it was pure comfort food. But let's be honest, the classic version is far from paleo-friendly. The breadcrumbs, the creamy dressings—they're loaded with hidden sugars and processed ingredients. That’s where my culinary adventure began. I embarked on a quest to recreate the taste and texture of that childhood favorite using only whole, unprocessed ingredients, and let me tell you, it was well worth the effort. This paleo adaptation captures everything I loved about the original, while delivering a healthier, more nutrient-dense meal.
The secret to this salad's irresistible crunch? A clever grain-free breading made with almond flour and arrowroot flour. It’s surprisingly easy to make and yields perfectly crispy chicken every single time. I love how the almond flour adds a delicate nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. The arrowroot flour provides the binding and crisping magic needed. And the honey mustard dressing? It’s the perfect sweet and tangy counterpoint to the savory chicken and bacon. It's simple to whip up and adds that extra layer of flavor that takes this salad from good to unforgettable.
Beyond the fantastic taste, this salad is incredibly versatile. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences or what you have on hand. Feel free to swap out the cherry tomatoes for other vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers. Add some crumbled feta cheese for a salty tang (though this would no longer be strictly paleo). Love a little heat? Add some chopped jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the dressing. The possibilities are endless!
But the real beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. From start to finish, this salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it the perfect weeknight meal. It's equally delicious for lunch or dinner, and even makes a great make-ahead meal prep option. I often prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time, then assemble the salad just before serving to keep the greens crisp and the avocado fresh. This allows me to enjoy a nutritious and flavorful meal without sacrificing my precious time.
This isn't just a salad; it's a celebration of wholesome ingredients and flavorful combinations. It's a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or complicated. It’s a dish that brings back cherished childhood memories while embracing a healthier lifestyle. So ditch the heavy, processed salads and embrace the vibrant, delicious world of paleo cuisine. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a new favorite in your household, too.
Pro Tip: For an even crispier chicken, let the breaded chicken sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flour to absorb some moisture, resulting in a crispier crust.
Variations:
- Add some crunch: Toasted sunflower seeds or slivered almonds add a nice crunch and boost of healthy fats.
- Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the dressing adds a kick.
- Make it a meal prep star: Prepare the chicken and dressing ahead of time and store separately. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Customize your greens: Feel free to use any mix of greens you prefer, such as spinach, romaine, or kale.
This crispy chicken salad is more than just a recipe; it's a delicious way to nourish yourself and your family with whole, unprocessed ingredients. It's a celebration of flavor, texture, and the simple joy of healthy eating. So go ahead, give it a try and experience the difference for yourself.
