The best Honey Mustard Salad Dressing Recipe takes this chicken and veggie salad to the next level, topped with crunchy bacon and creamy avocado.


author’s note
Five-Ingredient Honey Mustard Salad Dressing!
This Crispy Chicken Salad is a favorite at my house, and it inspired me to create a dressing similar to the one in that salad, but without the BBQ sauce. This creamy, delicious dressing is seriously the best part of any dish.
While store-bought dressings are convenient, this homemade version is just as quick and easy. With only five ingredients, all you need to do is whisk everything together, and your dressing is ready in no time.
It’s so tasty that I often double the recipe to use as a veggie dip or for other snacks throughout the week.

Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe Ingredients
| Ingredient | Swaps & Tips |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | Use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version. |
| Yellow Mustard | Dijon works for a spicier kick, but the flavor changes. |
| Honey | Maple syrup works if you are out of honey. |
| Red Wine Vinegar | White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar work too. |
| Salt & Pepper | Taste as you go, start small and adjust. |
How To Make Honey Mustard Dressing Recipe:
- Whisk together: In a small bowl, whisk mayo, mustard, and honey until smooth.
- Add flavor: Stir in red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Chill: Place the dressing in a jar with a lid and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
- Serve: Drizzle over salad right before serving, or use as a dip.
Storage
Dress the salad right before serving and only what you’ll eat that day. Store leftover dressing in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days. Stir or shake before using.
More Delicious Salads:

Honey Mustard Salad Dressing (with crispy chicken salad)
Video
Equipment
- Large pan or griddle
Ingredients
- 5 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes or quartered
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion 1/4 of a large onion
- 1 large avocado thinly sliced or chopped
- 6 slices center cut bacon cooked and chopped
- 2 cups chopped cooked chicken or thinly sliced, see note 1
Instructions
- Start by adding all the dressing ingredients into a small bowl. Add honey to personal preference (I like 2 tablespoons). Season to taste with salt and pepper (I add 1/4 teaspoon each). Whisk together with a fork or small whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust to personal preference. Transfer dressing to a jar with a lid and refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and chill before adding to the salad.
- Chicken: See note 1.
- Heat a large pan or griddle over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook until crispy, about 6–8 minutes, flipping once halfway through. Transfer bacon to a paper-towel-lined plate and let cool slightly. Chop coarsely for the salad.
- Chop the lettuce and add to a large bowl or platter. Top lettuce with cooked chicken, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a thinly sliced or chopped avocado. Drizzle on dressing to personal preference. (You may not use all the dressing; use any leftover dressing on other salads or with veggies. Dressing stays good for up to 7 days in an airtight container in the fridge). Enjoy salad immediately; salad does not sit well with dressing and avocado.
Recipe Notes
- Quickest option—rotisserie chicken: Purchase a fresh and hot rotisserie chicken and chop it up for this salad. Or for an even quicker prep, a lot of grocery stores have rotisserie chicken that has already been pulled from the bones and shredded.
- Leftover chicken: If you’re making chicken during the week, make some extra and save it for this salad. I recommend making a double batch of this Grilled Chicken Marinade; it’s my favorite!
- Store-bought crispy chicken: While I’m no expert on crispy chicken tenders (I don’t buy them all that often), Taste of Home magazine shares the best chicken to use for this recipe. If you use frozen crispy chicken, I recommend baking the chicken for this salad, not microwaving it. Allow the chicken to slightly cool to a warm temperature, then thinly slice and add to the salad.
- Fresh grilled chicken: If grilling chicken for this salad, I recommend drizzling olive oil and adding a generous amount of salt, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning. Grill until cooked through, about 4–6 minutes per side (or until chicken juices run clear and internal temperatures register 165°F).
- Fresh sautéed chicken: Halve thick chicken breasts and drizzle both sides with olive oil. Sprinkle with a generous amount of salt, pepper, and lemon pepper seasoning. Cook in a hot skillet for about 4–6 minutes per side (or until chicken juices run clear and internal temperatures register 165°F).
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.



















Found this recipe online and just made a batch of the dressing (didn’t get around to making the chicken) and it’s SO good!! The perfect lunch! Thank you!
I am so happy to Hera this! Thanks so much Randa! ๐
So good! Loved all the flavors! The perfect dinner!
I loved this easy dressing I am planning on using it for other salads, but today we tried it with your salad it was an incredible lunch filling and delicious. Thank you.
Love this salad! It makes a perfect summertime meal!
wonderful dressing (and salad) each has everything I love, that is, the salad and the dressing, so thank you!