Honey Mustard Chicken, Avocado + Bacon Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Mustard Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest.
3. Make the Honey Mustard Glaze: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Glaze the Chicken: Return the chicken to the skillet, coating each piece in the honey mustard glaze. Remove from heat and slice the chicken into strips.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad

1. Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large salad bowl, toss together the mixed greens, sliced avocados, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
2. Add the Chicken: Arrange the sliced honey mustard chicken on top of the salad.

Step 3: Prepare the Honey Mustard Dressing

1. Whisk Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, honey, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the honey mustard dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure all the ingredients are evenly coated.

Step 4: Serve

1. Presentation: Serve the salad immediately, ensuring each plate has a generous portion of greens, avocado, bacon, and honey mustard chicken.
2. Optional Garnishes: For an extra touch of flavor and texture, consider adding a sprinkle of crumbled feta or goat cheese, or a handful of toasted nuts or seeds.

Tips for Success:

• Marinating the Chicken: For even more flavor, you can marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar for 30 minutes to an hour before cooking.
• Cooking the Bacon: For perfectly crispy bacon, lay the strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy.
• Avocado Slicing: Slice the avocados just before serving to prevent them from browning. A squeeze of lemon juice can also help keep them fresh and vibrant.

Enjoy your Honey Mustard Chicken, Avocado + Bacon Salad, a dish that promises a delightful mix of flavors and textures, perfect for any mealtime.