Meal-Prep Honey Mustard Chicken Dense Bean Salad
My biggest challenge was creating a salad that felt like a full meal. I needed something packed with protein that would keep me full for hours.
After many tries in my kitchen, I finally found the perfect answer. I made a honey mustard chicken dense bean salad that is truly amazing. This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and is full of great flavors.
Key Takeaways
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes for flavor.
- Let the finished salad rest before serving.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
I am excited to share this simple and delicious recipe with you all. It will solve all your meal prep problems and keep you feeling great.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
Here is a quick look at what you need for this simple recipe. It is easy to make and does not need a lot of time to prepare.
Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time | Yield | Skill Level | Spice Level |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
15 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 30 Minutes | 4-5 Servings | Beginner | Mild |
Why is a Honey Mustard Chicken Dense Bean Salad a must-try for lunch?
This salad is a wonderful choice for a satisfying and easy lunch meal. It is full of healthy things and tastes amazing with every single bite.
The Perfect Balance of Macronutrients
This salad has a great mix of protein, carbs, and healthy fats. The chicken and beans give you lots of protein to feel full. The beans also provide good carbohydrates for long lasting energy. A light dressing adds the right amount of healthy fats.
A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
You will love the amazing taste of this special chicken bean salad. The sweet honey and tangy mustard make a perfect pair for the chicken. The different kinds of beans add a nice, earthy taste. All the flavors come together to make a truly delicious meal.
Unbelievably Versatile and Meal-Prep Friendly
This salad is great for a quick and easy lunch during a busy week. You can make a big batch of it at the start of the week. It stays fresh and tastes great for days, saving you lots of time. It is a perfect meal prep solution for your lunches.
How to Prepare the Honey Mustard Chicken Dense Bean Salad

Making this salad is very simple if you follow these easy steps. Let’s get all of our delicious ingredients ready to make our salad.
Ingredients | Amount | Alternative |
---|---|---|
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1 lb (about 2 large) | Chicken Thighs or Rotisserie Chicken |
Canned Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans) | 1 (15-ounce) can | Cannellini or Kidney Beans |
Canned Black Beans | 1 (15-ounce) can | Pinto or White Beans |
Red Onion | ½ medium | Shallots or Green Onions |
Bell Pepper (any color) | 1 medium | Cucumber or Celery |
Dijon Mustard | ⅓ cup | Whole Grain Mustard |
Honey | ¼ cup | Maple Syrup (for a different flavor) |
Olive Oil | ¼ cup | Avocado Oil |
Apple Cider Vinegar | 2 tablespoons | White Vinegar or Lemon Juice |
Salt and Pepper | To taste | Your favorite spice blend |
Step 1: Prepping and Cooking the Chicken
First, you should prepare the chicken for your tasty salad. Pat the chicken breasts dry and add some salt and pepper. Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat on the stove.
Cook the chicken for about 7 to 8 minutes on each side. The chicken is done when it is cooked through and white inside. Let it rest for a few minutes and then chop it.
Step 2: Creating the Dense Bean Base
Now, you will need to prepare the bean base for your salad. Open the cans of chickpeas and black beans and drain them well. Rinse the beans under cold water to remove the extra starch.
Chop the red onion and bell pepper into small, bite-sized pieces. Put the rinsed beans and chopped veggies into a very large bowl. This mixture is the hearty foundation of your delicious salad.
Step 3: Whisking the Signature Honey Mustard Dressing
It is time to make the sweet and tangy dressing for the salad. In a small bowl, add the dijon mustard, honey, and olive oil. Also pour in the apple cider vinegar for a little bit of tang.
Whisk all of these ingredients together until the dressing is smooth. You can add a little salt and pepper to taste if you want. This dressing gives the salad its special, delicious flavor.
Step 4: Assembling Your Masterpiece
This is the final step to putting your whole salad together. Pour the chopped chicken into the large bowl with the beans and veggies. Drizzle the honey mustard dressing you made all over everything.
Gently toss all of the ingredients together until they are well coated. Be careful not to mix too hard, so the beans stay whole. Your amazing salad is now ready for you to serve.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Result
Here are a few simple tips that will make your salad taste even better. Following these small tricks can make a big difference in flavor.
Marinate the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
For chicken that tastes extra good, let it marinate before cooking. Pour half of your honey mustard dressing over the raw chicken. Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
This helps the chicken soak up all the delicious sweet and tangy flavors. The result is juicy, flavorful chicken in every single salad bite.
The Ideal Bean Combination
Using a mix of different beans makes your salad more interesting. I like to use chickpeas and black beans for different textures. You can also try kidney beans or cannellini beans for variety.
The different shapes and colors make the salad look very pretty. A good mix of beans makes the salad feel heartier.
Let it Rest Before Serving
After you mix everything, let the salad rest for a little while. Let it sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before you eat it. This gives the flavors time to blend together for a better taste.
The chicken, beans, and veggies will absorb the yummy dressing. This small step makes a big difference in the final taste.
Don’t Dress it All at Once
If you are making the salad to eat later, store the dressing separately. This will keep the vegetables and beans from getting too soft.
Pour the dressing over the salad just before you are ready to serve it. This keeps everything fresh and crunchy for a much longer time. It is a great tip for meal prepping this yummy salad.
The Importance of Fresh Herbs
Adding fresh herbs can make your salad taste even more wonderful. Chopped parsley or cilantro can add a burst of fresh flavor.
You can mix the herbs into the salad right before you serve it. The green color of the herbs also makes the salad look more appealing. It is a simple way to add another layer of taste.
How to Store and Serve Your Honey Mustard Chicken Dense Bean Salad
Knowing how to store and serve your salad helps keep it fresh and tasty. Here are the best ways to enjoy your delicious creation every time.
The Storing Method
- To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge.
- The salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days.
- If possible, store the dressing in a separate small container.
The Serving Method
- Serve this salad chilled straight from the refrigerator for a refreshing meal.
- You can enjoy it on its own or on a bed of lettuce.
- It also tastes great inside a pita pocket or a wrap.
Variations to try
It is fun to try new things with this easy salad recipe. These simple changes can give your salad a whole new and exciting flavor.
For a Spicy Kick
If you like a little bit of heat, this is a great idea. Add some finely chopped jalapeños to your salad for a spicy taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing.
This gives the sweet and tangy sauce a surprising and warm kick. It makes the salad even more exciting to eat every time.
Add a Crunchy Element
Adding something crunchy can make the salad’s texture even better. Try adding some chopped almonds or sunflower seeds for a nice crunch. Crispy bacon bits are also a very delicious and savory addition.
Add these crunchy items just before serving to keep them from getting soft. They add a great contrast to the soft beans and chicken.
Vegetarian and Vegan Alternatives
You can easily make this salad without any meat for your friends. Use a can of chickpeas instead of chicken for a vegetarian option.
For a vegan salad, use maple syrup instead of honey in the dressing. This makes a tasty salad that everyone can enjoy together. It is a great plant-based meal for any day.
Common Mistakes, Solution and Prevention
Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the perfect salad. Learn how to fix and prevent them for a great dish every time.
Mistake #01: The Salad is Too Dry or Too Dressed
- Solution: If your salad is dry, mix in a little more olive oil. If it is too wet, add more beans or chicken.
- Prevention: Add the dressing a little at a time while mixing. This helps you control how much dressing goes in the salad.
Mistake #02: Bland and Unseasoned Chicken
- Solution: If your cooked chicken is bland, toss it in extra dressing. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavor.
- Prevention: Always season chicken with salt and pepper before cooking. Marinating the chicken in dressing adds a lot of flavor.
Mistake #03: A Mushy, Overmixed Salad
- Solution: A mushy salad is hard to fix. Try adding some crunchy vegetables like fresh bell peppers or celery.
- Prevention: Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold the ingredients. Do not stir too fast or too much to protect the beans.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of beans for this salad?
Yes, you can use other beans like kidney, pinto, or cannellini beans. A mix of beans adds great color and texture to the salad.
How long can I store the honey mustard chicken dense bean salad?
You can store this salad in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your Dijon mustard is certified gluten-free if you are sensitive.
Honey Mustard Chicken Dense Bean Salad
A hearty, flavorful salad with chicken and beans in a tangy dressing.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 (15-ounce) can Canned Chickpeas
- 1 (15-ounce) can Canned Black Beans
- ½ medium Red Onion
- 1 medium Bell Pepper
- ⅓ cup Dijon Mustard
- ¼ cup Honey
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken, then cook until done.
- Rest and chop the cooked chicken.
- Rinse beans and chop the vegetables.
- Combine beans and vegetables in a bowl.
- Whisk dressing ingredients until very smooth.
- Add chicken to the vegetable bowl.
- Pour dressing over salad and toss.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for 30 minutes for flavor.
- Let the finished salad rest before serving.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator.
You now have the simple steps to create a truly great meal. This honey mustard chicken dense bean salad is perfect for a quick lunch. It is healthy, filling, and tastes wonderful every single time.
Give this recipe a try and see how easy it is to make. Share your experience with this delicious salad in the comments below.
What did you think of this tasty and simple dish?