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Crispy chicken tender salad recipe in a white bowl with romaine lettuce, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and honey mustard dressing

Crispy Chicken Tender Salad

A fresh and satisfying salad topped with golden crispy chicken tenders and drizzled with a quick homemade honey mustard dressing. Ready in 30 minutes and family-approved.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 862

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb breaded chicken tenders fresh or frozen
  • 1 head romaine lettuce chopped, about 6 to 8 cups
  • 1 cup cucumber chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
  • 2 avocados sliced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 cup olive oil light olive oil preferred
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to the temperature listed on the chicken tender package. Arrange tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  2. While the chicken bakes, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, olive oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
  3. Add the chopped romaine, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and sliced avocado to a large bowl. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Once the chicken tenders are done and cool enough to handle, slice them into bite-sized pieces on a cutting board.
  5. Divide the salad between serving bowls, top with sliced crispy chicken tenders, and drizzle generously with honey mustard dressing. Serve immediately.

Notes

Soak sliced red onion in cold water for 5 minutes to reduce sharpness. Store all components separately for meal prep and assemble fresh each day. Reheat leftover chicken tenders in an air fryer or oven at 375 degrees F for 5 to 8 minutes to restore crunch. Dressing keeps refrigerated in a sealed jar for up to 5 days.