summer salad with homemade honey mustard dressing

When the weather warms up, I crave meals that are light, fresh, and still packed with flavor and this summer salad with honey mustard dressing checks every box. It’s the kind of nourishing summer salad that feels both satisfying and vibrant, perfect for lunch on the patio or an easy dinner after a busy day. Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, crunchy almonds, sweet blueberries, and creamy gorgonzola all come together on a bed of crisp romaine, creating the perfect mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

And the homemade honey mustard dressing? It’s a must. I love making my own dressings because I can skip the preservatives and refined oils found in store-bought versions and use real, wholesome ingredients instead. This one combines two kinds of mustard, a touch of raw honey, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon zest for a dressing that’s tangy, creamy, and perfectly balanced. Once you try it, you won’t go back to the bottle.

This salad has quickly become a favorite in our house simple enough for a weekday meal, but full of ingredients that make it feel a little extra special.

My Favorite Brands to Use in this Recipe:

  • Organic Uncured Bacon – A cleaner, more natural option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Unlike traditional bacon, uncured varieties aren’t made with synthetic nitrates or nitrites instead, they’re preserved with natural ingredients like sea salt and celery powder. Choosing organic ensures the pork comes from animals raised without antibiotics or added hormones, and fed a non-GMO diet. It’s a small but meaningful swap that aligns with my goal of cooking more intentionally, especially when making meals to support healing and long-term health. Plus, the smoky, savory flavor it adds is unbeatable!
  • Organic Greek Yogurt – I love using Kirkland Signature Organic Greek Yogurt because it’s a clean, high-quality staple that adds creaminess and protein to so many of my recipes, without all the unnecessary additives. It’s made with just a few simple ingredients, including organic milk and live active cultures, which support gut health and digestion. I use it as a base for dressings, in smoothies, or even as a healthier swap for sour cream. Knowing it’s organic means it’s free from synthetic hormones and antibiotics, which is especially important to me as I focus on nourishing, healing meals for my family.
  • Bell & Evans Organic Chicken – Their chickens are raised without antibiotics or added hormones, fed a 100% organic, all-vegetable diet, and humanely cared for from hatch to harvest. What truly sets them apart is their air-chilled process. Instead of using chlorinated water baths like many brands, Bell & Evans air-chills their chicken resulting in better flavor, improved texture, and no added water weight. It means a crispier sear, juicier bites, and a more pure, natural taste. I trust it every time I want to serve something clean, simple, and truly delicious.
  • Organic Vegetables and Fruit – Organic produce is grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs, preserving natural nutrients and flavors while reducing exposure to toxins. Opting for fresh, organic vegetables ensures you’re getting the cleanest, most nutrient-dense ingredients in every bit

summer salad with homemade honey mustard dressing

Summer Salad With Honey Mustard Dressing

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes

Ingredients  

For the Salad:

  • 1 package Organic Uncured Bacon
  • 3 Organic Chicken Breasts
  • 1 cup Blueberries
  • 1/2 cup Cranberries
  • 4 cups Organic Romaine Lettuce
  • 1 cup Almonds
  • 1 cup Gorgonzola Cheese
  • 1/4 cup Soy Sauce or Tamari or Coconut Aminos
  • 2 tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tsp Garlic
  • 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest

For the Dressing:

  • 4 tbsp Dijon Mustard
  • 2 tbsp Honey
  • 4 tbsp Yellow Mustard
  • 1 cup Greek Yogurt
  • 1 tsp Lemon Zest

Instructions 

  1. Combine dijon mustard, honey, yellow mustard, greek yogurt, lemon zest until it reaches your preferred consistency and flavor. I like to add more mustard and honey until the color and flavor is right.
  2. Combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons worcestershire, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper in a small bowl; whisk to combine. Pour over chicken and let marinate in an airtight container in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. 
  3. Cook chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F and cut chicken into bite sizes pieces.
  4. Divide lettuce, chicken, bacon, almonds, blueberries, gorgonzola and dried cranberries between 4 bowls. Drizzle with dressing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating