Jazzy Caesar Salad with Creamy Apple Mustard Dressing
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 cups fresh mixed greens (romaine, spring mix, or your favorite combo)
- 1 grilled or roasted chicken breast, sliced
- 2 slices crisp bacon, crumbled
- 1 small apple, diced (Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness)
- ¼ cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- ¼ cup roasted almonds, roughly chopped
- Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Apple Mustard Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon finely grated apple (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Make the dressing:
In a small bowl or jar, whisk together mayonnaise (or yogurt), Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, grated apple, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper. Chill for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.
- Prepare the salad base:
Rinse and dry your greens, then place them in a large bowl. Add shredded carrots, diced apples, cranberries, and roasted almonds.
- Add the proteins:
Top the salad with warm, sliced chicken and crisp crumbled bacon.
- Dress it up:
Drizzle with the creamy apple mustard dressing and toss gently to coat. Finish with a sprinkle of black pepper (and a few extra almonds if you like crunch).
- Serve & savor:
Serve immediately as a hearty lunch or light dinner. This salad pairs beautifully with a slice of toasted sourdough or garlic flatbread.
Jazzy Tip: For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and bacon and swap in roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi. The sweet apples and tangy dressing make this salad feel both comforting and refreshing—perfect for any season.