Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad

📝 The Story Behind the Recipe

There’s something so elegant yet comforting about Chicken Cordon Bleu — the crispy breaded chicken stuffed with ham and melty Swiss cheese always feels like a restaurant-worthy dish. But one summer evening, when the craving for that same flavor hit me on a hot day, I couldn’t imagine turning on the oven. So, I thought — why not make it into a refreshing salad? And that’s how this Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad was born! 🌿💫 It’s got all the flavors of the classic dish — juicy chicken, savory ham, creamy cheese, and a Dijon-inspired dressing — but in a light, crisp, and utterly satisfying form. The first time I made it, my family loved it even more than the traditional version because it was lighter yet still indulgent. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and freshness, ideal for lunch, dinner, or even special gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

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What Makes This Recipe Special?

This salad takes the heart of a French classic and gives it a modern twist — crispy chicken tenders meet fresh greens in one luxurious yet wholesome bowl. It’s hearty enough to be a full meal, with layers of texture and flavor: crunchy greens, creamy dressing, warm chicken, smoky ham, and gooey cheese. 🧀✨ The tangy Dijon honey dressing pulls everything together, giving you that familiar Cordon Bleu bite in every forkful. The best part? You can prepare the components ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prep or elegant entertaining.

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Ingredients – Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut in half lengthwise)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko or regular)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for frying)

For the Salad:

• 5 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, arugula, or spring mix)
• ½ cup diced cooked ham (or thin slices rolled and cut into ribbons)
• ½ cup Swiss cheese (shredded or thinly sliced)
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ¼ small red onion, sliced thin
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• Croutons for crunch (optional)

For the Creamy Dijon Dressing:

• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or white wine vinegar
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper to taste

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken 🍗
Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dredge each piece first in flour, then in beaten eggs, and finally coat in breadcrumbs.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook each chicken breast for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Make the Dressing 🥣
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be creamy with a little tang.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad 🥗
In a large salad bowl, add mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and ham. Toss lightly with a spoonful of dressing to coat the veggies.

Step 5: Add the Chicken and Cheese
Top the salad with sliced warm chicken and Swiss cheese. Drizzle more dressing over the top and finish with crunchy croutons if desired.

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Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🍴

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad is filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with:

• A warm slice of garlic bread or cheesy baguette.
• A chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
• A side of roasted asparagus or a light vegetable soup.
• For dessert, try a fruit tart or a lemon bar for a refreshing finish. 🍋🍰

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Customization & Variations 🧑‍🍳

• Low-Carb Version: Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the chicken coating.
• No-Fry Option: Bake the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until crispy.
• Cheese Swap: Try provolone, mozzarella, or Gruyère instead of Swiss.
• Protein Twist: Use turkey or prosciutto in place of ham for different flavors.
• Extra Flavor: Add sliced avocado, roasted cherry tomatoes, or pickled red onions.
• Light Dressing Option: Swap mayo for Greek yogurt in the Dijon dressing.

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Storing & Reheating 🧊

If you’re prepping ahead, store all the salad ingredients separately.

• Chicken: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to keep it crispy.
• Dressing: Store in a jar in the fridge for up to a week — shake before using.
• Salad Base: Keep the greens and toppings dry and undressed until ready to serve.

Avoid mixing everything together early — this keeps the salad fresh and crunchy.

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Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 7g
• Sodium: 780mg

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Reader Q&A – Common Questions

1. Can I use store-bought chicken tenders?
Yes, they work perfectly for a quick version.

2. What can I use instead of ham?
Turkey, prosciutto, or even crispy bacon bits add similar flavor.

3. Is this salad gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and you’re good to go!

4. Can I make the chicken in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway.

5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — skip the cheese and use a dairy-free mayo for the dressing.

6. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Sure! Toss it in Dijon dressing for flavor and skip the breading step.

7. How long does the dressing last?
Up to one week in the fridge in a sealed jar.

8. Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it’s delicious both warm or chilled!

9. What type of greens work best?
A mix of romaine and arugula gives the best texture — crisp and peppery.

10. Can I add pasta to make it a full meal?
Definitely! Cooked penne or rotini turns this into a hearty pasta salad version.

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Final Thoughts 🍽️

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Salad takes a timeless classic and transforms it into something fresh, fun, and full of flavor. Each bite brings together crispy chicken, smoky ham, and creamy cheese, all tied with that tangy Dijon dressing that makes it shine. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weekday meal. Whether you’re craving comfort or something crisp and satisfying, this salad brings the best of both worlds — indulgence and freshness in one bowl. 💛🥗

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Tried This Recipe?

If you enjoyed this elegant twist on a classic, don’t forget to follow MamaCooksDinner on Pinterest for more comforting salad recipes, creative chicken dishes, and homemade classics that make healthy eating a joy! 🌿✨

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