Spicy Mustard Pretzel Chicken Salad

Let’s be honest—salads don’t usually make people’s mouths water. But when you bring crispy pretzel-crusted chicken into the mix, tossed with a little fire from our Scorching Afternoon (Spicy Mustard) seasoning, you’ve got yourself a salad that could steal the spotlight at a steakhouse. It’s crunchy, tangy, sweet, and packs just enough heat to keep things interesting. Basically, this isn’t rabbit food—it’s rabbit food’s hotter, more confident cousin.

Pretzels and mustard have always been a dynamic duo, but this recipe takes it to the next level. With Scorching Afternoon, the spicy mustard kick transforms simple chicken into a crave-worthy, golden-crusted masterpiece. Paired with a creamy honey mustard dressing and fresh greens, this salad is basically what happens when game-day snacks crash a fancy dinner party.

Recipe Details

• Feeds: 4 hungry flavor explorers

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 40 minutes

• Cook Temp: 375°F (air fryer or oven)

• Servings: 4

Ingredients

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2–3 pieces)

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2–3 Tbsp Scorching Afternoon (Spicy Mustard Seasoning)

• 4 heaping cups mini pretzels (about 2 cups when crushed)

• Olive oil cooking spray

Dressing

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

• 2 Tbsp honey

• 2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar

• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• Salt & pepper, to taste

Salad

• 8 oz mixed greens

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• 2 medium tomatoes, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken Coating
   In a medium bowl, stir together mayo, Dijon mustard, and Scorching Afternoon seasoning. In a food processor (or good old-fashioned Ziploc bag + rolling pin therapy session), crush the pretzels into fine crumbs and pour into a wide shallow bowl.

2. Coat the Chicken
   Pat the chicken breasts dry. Slather them with the mayo-mustard mixture until fully coated, then dredge in pretzel crumbs until every inch is crunchy.

3. Cook the Chicken
   Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Lightly spray coated chicken with olive oil spray, then arrange pieces in the air fryer basket without crowding (cook in batches if needed). Cook 17–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden with an internal temp of 165°F.

4. Mix the Dressing
   In a large measuring cup or jar, whisk together yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, honey, vinegar, and olive oil. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

5. Assemble the Salad
   Arrange greens on a serving platter or individual bowls. Top with onion slices, tomato wedges, and sliced pretzel chicken. Drizzle generously with honey mustard dressing and get ready to impress yourself.

Tips & Notes

• Oven option: No air fryer? Bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

• Spice control: Want it extra fiery? Add an extra teaspoon of Scorching Afternoon to your dressing, too.

• Meal prep hack: Make extra chicken and use it for wraps or sandwiches later in the week.

This Spicy Mustard Pretzel Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing is equal parts crispy, zesty, and refreshing. It’s hearty enough to satisfy the “I need real food” crowd, but still fresh and vibrant. Basically, it’s proof that salad doesn’t have to be boring—it can bring the heat.

Love this fiery, flavor-packed salad? Check out our other Flavor Expedition Co. recipes and keep your meals as bold as your taste buds. Don’t let your kitchen get bland—spice things up with adventure in every bite!