Juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy avocado combine in this wholesome salad tossed with a bright lemon vinaigrette.
Servings: 4
Darlin’, if you’re ready to fall in love with salads again, this Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad will sweep you off your feet. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy avocado, it’s packed with flavor and texture. Tossed in a bright, zesty lemon vinaigrette, this dish is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even meal prep. It’s so good, you might just forget it’s healthy! Let’s grab those ingredients and get this salad on the table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Supplies Needed
- Large salad bowl
- Small whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mixed greens. Toss gently to combine.
Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve
Serve immediately, garnished with extra crumbled bacon or avocado if desired.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator
Store undressed salad and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Toss together just before serving for freshness.
Avocado Tip
Squeeze a little lemon juice over the avocado pieces before storing to prevent browning.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Add cooked quinoa or macaroni for a heartier salad.
- Swap lemon juice for lime juice in the vinaigrette for a citrusy twist.
- Top with toasted nuts or seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
Variations
Southwest Chicken Bacon Salad
Add black beans, corn, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a Tex-Mex twist.
Quinoa Avocado Salad
Mix in 1 cup of cooked quinoa for a protein-packed, gluten-free option.
Creamy Ranch Dressing
Use a ranch dressing instead of the lemon vinaigrette for a rich, creamy flavor.
FAQ
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and bacon and add chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based alternative.
What’s the best chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is quick and easy, but grilled or baked chicken works just as well.
Can I prep this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep all the ingredients and store them separately, then assemble just before serving.
Sugar, this Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad is the kind of dish that makes you excited about eating your greens. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying enough to keep you full until your next meal. Whether you’re serving it up for family, prepping for the week, or just treating yourself, this simple chicken dinner is always a winner. Now, let’s get to tossing, darlin’!
Sweetheart, this post might have a few affiliate links tucked in. That just means if you click and buy, Mama Bear gets a little commission—just enough to keep the pantry stocked with bacon and avocados. Thank you kindly for your support!
Condensed WP Recipe Maker Version
Recipe Title:
Quick Summary: Juicy chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy avocado tossed with fresh greens and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. Perfect for lunch or dinner!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Course: Lunch/Dinner
Cuisine: American
3 Keywords: , ,
Ingredients: List above
Instructions: Steps above
Calories for 1 Serving: ~400
Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced (rotisserie works great!)
- 4 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber sliced
- 4 cups mixed greens or romaine lettuce
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
For the Lemon Vinaigrette
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
Prepare the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and mixed greens. Toss gently to combine.
Make the Lemon Vinaigrette
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assemble the Salad
- Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.
Serve
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra crumbled bacon or avocado if desired.