If you’re looking for a fresh, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor, this Chicken Bacon Avocado Chopped Salad is the perfect choice. Loaded with juicy chicken, crispy turkey bacon, creamy avocado, crisp romaine, and a tangy homemade red wine vinaigrette, this easy salad is ideal for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s hearty enough to be a complete meal while still feeling light and refreshing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Packed with protein and healthy fats.
- Perfect for meal prep and busy weekdays.
- Crisp, creamy, and savory in every bite.
- Easy to customize with your favorite vegetables or cheese.
- Great for lunch, dinner, picnics, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 large avocado, diced
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully combined. You can also shake everything together in a sealed jar.
- Place the romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, turkey bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, and red onion into a large salad bowl.
- Pour the vinaigrette evenly over the salad.
- Gently toss until all ingredients are lightly coated. This Chicken Bacon Avocado Chopped Salad tastes best when served immediately.
- Enjoy as a complete meal or pair it with warm bread or soup.
Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Add the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Chill the salad ingredients before assembling for extra crispness.
- Replace blue cheese with feta or shredded cheddar for a milder flavor.
- Add cucumbers, corn, or hard-boiled eggs for extra texture.
- Keep the dressing separate if preparing ahead.
Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes (if cooking the turkey bacon)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Tossed
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly, gluten-free, and high in protein.
Notes
- Use grilled chicken for extra smoky flavor.
- Freshly cooked turkey bacon provides the best texture.
- This salad is delicious served with crusty bread or a light soup.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds on top.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 34g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sugar: 4g
FAQ
Can I make Chicken Bacon Avocado Chopped Salad ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare all ingredients separately and combine them just before serving. Store the dressing separately for the freshest texture.
What chicken works best?
Grilled chicken breast, baked chicken, or rotisserie chicken all work wonderfully.
Can I use another cheese?
Absolutely. Feta, goat cheese, cheddar, or mozzarella are excellent alternatives.
Is this salad low carb?
Yes. It contains very few carbohydrates while providing plenty of protein and healthy fats.
How do I keep avocado from browning?
Toss diced avocado with a little lemon juice and add it immediately before serving.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the dressing separate.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended because the lettuce and avocado lose their texture.
Reheating: No reheating is needed. If the chicken was refrigerated separately, you may warm it slightly before adding it to the salad.
Similar Recipes
Chicken Bacon Avocado Chopped Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 slices turkey bacon cooked and diced
- 4 ounces crumbled blue cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 head romaine lettuce chopped
- 1 large avocado diced
- 1 pound cooked chicken breast diced
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
Red Wine Vinaigrette
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch of sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until fully combined. You can also shake everything together in a sealed jar.
- Place the romaine lettuce, cooked chicken, turkey bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, blue cheese, and red onion into a large salad bowl.
- Pour the vinaigrette evenly over the salad.
- Gently toss until all ingredients are lightly coated. This Chicken Bacon Avocado Chopped Salad tastes best when served immediately.
- Enjoy as a complete meal or pair it with warm bread or soup.
Notes
- Use grilled chicken for extra smoky flavor.
- Freshly cooked turkey bacon provides the best texture.
- This salad is delicious served with crusty bread or a light soup.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle roasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds on top.
Conclusion
This Chicken Bacon Avocado Chopped Salad is a delicious combination of fresh vegetables, tender chicken, creamy avocado, crispy turkey bacon, and tangy homemade vinaigrette. Whether you’re preparing a quick family dinner, a healthy lunch, or an impressive salad for guests, this easy recipe delivers satisfying flavor in every bite.