If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful meal that’s as satisfying as it is colorful, you’re going to fall head over heels for this BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe. Packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and vibrant veggies, this salad balances crunch, creaminess, and a pop of zing from a simple homemade dressing. It’s a perfect blend of classic flavors with a healthy twist that’s quick to whip up and delightful to eat any time of day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and easy to source, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the layers of flavor and texture that make this salad shine. From the protein-packed chicken to the creamy avocado and the crisp bacon, every component brings something special to the table.
- Cooked chicken breast: Use a juicy, well-seasoned 6-8 oz chicken breast for hearty protein and tender texture.
- Crispy bacon strips: Adds irresistible crunch and smoky depth to balance the fresh ingredients.
- Ripe avocado: Creamy and buttery, avocado brings smoothness and richness to every bite.
- Fresh lettuce or mixed greens: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that lightens the dish.
- Cherry tomatoes: Bursts of juicy sweetness to brighten the salad.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, slightly sweet bite that contrasts nicely.
- Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Makes the dressing luxuriously creamy with a mild tang.
- Fresh lemon juice: Adds zest and acidity to balance richness and tie all flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight and enhance the overall taste.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Start with a boneless, skinless chicken breast. Season it lightly with salt and pepper to keep flavors balanced and cook it in a medium-heat skillet for about 5-7 minutes per side. You want the outside to develop a golden-brown hue without drying out the inside. Once cooked, let it rest for a few minutes to lock in juices before chopping into perfect bite-sized pieces—this ensures every forkful is tender and flavorful.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
While the chicken rests, cook your bacon strips in another skillet over medium heat until they turn beautifully crispy. This step is essential because crispy bacon adds that smoky, salty crunch that contrasts so well with the creamy avocado and fresh greens. Drain the bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble or chop it into salad-sized chunks for easy mixing.
Step 3: Chop the Fresh Ingredients
Dice the avocado just before assembling the salad to prevent browning and keep that lovely vibrant green color. Halve the cherry tomatoes for bursts of juiciness and thinly slice the red onion, which gives a subtle bite without overpowering the other ingredients. Roughly chop your lettuce or mixed greens to create a fresh, crunchy base that holds up well under the toppings.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or creamy Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This simple dressing adds a tangy, creamy coating that brings all the flavors harmoniously together without weighing down the salad. It’s an easy step that elevates the dish from a simple salad to a truly delicious meal.
Step 5: Toss Everything Together
Now comes the fun part—combining all those wonderful elements! In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped chicken, crispy bacon pieces, creamy avocado, fresh lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onions. Drizzle your dressing over the top, then gently fold everything together using a spatula to make sure each bite is perfectly coated without mashing that delicate avocado. Voila! Your BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe
Garnishes
To take your salad to the next level, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or chives on top for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. A light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a few cracks of fresh black pepper can add an extra flavor punch that complements the creamy, smoky, and zesty notes already present.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty artisan bread or crunchy baguette slices, perfect for scooping up every last bit of dressing. For a heartier meal, serve alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa pilaf to introduce wholesome grains without overshadowing the salad’s vibrant freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your guests, consider serving the BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe in individual mason jars or hollowed-out avocados for a fun and visually stunning presentation. You can also pile it high on toasted sandwich bread for a gourmet open-faced sandwich option that combines all the great tastes into one handheld delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to prevent the greens and avocado from becoming soggy and brown. When ready to eat, toss everything together again for that fresh, crisp texture.
Freezing
Freezing this salad is not recommended because the fresh ingredients like lettuce, avocado, and tomatoes lose their texture and become mushy once thawed, which takes away from the fresh, vibrant character of the dish.
Reheating
Reheating is not ideal for this particular salad because you want to keep the textures fresh and crisp. If you do have leftover chicken separately, you can gently warm it before assembling the salad to maintain that juicy warmth without overheating the greens and other fresh components.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own chicken breast?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds delicious flavor. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe as usual.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Yes, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a lighter, tangier alternative to mayonnaise in the dressing, keeping the salad creamy and fresh.
How do I prevent avocado from browning in the salad?
Dice the avocado just before assembling, and toss it quickly with lemon juice as this helps slow down oxidation and keeps your salad looking vibrant.
Can I make this salad vegan or vegetarian?
You can skip the chicken and bacon and add grilled tofu or tempeh, along with smoked paprika for that smoky flavor to keep the essence alive while making it vegetarian or vegan.
What other dressings work well with this salad?
A simple vinaigrette with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and Dijon mustard can complement the flavors nicely if you want to switch things up from the creamy dressing.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve for guests. The harmonious mix of flavors and textures keeps your taste buds excited from the first bite to the last. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to salad for any occasion.
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BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful BLT Chicken Salad with creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and a tangy dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad combines tender cooked chicken breast, fresh mixed greens, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty mayo-lemon dressing for a delightful balance of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 cooked chicken breast (about 6–8 oz), chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 4 strips crispy bacon, crumbled or chopped
Vegetables and Greens
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 2 cups fresh lettuce or mixed greens, roughly chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Start with boneless, skinless chicken breast. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown. Let it rest before chopping into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon strips over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble or chop into salad-sized pieces.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Dice the ripe avocado, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and roughly chop lettuce or mixed greens to add freshness, color, and crunch.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a creamy, tangy dressing.
- Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. Drizzle with dressing and gently fold to coat all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
Notes
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce calories and add a tangy flavor.
- Use turkey bacon for a lower-fat option.
- If you prefer, add other salad vegetables such as cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Serve immediately after tossing to enjoy the freshness of avocado and greens.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 1 day, but avocado may brown.
