Looking for a fresh, savory, and wholesome meal? This chicken, bacon and avocado chopped salad offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. With crisp bacon, succulent chicken, creamy avocado, and a tangy red wine vinaigrette, it's a symphony of deliciousness!
This recipe uses common ingredients that can be easily found in your local supermarket. However, be aware of the blue cheese - it has a unique, strong flavor that is loved by some but not by all. If you're not a fan, you can substitute it with feta or even mozzarella. Also, the dressing uses red wine vinegar, which gives it a distinctive tangy taste. If it's not a staple in your pantry, you can find it in the vinegar aisle.
Chicken, Bacon, and Avocado Chopped Salad Ingredients
Romaine lettuce: A crisp and mild-tasting green that forms the base of your salad.
Bacon: Provides a crispy, smoky element to contrast with the softer ingredients.
Cooked chicken: Adds protein and substance to your salad, making it filling and nutritious.
Cherry tomatoes: Offers a sweet and juicy burst of flavor.
Red onion: Gives a sharpness that cuts through the creaminess of the other ingredients.
Blue cheese: Adds a bold, tangy flavor that complements the smoky bacon and rich avocado.
Avocado: Provides a creamy, rich element that balances out the tangy and salty flavors.
Olive oil: Used in the vinaigrette, it adds a smooth and velvety texture.
Red wine vinegar: Gives the dressing a tangy kick.
Garlic cloves: Enhances the dressing with its pungent and spicy flavor.
Dijon mustard: Adds a mild and creamy heat to the vinaigrette.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the dressing.
One reader, Chiarra Ruggiero says:
This chicken, bacon, and avocado chopped salad is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The crispy bacon and creamy avocado take this salad to the next level. It's a must-try for anyone looking for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Techniques Required for Making Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Chopped Salad
How to cook bacon: Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
How to cook chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until no longer pink in the center, about 6-7 minutes per side. Let it rest for a few minutes before chopping.
How to make red wine vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper until well combined.
How to chop avocado: Cut the avocado in half, remove the pit, and then carefully score the flesh in a criss-cross pattern. Use a spoon to scoop out the diced avocado.
How to assemble the salad: Combine the romaine lettuce, bacon, cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese, and chopped avocado in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the red wine vinaigrette over the salad, then toss to combine. Serve and enjoy!
How To Make Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Chopped Salad
Enjoy a filling meal with our meaty salad recipe! It’s topped with hearty chicken and bacon with creamy avocado in a bed of crunchy, flavored veggies.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1 Romaine lettucehead, chopped, about 5 to 6 cups
- 4slicesbaconcooked and diced
- 2cupscooked chickendiced or shredded
- 1cupcherry tomatoeshalved, or diced Roma tomatoes
- ½cupred oniondiced
- 4ozblue cheesecrumbled
- 1avocadopeeled, pitted and diced
For Red Wine Vinaigrette:
- ¼cup olive oil
- 3tbspred wine vinegar
- 3garlic clovesminced or pressed
- 2tspdijon mustard
- 1tspItalian Seasoning
- salt and freshly-cracked black pepperpinch
Instructions
Red Wine Vinaigrette:
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Whisk the olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, Italian season, salt, and pepper until evenly combined. Set aside.
Salad:
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Combine the lettuce, bacon, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, blue cheese, and avocado together in a large mixing bowl.
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Drizzle evenly with the vinaigrette, and toss to combine.
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Serve, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 2271.54kcal
- Fat: 237.56g
- Saturated Fat: 37.59g
- Trans Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 166.96g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 25.60g
- Carbohydrates: 22.06g
- Fiber: 6.57g
- Sugar: 8.71g
- Protein: 21.66g
- Cholesterol: 61.93mg
- Sodium: 1363.93mg
- Calcium: 177.42mg
- Potassium: 802.75mg
- Iron: 3.32mg
- Vitamin A: 287.59µg
- Vitamin C: 21.87mg
Helpful Technique for Enhancing the Flavors in This Salad
When cooking the bacon, it's best to do so over medium heat. This allows the fat to slowly render out, leaving you with crispy bacon instead of burnt. Additionally, save the bacon grease. It can be used to add a smoky flavor to the chicken or even the vinaigrette.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Salad Recipe
Prep ahead: Cook and chop the chicken and bacon in advance to save time when assembling the salad.
Use pre-cooked chicken: Utilize store-bought rotisserie chicken to cut down on cooking time and simplify the recipe.
Prep ingredients: Wash, chop, and portion out the ingredients beforehand to streamline the salad assembly process.
Make vinaigrette in advance: Prepare the red wine vinaigrette ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy dressing when ready to serve.
Invest in a good knife: A sharp, quality knife can make chopping and slicing ingredients quicker and more efficient.
Organize your workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and tidy to minimize time spent searching for utensils and ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Chopped Salad Recipe
Chicken - Substitute with grilled tofu: Grilled tofu can provide a similar texture and protein content to chicken in the salad.
Bacon - Substitute with smoked tempeh: Smoked tempeh can offer a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture to bacon in the salad.
Avocado - Substitute with grilled zucchini: Grilled zucchini can provide a creamy texture and mild flavor similar to avocado in the salad.
Romaine lettuce - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a substitute for romaine lettuce, providing a hearty and nutritious base for the salad.
Cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sliced red bell pepper: Sliced red bell pepper can add a similar crunch and sweetness to the salad as cherry tomatoes.
Red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can provide a milder flavor compared to red onions in the salad.
Blue cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese can offer a tangy and salty flavor similar to blue cheese in the salad.
Olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil can be used as a substitute for olive oil, providing a similar richness and flavor to the vinaigrette.
Red wine vinegar - Substitute with balsamic vinegar: Balsamic vinegar can offer a sweet and tangy flavor similar to red wine vinegar in the vinaigrette.
Garlic cloves - Substitute with shallot: Shallots can provide a milder flavor compared to garlic in the vinaigrette.
Dijon mustard - Substitute with whole grain mustard: Whole grain mustard can offer a similar tangy flavor and texture to Dijon mustard in the vinaigrette.
Italian seasoning - Substitute with herbs de Provence: Herbs de Provence can provide a similar blend of herbs and flavors to Italian seasoning in the vinaigrette.
Presentation Tips for a Delightful Salad
Elevate the salad base: Begin by arranging a bed of fresh, crisp romaine lettuce on the plate. This will serve as the foundation for the rest of the dish.
Crisp up the bacon: Cook the bacon until it is perfectly crispy and then artfully drape it over the salad to add a smoky, savory element.
Arrange the chicken: Place the succulent pieces of cooked chicken strategically on top of the salad, ensuring they are evenly distributed for a balanced presentation.
Garnish with cherry tomatoes and red onion: Scatter vibrant cherry tomatoes and finely sliced red onion around the plate to add pops of color and texture.
Introduce the blue cheese: Crumble the blue cheese over the salad, allowing it to melt slightly into the warm chicken for a burst of creamy, tangy flavor.
Artfully slice the avocado: Carefully slice the avocado and fan it out on the plate, creating an elegant visual element that also adds a creamy, buttery taste to the dish.
Drizzle with the red wine vinaigrette: Just before serving, drizzle the red wine vinaigrette over the salad, ensuring each component is lightly coated with the flavorful dressing.
Final touch - seasoning: Finish with a sprinkle of freshly-cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors and add a touch of sophistication to the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Preparing This Salad
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile and essential kitchen tool for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Skillet: A frying pan with a flat bottom and low sides, used for frying, searing, and sautéing.
- Grill: A cooking surface with heat source below, used for grilling and barbecuing.
- Mixing bowl: A bowl used for mixing ingredients and preparing batters and doughs.
- Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot, used for gripping and lifting hot items.
- Whisk: A utensil with looped wires, used for whipping and mixing ingredients.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients for recipes.
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Saucepan: A deep cooking pan with a handle and a lid, used for cooking sauces and boiling liquids.
- Oven: A kitchen appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
- Food processor: A kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, and pureeing ingredients.
- Grater: A tool used for grating cheese, vegetables, and other ingredients.
- Spatula: A flat cooking tool with a handle, used for flipping and lifting food items.
- Colander: A bowl-shaped kitchen tool with small holes, used for draining liquids from food items.
Storage and Freezing Guidelines for Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Salad
- To store the chicken, bacon and avocado chopped salad in the refrigerator, place it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap. It will keep fresh for up to 2-3 days.
- If you want to prepare the salad in advance, you can store the individual components separately in the refrigerator. Keep the cooked chicken and bacon in separate airtight containers, and store the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese in separate resealable bags or containers.
- Avoid cutting the avocado until you're ready to serve the salad, as it tends to brown quickly once cut. If you need to prepare it in advance, squeeze some lemon juice over the cut surface to prevent oxidation.
- When you're ready to serve the salad, simply toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl and drizzle with the prepared red wine vinaigrette.
- If you have leftover salad that has already been dressed, it's best to consume it within a day as the lettuce will start to wilt and become soggy.
- This salad is not suitable for freezing due to the high water content in the lettuce and tomatoes, which will cause them to become mushy and lose their texture when thawed. The avocado will also become discolored and unappetizing after freezing.
- However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and bacon separately for up to 2-3 months. To freeze, place them in airtight containers or resealable bags, removing as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
- To use the frozen chicken and bacon, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through. Use them to assemble the salad as needed.
How To Reheat Leftover Salad
- The best way to reheat leftover chicken, bacon and avocado chopped salad is to separate the ingredients and reheat them individually. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of each component.
- Remove the avocado from the salad and set it aside. Avocado does not reheat well and is best added fresh after reheating the other ingredients.
- In a skillet or microwave-safe dish, reheat the cooked chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This will ensure that the chicken is safe to eat and warm throughout.
- Reheat the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it becomes crispy again, or microwave it on a paper towel-lined plate for 20-30 seconds.
- If the lettuce has become soggy, it's best to discard it and use fresh lettuce for the reheated salad. However, if the lettuce is still crisp, you can set it aside and add it to the salad after reheating the other ingredients.
- Reheat the cherry tomatoes and red onion in the microwave for a few seconds, or sauté them briefly in a skillet over medium heat until they are warm.
- Crumble the blue cheese and set it aside to be added to the salad after reheating.
- Once all the ingredients are reheated, assemble the salad by combining the warm chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and red onion with the fresh lettuce and avocado. Top the salad with the crumbled blue cheese.
- Drizzle the salad with the red wine vinaigrette and toss to combine. If the vinaigrette has been stored separately, give it a quick whisk before adding it to the salad.
- If the salad seems dry after reheating, you can add a little extra olive oil or vinaigrette to help moisten it and enhance the flavors.
- Serve the reheated chicken, bacon and avocado chopped salad immediately while the ingredients are still warm, and enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Interesting Trivia About Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Salad
Bacon is a popular ingredient in many recipes due to its rich, smoky flavor and versatility. It can be used to add a savory element to a wide variety of dishes, from salads to soups and sandwiches.
Is Making This Salad at Home Cost-Effective?
This chicken, bacon, and avocado chopped salad recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and easily accessible. The combination of chicken, bacon, avocado, and other fresh ingredients offers a nutritious and satisfying meal. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $20-$25, making it a budget-friendly option. The salad is versatile and can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side, earning a solid 8/10 rating for its affordability and delicious flavors.
Is This Salad Recipe Healthy?
The chicken, bacon, and avocado chopped salad recipe is a delicious combination of flavors, but it may not be the healthiest option. Here's a breakdown of the ingredients:
- Romaine lettuce is a nutritious leafy green, providing vitamins and minerals.
- Bacon is high in saturated fat and sodium, which can contribute to heart disease and high blood pressure when consumed in excess.
- Chicken is a lean protein source, but the healthiness depends on the cooking method and any added oils or seasonings.
- Cherry tomatoes and red onion add flavor and nutrients, such as vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Blue cheese is high in saturated fat and sodium, but it also provides calcium and protein.
- Avocado is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats, fiber, and vitamins, but it is also calorie-dense.
- The red wine vinaigrette contains olive oil, which is a healthy fat, but the overall healthiness depends on the portion size and added salt.
To make this salad healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of bacon or replace it with a leaner alternative, such as turkey bacon or grilled chicken.
- Use a low-fat cheese or reduce the amount of blue cheese to decrease the saturated fat content.
- Limit the portion size of avocado to control calorie intake, or use half an avocado instead of a whole one.
- Prepare the chicken using healthy cooking methods, such as grilling or baking, and season with herbs and spices instead of salt.
- Use a light hand when dressing the salad, or serve the vinaigrette on the side to allow individuals to control their portion.
- Add more colorful vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, or cucumbers, to increase the nutrient density of the salad.
Editor's Opinion on This Delightful Salad Creation
This chicken, bacon, and avocado chopped salad recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The crisp romaine lettuce, savory bacon, tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, pungent red onion, creamy avocado, and tangy blue cheese create a harmonious blend. The red wine vinaigrette adds a zesty and aromatic touch that ties everything together. It's a well-balanced and satisfying salad that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. The recipe is simple to prepare and offers a refreshing and delicious dining experience.
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Why trust this Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Chopped Salad Recipe:
This recipe is a trustworthy choice for your next meal. The combination of chicken, bacon, and avocado creates a delicious and satisfying dish. The use of fresh romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes ensures a vibrant and flavorful salad. The addition of blue cheese adds a rich and creamy element. The homemade red wine vinaigrette ties everything together with its tangy and robust flavor. With high-quality ingredients such as olive oil and dijon mustard, this recipe guarantees a delightful dining experience.
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