5 Reasons to Love BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying dish, look no further than BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado. This vibrant salad brings together crispy bacon, juicy chicken, creamy avocado, and crunchy greens for a meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Whether you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing dish for your next gathering, this salad checks all the boxes with its perfect balance of textures and tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Deliciously Balanced Flavors: The smoky bacon pairs perfectly with creamy avocado and tender chicken for a flavor combo that never gets old.
• Quick and Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and everyday ingredients, this salad comes together fast, perfect for busy days.
• Loaded with Healthy Ingredients: Avocado provides heart-healthy fats while chicken offers lean protein to keep you energized.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: Whether for a light lunch, picnic, or barbecue, this salad adapts beautifully.
• Fresh and Colorful Presentation: The vibrant mix of green avocado, red tomatoes, and golden bacon makes every bite as appealing as the last.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All you need are a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients that work together to create a perfect harmony of flavor and texture. Each component plays a unique role, from the crispiness of bacon to the creamy richness of avocado, making this salad a standout meal.

• Cooked Chicken Breast: Use grilled or roasted chicken for juicy, tender bites packed with protein.
• Crispy Bacon: Adds smoky crunch and irresistible flavor to every mouthful.
• Ripe Avocado: Creamy texture and healthy fats make this salad satisfyingly smooth.
• Fresh Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base that complements the richer ingredients.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Include sweet, juicy bursts that brighten the salad’s color and taste.
• Red Onion Slices: Adds a mild sharpness and subtle crunch for complexity.
• Mayonnaise or Dressing: A light coat ties all ingredients together with a creamy finish.
• Lemon Juice: Adds zesty brightness to balance the richness of avocado and bacon.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out every flavor.

Variations for BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

This salad is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tailor it to your tastes, dietary needs, or what’s on hand. Switching up a few ingredients can make it perfect for every season or occasion.

• Swap Chicken for Turkey: Use leftover turkey for a slightly different protein option with similar taste and texture.
• Use Greek Yogurt Dressing: For a lighter and tangier alternative to mayonnaise, try mixing Greek yogurt with herbs.
• Add Hard-Boiled Eggs: Boost protein and richness by including sliced or chopped eggs.
• Make It Spicy: Toss in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a subtle kick.
• Try Different Greens: Substitute romaine with spinach, arugula, or mixed baby greens to change up the salad base.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by cooking your bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Chop the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Slice the avocado and cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Wash and roughly chop the romaine lettuce to create a crisp foundation for the salad.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise or your choice of dressing with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth and creamy. The lemon juice adds a fresh, tangy note that keeps the dressing from feeling too heavy.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large salad bowl, toss together the romaine, chicken, tomatoes, onion, and bacon. Gently fold in the avocado slices to prevent them from mashing. Pour the dressing over the salad, then toss gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the avocado apart.

Step 4: Serve

Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or plate and garnish with extra crispy bacon or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best mix of flavors and textures.

Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

• Use Ripe Avocados: Choose avocados that are slightly soft to the touch for creamy texture but avoid overly mushy ones.
• Cook Bacon Evenly: For perfect crispness, bake bacon in the oven on a rack so it cooks uniformly and drains excess fat.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop chicken and vegetables in advance to make assembling the salad super quick.
• Toss Gently: Be careful when mixing to keep avocado slices intact and maintain the salad’s beautiful look.
• Add Dressing Just Before Serving: This prevents the greens from becoming soggy and keeps flavors fresh.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

Garnishes

Finish the salad with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives for an added burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of crispy bacon bits or a dusting of cracked black pepper takes presentation to the next level.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or garlic toast if you want extra crunch. For a heartier meal, consider serving alongside roasted potatoes or a light soup.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for an elegant, portable lunch option, or on a bed of mixed greens with avocado arranged decoratively for a show-stopping appetizer at your next party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best texture and flavor, store the dressing separately and add right before serving.

Freezing

Because of the fresh avocado and lettuce, freezing this salad is not recommended as it will affect the texture negatively. Instead, freeze cooked chicken separately if needed for future salads.

Reheating

Reheat just the cooked chicken gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before adding to fresh salad ingredients. Avoid reheating the entire salad to keep crispness and freshness intact.

FAQs

Can I use turkey instead of chicken in BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado?

Absolutely! Turkey works just as well and offers a slightly different flavor while maintaining the protein-packed profile of the salad.

What dressing goes best with BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado?

A classic mayonnaise-based dressing with a splash of lemon complements the salad perfectly, but you can also use ranch, Greek yogurt mixes, or vinaigrettes, depending on your preferences.

How do I prevent avocado from browning in the salad?

To keep avocado fresh-looking, toss slices in a little lemon juice and add them to the salad right before serving. This helps slow down oxidation.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, as long as you keep the dressing separate and add avocado just before eating, BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado is excellent for quick, ready-to-go meals throughout the week.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, replace chicken and bacon with grilled tofu or tempeh and add extra veggies or nuts for crunch and protein.

Final Thoughts

BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado is one of those recipes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s fresh, filling, and effortlessly delicious every time. Give it a try and bring some vibrant, wholesome flavor to your table—you won’t regret it!

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