Name: Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad
Prep time: 25 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cooked and shredded chicken breasts; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned); 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped; 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce; 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped; Juice of 1 lemon; Juice of 1 lime; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp honey; Salt and pepper, to taste

There’s something undeniably refreshing about a salad that’s both hearty and light, satisfying yet vibrant. This Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette is exactly that—a crave-worthy combination of creamy avocado, crisp turkey bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender shredded chicken. Toss all of that together with a zesty lemon-lime vinaigrette, and you’ve got a dish that works just as well for a quick lunch as it does for a relaxed weekend dinner with friends.

What sets this salad apart is its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The richness of the avocado plays off the salty crunch of the bacon, while the citrus vinaigrette brings a bright, tangy punch that wakes up every bite. Even better? This salad is a no-fuss recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes and doesn’t require turning on the stove—ideal for warm weather or busy days.

I first made this Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad during a spring lunch get-together, and it quickly became one of those back-pocket recipes I return to again and again. It’s endlessly adaptable, ridiculously tasty, and a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or putting together a last-minute dinner, this is one of those meals that just makes you feel good—inside and out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad hits all the right notes when it comes to flavor, ease, and satisfaction. Let’s break down why it deserves a regular spot on your menu:

Quick and easy to make: You only need about 25 minutes from start to finish. Most of the ingredients can be prepped ahead, and there’s no cooking involved if you use rotisserie or pre-cooked chicken.

Naturally gluten-free and halal: With no bread or pasta involved and turkey bacon instead of pork, this salad is suitable for a variety of dietary preferences.

Packed with flavor: Between the creamy avocado, tangy vinaigrette, sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and savory bacon, every bite offers a different delicious combination.

Great for meal prep: You can chop all the ingredients in advance and just toss everything together when you’re ready to eat. The vinaigrette holds well in the fridge for a few days, too.

Family-friendly: Even picky eaters tend to enjoy this one thanks to the creamy avocado and familiar flavors. You can easily adjust ingredients to suit your family’s taste.

Customizable: Add or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand. Think grilled shrimp instead of chicken or some cucumber for extra crunch.

With its vibrant colors and fresh flavors, this salad doesn’t just taste good—it looks beautiful on the table, too.

Health Benefits

Beyond the delicious taste, this Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad is also loaded with nutrients to keep you feeling energized and satisfied. Let’s take a closer look at what’s in each bite:

Avocado: Full of healthy fats, fiber, and potassium, avocados are great for heart health and digestion.

Chicken breast: A lean source of protein, chicken helps keep you full and supports muscle repair.

Corn: Offers a bit of natural sweetness while providing fiber and B vitamins.

Romaine lettuce: A hydrating, low-calorie green that’s rich in vitamins A and K.

Tomatoes: Packed with antioxidants like lycopene, tomatoes support immune function and skin health.

Lemon and lime juice: Rich in vitamin C, citrus juices add tang while supporting immune health.

Olive oil: A heart-healthy fat that helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins from the veggies.

Garlic: Known for its immune-boosting properties and depth of flavor.

Together, these ingredients make a salad that’s not only satisfying but also nourishing for your body.

Preparation Time, Servings, and Nutritional Information

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes (assuming pre-cooked chicken)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 generous servings

Calories per serving: 430
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 7g

Ingredients List

For the Salad:

2 cooked and shredded chicken breasts (about 2 cups)
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned and drained)
6 slices of turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

For the Lemon Vinaigrette:

Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 lime
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup for a vegan version)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Notes:

Avocados: Make sure they’re ripe but still firm for the best texture.
Chicken: Use rotisserie, grilled, or baked chicken—whatever you have on hand.
Turkey bacon: Cook until crisp for the best contrast in texture.
Corn: If using frozen corn, just thaw it; no need to cook.

Step-By-Step Cooking Instructions

Cook the Bacon
Start by cooking the turkey bacon until it’s golden and crispy. Let it cool slightly, then chop it into small pieces. Set aside.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl or mason jar, combine the lemon juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, honey, salt, and pepper. Whisk or shake until well blended. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Salad Base
In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine, shredded chicken, corn, diced tomatoes, parsley, and chives.
Add the Avocado and Bacon
Gently fold in the diced avocados and chopped turkey bacon. To avoid mashing the avocado, use a large spoon or rubber spatula and toss carefully.
Dress the Salad
Drizzle the lemon vinaigrette over the salad. Toss everything together gently to make sure all the ingredients are well coated. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

This salad is versatile enough to be served in several delicious ways:

As a main course: It’s filling enough on its own, especially with the added protein.
In a wrap: Spoon it into a large tortilla or flatbread for a satisfying wrap.
Over rice or quinoa: Serve it over a warm grain bowl for extra fiber and texture.
With toasted pita chips: For a crunchy twist, scoop it up with baked pita chips or use them on the side.

Pairing Suggestions

This dish pairs beautifully with light sides and refreshing beverages. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:

Side Dishes:

A chilled cucumber salad with dill and yogurt
Roasted sweet potato wedges
Fresh fruit salad with a honey-lime drizzle

Drinks:

Sparkling water with lemon slices
Iced mint tea
A fruit smoothie with mango or pineapple

Storage, Freezing & Reheating Instructions

Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results, keep the dressing and avocado separate until ready to serve.

Freezing:
This salad is not ideal for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and avocado. However, the cooked chicken and bacon can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
No need to reheat, but if you’re using pre-cooked frozen chicken, thaw it in the fridge overnight or warm it slightly before adding to the salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using overripe avocados: They can become mushy and overpower the texture of the salad. Use firm but ripe avocados for the best results.

Dressing the salad too early: If you’re not serving immediately, wait to add the vinaigrette to prevent wilting.

Skipping the seasoning: Don’t forget to taste and adjust your vinaigrette. A little extra salt or lemon juice can make a big difference.

Overmixing the salad: Toss gently, especially after adding avocado and bacon, to maintain the texture.

Using cold chicken straight from the fridge: Let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before adding to the salad. This brings out more flavor.

Pro Tips

Make the dressing in a mason jar so you can shake and store it easily in the fridge.
Use rotisserie chicken for a faster prep and extra flavor.
Add nuts or seeds like sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for an extra crunch.
Chill your serving bowl for 15 minutes before assembling the salad to keep everything extra crisp.
Keep avocado fresh by brushing the diced pieces with a little lemon juice if prepping ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the dressing and avocado separate until just before serving to prevent sogginess and browning.

What type of chicken works best?
Any cooked, shredded chicken works well—grilled, baked, or rotisserie. Just avoid heavily seasoned chicken that might clash with the vinaigrette.

Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Definitely. Try grilled shrimp, tofu, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

Is turkey bacon necessary?
You can skip it if you prefer or replace it with beef bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a plant-based crunch.

What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
Dried herbs can work in a pinch—use 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and chives instead of fresh.

Can I use bottled lemon or lime juice?
Fresh juice is best for flavor, but bottled can be used if needed. Just make sure it’s 100% juice without added sugars.

How do I keep leftovers fresh?
Store components separately and assemble just before serving. This keeps everything crisp and flavorful.

What kind of corn should I use?
Any type—fresh off the cob, frozen (and thawed), or canned. Just make sure it’s drained well.

Is this salad spicy?
Not at all, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño if you like heat.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Absolutely. Just multiply the ingredients and make a double batch of vinaigrette.

Conclusion & Call to Action

There you have it—a fresh, flavorful, and fuss-free Bacon Avocado Chicken Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette that checks all the boxes. It’s healthy, satisfying, and totally customizable, making it perfect for everything from quick lunches to sunny-day picnics.

Now it’s your turn to bring this salad to life in your own kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a hungry crowd, this dish is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to snap a picture and tag me if you try it—I’d love to see how it turns out. Enjoy every zesty, crispy, creamy bite!