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Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon

Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon

This Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon is a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious dish combining creamy ripe avocados, tender lean chicken, and crispy smoky bacon. Perfect for a quick lunch, hearty snack, or light dinner, it brings vibrant colors, delicious textures, and healthy fats together in an easy-to-make recipe ready in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
  • 1 to 2 ripe avocados, diced
  • 4 to 6 strips bacon
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime or lemon
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 1 to 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
  • 1 small diced jalapeño or dash of cayenne pepper (for spice)
  • Chopped walnuts or pecans (for added crunch)
  • Additional garnishes: smoked paprika, chili flakes, toasted seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook chicken if not pre-cooked by boiling, grilling, or baking until fully cooked and juicy. Cook bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden. Drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease.
  2. Dice and Chop: Dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Chop the crispy bacon into small crumbles. Finely chop the red onion and fresh cilantro or parsley.
  3. Combine the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the chicken, bacon, diced avocado, red onion, and herbs. Ensure the avocado is ripe but firm to maintain some shape in the salad.
  4. Add Lime Juice and Seasonings: Squeeze fresh lime or lemon juice over the mixture to brighten flavors and prevent avocado browning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix gently to keep a chunky texture.
  5. Optional Creaminess: If desired, fold in mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to add extra creaminess without overpowering the fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked chicken for the best flavor and texture.
  • Choose ripe but firm avocados to avoid a mushy salad.
  • Don’t skip the lime or lemon juice to keep the avocado fresh and vibrant.
  • Cook bacon until crisp but not burnt for perfect savory crunch.
  • Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavors and serve refreshing.

Nutrition

Keywords: avocado chicken salad, bacon chicken salad, healthy chicken salad, easy lunch recipe, low carb salad, keto chicken salad, creamy avocado salad