If you’re looking for a meal that checks all the boxes—fresh, flavorful, and endlessly satisfying—look no further than this Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon. This salad combines tender chicken, creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and a bright touch of lime and cilantro, making it a perfect dish for lunch, meal prep, or a simple dinner. With its vibrant colors and lively textures, you’ll find yourself returning to this easy favorite whenever you crave something quick but utterly crave-worthy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish keeps it simple, letting each ingredient shine. Everything on this list has a role to play, whether it’s bringing heartiness, crunch, or a pop of color to your Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon. Here’s what you’ll need and why you truly want it in the bowl:
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or chopped): The base of your salad for protein and substance; rotisserie works wonders for convenience.
- Ripe avocados (2, diced): They add creaminess and their natural buttery flavor takes every bite up a notch.
- Bacon (4 slices, cooked and crumbled): Those crispy, salty bits make the salad irresistible—pre-cooked or freshly made both work.
- Red onion (¼ cup, finely chopped): It brings a gentle bite and pleasing color contrast, plus a little zip.
- Fresh lime juice (2 tbsp): Brightens everything, keeps your avocados green, and wakes up all the flavors.
- Fresh cilantro (2 tbsp, chopped): For herby freshness and a punch of color; totally transforms the salad with one sprinkle.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that tie all the other flavors together and let them shine.
How to Make Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon
Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by making sure your chicken is cooked, cooled, and either shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. Dice those perfectly ripe avocados, giving you those creamy nuggets in every forkful. If your bacon isn’t cooked yet, crisp it to your desired doneness and let it cool before crumbling. Chop your red onion and cilantro so everything is ready to toss together.
Step 2: Combine in a Large Bowl
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, avocado, bacon, and red onion. This step is where all those textures start to come together. I always take a second to admire the beautiful layers—creamy greens, vibrant purples, and golden bacon bits sitting alongside hearty chicken.
Step 3: Add Lime Juice and Cilantro
Drizzle the fresh lime juice evenly over the salad. Sprinkle in your chopped cilantro (if you love extra herbs, add a tad more!) and season everything with salt and lots of freshly cracked black pepper. The lime not only brightens the flavors but helps keep the avocados looking pretty, too.
Step 4: Gently Toss Together
Using a large spoon or spatula, carefully toss the ingredients so they’re nicely combined but the avocado holds its shape. The goal here is even distribution without turning your avocados into guacamole—gentle hands win the day!
Step 5: Chill or Serve Right Away
You can dive right in, or for a flavor boost, cover and chill the salad in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Chilled, all the flavors mingle and meld, making every bite even more irresistible. Then serve it up however you like!
How to Serve Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped cilantro or a squeeze of fresh lime right on top for brightness. Cracked black pepper and an extra crumble of bacon also take it over the top. For crunch, a few toasted pumpkin seeds or sliced radish are fun additions.
Side Dishes
This salad is a meal on its own, but it plays well with others, too. Serve it alongside a light vegetable soup, fresh fruit, or a cup of tomato bisque for something cozy. A handful of tortilla chips or a mini stack of pita triangles on the side turns it into a hearty lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
The Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon is a chameleon—stuff it into lettuce wraps, pile it onto slices of toasted sourdough, or make it into a low-carb wrap with collard greens. It’s also fantastic scooped over a bed of baby greens or tucked inside a whole-grain pita for lunch on the go.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon, simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator. The lime juice helps prevent the avocado from browning too quickly, but for best flavor and texture, enjoy within 1–2 days. Give it a gentle stir before serving again to redistribute any dressing that may have settled.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can cause the avocado to become mushy and the vegetables to lose their crispness. If you want to prep ahead, consider cooking and portioning the chicken and bacon ahead of time, but dice the avocado and assemble just before serving.
Reheating
Since this is a chilled salad, there’s no reheating required. If you’re craving a warm meal, use leftovers to top a freshly toasted bread or add it to a warm tortilla just before eating. Otherwise, enjoy it straight from the fridge for a cool, refreshing bite.
FAQs
Can I substitute the lime juice with something else?
Absolutely! If you’re out of limes, fresh lemon juice is a great substitute. It will offer a similar tang and help keep your avocados from browning. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it will still taste fresh and vibrant.
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
The lime juice in this Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon helps keep the diced avocado green and vibrant. Covering the salad tightly with plastic wrap, pressed directly onto the surface, also reduces the chance of browning if you’re making it ahead.
Can I use another protein instead of chicken?
Definitely! Try cooked turkey, ham, or even grilled shrimp if you’re looking for a fun twist. The core flavors pair well with a variety of proteins, so feel free to use what you have on hand and keep it easy.
Is this salad keto-friendly or low carb?
Yes! With only 6g of carbohydrates per serving and a generous amount of healthy fats from avocado and bacon, Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon fits well into keto and low-carb meal plans. Just skip any carb-heavy sides if you’re watching your intake.
What’s the best way to make this for meal prep?
To meal prep, keep components separate and assemble just before eating, especially the avocado. Store the chicken, bacon, and onion together, and add diced avocado, lime juice, and cilantro when you’re ready to serve for ultimate freshness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a fast, flavorful meal that hits all the right notes, treat yourself to the Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon. With a medley of fresh ingredients, satisfying textures, and just a little indulgence from crispy bacon, it always feels like a special treat. Give it a try next time you need a delicious change of pace!
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Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon, if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. Creamy avocados, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and zesty lime juice come together for a flavorful and wholesome meal.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped)
- 2 ripe avocados (diced)
- 4 slices cooked bacon (crumbled)
- ¼ cup red onion (finely chopped)
For the Dressing:
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced avocados, crumbled bacon, and chopped red onion. Drizzle with lime juice and sprinkle with cilantro, salt, and pepper.
- Gently toss everything together until evenly mixed, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.
- Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Great served in lettuce wraps, on toasted bread, in a tortilla, or over a bed of greens.
- You can use rotisserie chicken for quick prep and swap lime for lemon juice if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
