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Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon

Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon

Avocado Chicken Salad with Bacon is a creamy, crispy, and flavorful dish combining tender shredded chicken, ripe avocado, and smoky bacon. This easy-to-make salad is perfect for meals or snacks, offering a satisfying balance of textures and nutrition. Ideal for sandwiches, wraps, or served over greens, it’s a versatile, protein-packed, and customizable recipe that’s sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
  • 1 ripe avocado
  • 4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled

Vegetables and Produce

  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped

Binding and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Start with cooked chicken—either leftover roast chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly grilled—then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. Cook your bacon until crispy and let it drain on paper towels before crumbling into small, crunchy pieces.
  2. Mash the Avocado: In a bowl, scoop out the ripe avocado and mash it gently using a fork, leaving some chunks for texture. Squeeze in fresh lime juice right away to keep it bright and green.
  3. Mix the Creamy Base: Combine the mashed avocado with Greek yogurt or mayonnaise to make a smooth, creamy mixture. Stir until well blended and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Combine and Add Veggies: Add the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl. Toss everything gently so the creamy avocado mixture coats each ingredient evenly.
  5. Add Fresh Herbs and Final Seasoning: Fold in chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresh herbal note. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice as needed before serving.

Notes

  • Use just-ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure for the perfect creamy texture.
  • Cook bacon to crispy perfection to provide the best contrast in texture and flavor.
  • Add lime juice immediately to mashed avocado to prevent browning and maintain vibrant color.
  • Shred chicken evenly to ensure a balanced bite every time.
  • Chill the salad for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days; stir in lime juice before serving to freshen.
  • Do not freeze the salad as avocado texture changes after freezing.

Nutrition

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