Description
Chicken Salad combines tender chicken with crisp greens, smoky turkey bacon, and a bright apple cider vinegar dressing for a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or picnics.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon
Greens and Vegetables
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, washed and dried
- 2 cups mixed greens, washed and dried
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced (plant-based dairy)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or cilantro), chopped
Dressing
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar dressing (natural)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (natural)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (natural)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- Optional: pinch of natural gelling agent
Seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the chicken breasts until tender and juicy; allow them to rest before shredding or dicing into bite-sized pieces. In a pan, crisp the smoked turkey bacon until desired crispness, then set aside to cool.
- Chop Crisp Greens and Veggies: Thoroughly wash and dry romaine and mixed greens. Slice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onions. Prepare avocado slices just before assembling to maintain freshness.
- Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together apple cider vinegar dressing, olive oil, honey or maple syrup, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Add fresh herbs and a natural gelling agent if a thicker texture is desired.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large salad bowl, gently toss the greens and vegetables with the dressing to coat evenly. Fold in the chicken pieces and smoky turkey bacon carefully to preserve texture and freshness.
- Garnish and Serve: Top the salad with slices of avocado and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs over. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use leftover or rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Make sure to pat dry the greens thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
- Prepare the dressing at least 15 minutes ahead to allow flavors to meld.
- Add avocado last to prevent browning and maintain a vibrant appearance.
- Let the salad rest for 10 minutes after mixing to enhance flavor fusion.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: chicken salad, turkey bacon salad, apple cider vinegar dressing, fresh greens, quick salad, healthy lunch
