Easy BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe

If you’re craving something fresh, creamy, and packed with flavor, this BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado is exactly what you need. Combining crispy bacon, juicy chicken, ripe avocado, and crisp greens, this salad delivers a perfect balance of textures and tastes that feels indulgent without the heaviness. Whether you want a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a healthy crowd-pleaser, this recipe is simple to make, versatile, and utterly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Easy-to-find staples come together beautifully with minimal prep.
• Healthy yet satisfying: Protein-rich chicken and creamy avocado keep you full and fueled.
• Versatile meal: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, adapting to your schedule.
• Burst of flavors: Crispy bacon and fresh veggies provide exciting textures and tastes every bite.
• Quick to make: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days!

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one adds a unique component — from creamy, buttery avocado to smoky bacon and tender chicken — creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

• Cooked chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a meaty base for the salad.
• Bacon strips: Adds a crispy, smoky crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy elements.
• Ripe avocado: Brings richness, creaminess, and healthy fats to every bite.
• Fresh lettuce or mixed greens: Provides a crisp and refreshing foundation.
• Cherry tomatoes: Offer juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Red onion (optional): Adds a sharp, tangy kick for extra flavor complexity.
• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Creates the creamy dressing needed to tie it all together.
• Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the flavors and prevents avocado browning.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all ingredients.

Variations for BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, so feel free to tailor it based on your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor preferences. Experimenting with a few tweaks can make the salad feel fresh every time you make it.

• Swap chicken for turkey: Use leftover turkey or grilled turkey breast for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian twist: Skip bacon and add smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for crunch.
• Spicy kick: Mix in diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing.
• Different greens: Try kale, spinach, or arugula instead of standard lettuce for varied texture and nutrition.
• Light dressing: Replace mayo with mashed avocado or a vinaigrette for a lighter touch.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken

Start with seasoned chicken breasts, grilled, baked, or pan-seared until fully cooked and juicy. Once cooled, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces that will mix nicely with the other ingredients.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Cook bacon strips until crispy. Drain excess fat on paper towels, then crumble or chop the bacon into small pieces to sprinkle on the salad, providing that irresistible crunch and smoky flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Veggies and Avocado

Wash and chop your lettuce or mixed greens, halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion if using, and dice the ripe avocado. Toss the avocado with lemon juice right away to keep it from browning.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a splash of lemon juice. Whisk until smooth and creamy. This dressing will lightly coat the salad, pulling all flavors together beautifully.

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large bowl, gently toss the chicken, bacon, veggies, and avocado with the dressing. Stir just until evenly coated, being careful not to mash the avocado too much.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately to enjoy the fresh flavors and varied textures or chill briefly for a cool meal option.

Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

• Fresh is best: Use fresh, ripe avocados and crisp greens for maximum flavor and texture.
• Avoid overmixing: Toss just enough to coat ingredients evenly without breaking apart the avocado.
• Balance the salt: Bacon can be salty, so season lightly to keep flavors balanced.
• Use day-old bacon: Bacon tends to crisp up better if cooked a day ahead and reheated slightly.
• Chill before serving: Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 15 minutes enhances flavor melding.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

Garnishes

Add extra chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or crushed red chili flakes can add dimension and mild heat.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, sweet potato fries, or a light soup to round out your meal. Offering a fresh fruit salad on the side brightens the whole dining experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado in avocado halves, stuffed into pita pockets, or atop crispy tortilla chips for a fun appetizer style. You can also layer it in mason jars for portable, Instagram-worthy lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salad dressing separate if possible to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Because of the fresh avocado and veggies, this salad does not freeze well. For make-ahead convenience, freeze cooked chicken and bacon separately, then assemble the salad fresh.

Reheating

If reheating, warm just the chicken and bacon gently in the microwave or on the stove; add fresh veggies and avocado after warming to maintain texture and flavor contrast.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut that adds delicious savory flavor and saves time.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss diced avocado with fresh lemon juice immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and keep it looking fresh.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Yes! Just store the dressing separately and add avocado right before eating to preserve freshness.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Definitely. Use a dairy-free mayo or skip the dressing entirely in favor of a simple olive oil and vinegar drizzle.

What greens work best in this salad?

Romaine, mixed greens, or baby spinach all work well, giving you plenty of options depending on what you have on hand.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado is a true crowd-pleaser that combines fresh ingredients with a creamy, crunchy, and flavorful punch. It’s a quick, healthy, and utterly satisfying meal that you’ll want to make again and again. So grab these simple ingredients and treat yourself to this delicious salad—you won’t regret it!

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