How to Make the Best Bacon Avocado Salad: A Foolproof Guide

Did you know that restaurant meal salads can easily contain over 1200 calories? 🤔 Our bacon avocado salad recipe, however, offers a delicious alternative with just 300-470 calories per serving.

This isn’t just any ordinary salad. With over 50 million views online, this bacon avocado chicken salad has become a viral sensation – and for good reason! It’s packed with 26g of protein per serving while still maintaining its status as a healthy meal option. We’ve created the perfect balance of nutritious ingredients including tender chicken, creamy avocados, sweet corn, and yes, crispy bacon. The avocado lemon salad dressing is surprisingly light at less than 80 calories per serving, unlike those heavy restaurant versions.

What makes our chicken bacon avocado recipe truly special is its versatility. You can customize it with different proteins and vegetables based on your dietary preferences. In fact, this bacon avocado salad recipe is perfect for meal planning – prepare it in advance and enjoy fresh, flavorful meals throughout your busy week.

Ready to make this game-changing salad? Let’s dive into our foolproof guide!

Why This Bacon Avocado Salad Works

This bacon avocado salad has become a favorite for many food enthusiasts because it perfectly balances multiple elements that make a truly memorable meal. Let’s explore why this recipe stands out from ordinary salads.

Balanced flavors and textures

The magic of this bacon avocado salad lies in its thoughtful combination of contrasting elements. Each bite delivers a symphony of sensations – the smoky, savory crunch of bacon against the rich creaminess of ripe avocado. This textural interplay creates what chefs call a “complete mouthfeel experience.”

Consider the essential components:

Crispy bacon provides umami flavor and satisfying crunch
Creamy avocado offers buttery smoothness
Fresh vegetables add refreshing crispness
Tangy dressing ties everything together

These contrasting elements create what one reviewer called “a salad that’s far more than the sum of its parts”. Additionally, the acidity from dressing ingredients like red wine vinegar or lemon juice balances the smoothness of olive oil, creating a sweet-tangy harmony.

Healthy yet satisfying

Despite its indulgent taste, this salad delivers impressive nutritional benefits. Avocados are truly nutritional powerhouses, providing healthy fats, vitamin B6, potassium, and folate. Notably, avocados contain polyphenols and flavonoids that help decrease inflammation and benefit heart health.

The proportional balance also contributes to satisfaction. Nutritionists recommend salads contain roughly 60-70% carbs (from vegetables), 20-30% protein (from chicken or bacon), and 10-20% healthy fats (from avocado and dressing). This macronutrient distribution helps you feel fuller longer and prevents post-meal snacking.

Furthermore, the combination creates what nutritionists describe as a “Just-the-Good-Stuff” approach – delivering salty-umami flavor from bacon, rich creaminess from avocado, freshness from vegetables, all tied together with a punchy dressing.

Perfect for meal prep or gatherings

The versatility of this bacon avocado salad makes it ideal for various occasions. For meal preparation, simply store ingredients separately and assemble when ready to eat. This approach prevents wilting and maintains optimal freshness.

To keep avocados from browning during storage, toss them in lemon or lime juice before refrigerating. This simple trick preserves both appearance and flavor, making the salad presentable for gatherings or picture-perfect for weekly meal prep.

Moreover, this salad adapts beautifully to different dietary needs. Vegetarians can substitute smoked tofu cubes or tempeh bacon, essentially providing similar smoky flavor and protein content. The recipe works equally well as a standalone meal or impressive side dish at barbecues and picnics.

Essential Ingredients and Substitutions

Creating the perfect bacon avocado salad begins with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that ideal balance of flavors and textures.

Choosing the right chicken

For tender, flavorful chicken, I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned with smoked paprika, chipotle chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination creates depth without overpowering other ingredients. Alternatively, a rotisserie chicken offers convenience without sacrificing taste – simply shred and incorporate.

Best type of bacon to use

Thick-cut bacon is undoubtedly superior to thin varieties for this salad. As chefs point out, “The thinner the bacon, the more it shrivels up and gets too crispy”. Look for bacon with a higher meat-to-fat ratio and minimal additives. Uncured, nitrate-free options like Wright Brand Hickory Smoked Bacon provide that perfect smoky flavor. For a healthier alternative, consider turkey bacon or even crispy prosciutto.

How to pick ripe avocados

Selecting perfect avocados requires attention to three key factors:

Color – Ripe avocados have dark green to nearly black skin
Texture – The skin should feel slightly bumpy, not smooth
Firmness – Should yield to gentle pressure without feeling mushy

A handy tip: check under the stem – if it comes off easily revealing green underneath, your avocado is perfectly ripe.

Fresh herbs and greens

Romaine lettuce creates a crisp foundation, though mixing in spinach adds nutritional variety. Fresh herbs elevate the flavor profile substantially – cilantro pairs wonderfully with avocado, whereas basil adds an aromatic quality. Accordingly, any fresh garden herbs you have will enhance the overall experience.

Optional add-ins and swaps

Cheese options range from blue cheese crumbles to feta or mozzarella depending on your preference. Vegetarians might substitute bacon with smoked tofu, tempeh bacon, or marinated mushrooms for similar smoky flavor. Additional vegetables that complement this salad include cucumber, corn, cherry tomatoes, and even grilled jalapeños for extra kick.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Bacon Avocado Salad

Let’s get hands-on with preparing this delicious bacon avocado salad! The magic happens in the preparation – each step builds flavor and ensures perfect texture in your final dish.

1. Cook and prep the chicken and bacon

I start by cooking the bacon first. Place bacon pieces in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook until crispy (about 10 minutes). For extra crispy bacon, try cooking under the broiler or grill instead. Once done, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain, but keep that bacon fat in the pan!

Next, season your chicken with spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder. Cook the chicken in the reserved bacon fat – this adds an incredible layer of flavor. Ensure chicken pieces are relatively thin so they cook quickly and evenly. Cook until golden brown and thoroughly cooked (approximately 15 minutes, flipping halfway).

2. Chop and combine the vegetables

While the meats cook, prep your vegetables. Thinly slice romaine lettuce, quarter cherry tomatoes, and slice cucumbers if using. For red onions, a thin slice works best to avoid overpowering other flavors. Dice avocados into chunks just before serving to prevent browning.

3. Make the lemon vinaigrette dressing

In a small bowl or jar, combine:

1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Optional: minced garlic, honey, salt and pepper

Whisk vigorously until emulsified or shake in a sealed jar. The Dijon helps the dressing stay blended longer.

4. Toss everything together

Place greens in a large bowl. Initially add a small amount of dressing and toss to coat evenly. Subsequently add warm chicken and cooled bacon pieces. Gently fold in avocados last to prevent crushing.

5. Add final toppings and serve

Once assembled, add any cheese (like feta or Gorgonzola) and fresh herbs like cilantro. For meal prep, store components separately and toss just before serving. To keep avocados from browning, toss them lightly in lemon juice prior to adding them to your stored salad.

The bacon avocado chicken salad is best enjoyed immediately while the bacon maintains its crispness and the chicken is still slightly warm.

Tips for Customization and Storage

Looking to maximize your bacon avocado salad experience? Mastering proper storage techniques and customization options can transform this dish from a one-time treat into a versatile staple in your meal rotation.

Make-ahead tips for busy days

Prepping this bacon avocado salad in advance saves precious time throughout hectic weeks. Firstly, store all components separately until you’re ready to serve. Chop romaine, cook and crumble bacon, prepare tomatoes and red onion, then refrigerate each in airtight containers. For dressings, mix ingredients in a jar with a tight-fitting lid and refrigerate.

To streamline meal prep further:

Cook bacon in advance and store in the fridge for quick access
Pre-wash greens and store in ziplock bags
Consider pre-washed greens for even faster preparation

How to keep avocado from browning

The dreaded brown avocado can ruin both presentation and texture. Fortunately, several methods exist to preserve that vibrant green color:

Toss avocado cubes in lemon or lime juice—the citric acid prevents oxidation. Alternatively, brush the flesh with olive oil to create a protective barrier against air exposure. For halved avocados, apply plastic wrap directly against the flesh, pressing it into the pit cavity for a tight seal.

Protein and veggie variations

The standard recipe welcomes creative adjustments based on dietary needs or personal preference. For a paleo-friendly version, substitute white beans with slow-roasted cauliflower or additional chicken. Vegetarians can skip the bacon entirely or try alternatives like shiitake bacon.

Other protein substitutions include turkey bacon, crispy prosciutto, smoked tofu cubes, or tempeh bacon.

Using leftovers creatively

Although this salad is best enjoyed fresh, since avocado and greens typically don’t hold up overnight, you can still repurpose components:

Add leftover bacon and chicken to breakfast scrambles
Use extra avocado for quick morning toast
Incorporate remaining dressing as a marinade for tomorrow’s protein

Remember that if you do have leftovers, store all components separately and assemble just before eating.

Conclusion

Overall, this bacon avocado salad represents the perfect balance between health-conscious eating and satisfying flavor. Throughout this guide, we’ve explored how the thoughtful combination of crispy bacon, creamy avocado, tender chicken, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that delights both your taste buds and your nutritional needs.

Above all, the versatility of this recipe makes it truly stand out from ordinary salads. Whether you’re meal prepping for a busy week or hosting a weekend gathering, this bacon avocado salad adapts beautifully to your needs. Additionally, the customization options we’ve discussed allow you to tailor the recipe to different dietary preferences without sacrificing flavor.

The storage techniques outlined certainly help maintain freshness, especially those tricks for keeping avocados vibrant and green. Therefore, you can confidently prepare components ahead of time without worrying about wilted lettuce or brown avocados.

Finally, this bacon avocado salad proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean bland or unsatisfying meals. Each bite delivers a perfect harmony of textures and flavors while providing substantial nutrition. This recipe has rightfully earned its viral status by transforming the humble salad into a crave-worthy meal.

Ready to elevate your salad game? This foolproof guide gives you everything needed to create a restaurant-quality dish right at home – but with better nutrition and your personal touch. The next time you’re craving something both satisfying and nutritious, remember that this bacon avocado salad checks all the boxes!

FAQs

Q1. How many calories are in this bacon avocado salad? This salad contains approximately 300-470 calories per serving, making it a healthier alternative to many restaurant salads that can exceed 1200 calories.

Q2. Can I prepare this salad in advance for meal prep? Yes, you can prepare the components separately and store them in airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before eating to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.

Q3. What’s the best way to keep avocados from browning in the salad? Toss avocado cubes in lemon or lime juice before adding them to the salad. The citric acid helps prevent oxidation and keeps the avocados green.

Q4. Are there vegetarian options for this salad? Absolutely! You can substitute the bacon and chicken with alternatives like smoked tofu, tempeh bacon, or marinated mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version.

Q5. What type of bacon works best for this salad? Thick-cut bacon is recommended for this salad as it provides better texture and flavor. Look for bacon with a higher meat-to-fat ratio and minimal additives for the best results.