Easy BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado Recipe

If you’re craving a fresh, satisfying meal that combines crisp bacon, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and vibrant veggies, you’re in the right place. This BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado recipe is your new go-to for a quick, healthy, and delicious lunch or light dinner. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and offers the perfect balance of protein, healthy fats, and freshness that keeps you energized and happy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry and fridge staples you probably already have on hand.
• Quick prep time: Ready to eat in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days.
• Nutritious and balanced: Combines lean protein, healthy fats, and veggies for a well-rounded meal.
• Versatile and customizable: Easily adapt it to your taste preferences or dietary needs.
• Perfect for any season: Light and refreshing with creamy textures that feel both indulgent and wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado recipe plays an important role, adding unique texture, flavor, or nutritional benefit. The combination is what makes this salad stand out — fresh, crunchy, creamy, and savory all at once.

• Cooked chicken breast: Provides lean protein and a tender base for the salad.
• Crispy bacon: Adds smoky crunch and rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy elements.
• Ripe avocado: Brings buttery creaminess and healthy fats to every bite.
• Fresh lettuce or mixed greens: Offers crispness and a refreshing contrast to the meat and avocado.
• Cherry tomatoes: Infuse juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
• Red onion: Adds a subtle bite and depth of flavor.
• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Acts as a creamy binder with a hint of tanginess.
• Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and prevents avocado browning.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that balance all the flavors.

Variations for BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing you to swap ingredients or add extras to fit your preferences or what’s available in your kitchen. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt: For a lighter, tangier dressing with added probiotics.
• Add corn kernels: For a sweet crunch that complements the savory elements.
• Use turkey bacon: A leaner alternative for those watching fat intake.
• Include fresh herbs: Like parsley, basil, or cilantro to add an herby twist.
• Make it spicy: Toss in some jalapeño slices or a dash of cayenne for heat.

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How to Make BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breast. Season it lightly with salt and pepper, then cook in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and golden brown, about 5-7 minutes per side. Once done, let it rest before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the chicken cooks, fry your bacon strips on medium heat until they turn crispy. Drain them on paper towels fully to remove excess grease, then crumble or chop into pieces suitable for the salad.

Step 3: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

Dice the ripe avocado and halve the cherry tomatoes. Thinly slice red onion and roughly chop your lettuce or mixed greens. These will add structure, color, and freshness to your BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing binds the salad while adding a zesty kick.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. Drizzle the dressing over and gently fold everything so that all ingredients are coated without mashing the avocado.

Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

• Use ripe but firm avocados: Choose avocados that are perfectly ripe to avoid mushiness.
• Don’t overmix: Fold gently to keep the textures intact and prevent avocado from becoming too soft.
• Cook bacon evenly: Crispy, not burnt, bacon enhances both flavor and texture.
• Add lemon juice last: To keep avocado fresh and maintain its appealing green color.
• Use fresh chicken: For the best taste, either grill or pan-sear chicken breasts yourself instead of precooked options.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a burst of color and a gentle herbal aroma that elevates the dish’s appeal and flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with crusty whole grain bread, sweet potato fries, or a light soup to create a well-rounded, satisfying meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve it in avocado halves for an impressive presentation, or pile it onto toasted sandwich bread for a delicious open-faced sandwich twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though avocado may darken slightly over time.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because avocado and lettuce texture degrade upon thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

If desired, gently warm the chicken and bacon separately before adding back into the salad with fresh avocado and raw veggies for the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that saves time and still tastes delicious in this recipe.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes, this BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado is naturally gluten-free as long as your bacon and other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Can I make this vegan or vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, skip the bacon and chicken and add chickpeas or tofu instead; vegan versions could use plant-based bacon alternatives and vegan mayo.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Adding lemon juice and storing the salad in an airtight container helps slow oxidation and keeps avocado looking fresh longer.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for a tangier, lighter dressing, and it adds creaminess without extra fat.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado is a fantastic mix of textures and flavors, from crispy bacon to creamy avocado. It’s perfect when you want something fresh, filling, and easy to throw together any day of the week. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite salad!

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