In this Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad everything that is delicious chopped up and added to a salad and smothered in a smoky cilantro avocado dressing.
There is little-to-no guilt where this salad is concerned. I mean sure, there’s bacon (and cheddar) but that’s like protein and dairy *wink* which are all parts of the food pyramid, right?
However, there’s also grilled chicken, tomatoes, bell peppers, grilled corn, green and red onions. This salad is a meal. If you like things spicy, then add a few sliced jalapeños. All these nutritious and colorful a toppings mixed with chopped romaine lettuce and tossed with a luscious smoky avocado dressing. See? Like I said, nothing to feel bad about. Riiiiiight? I think not.
I made this salad for dinner one night on a whim and instantly wish I blogged it. The only thing I didn’t do was make the avocado dressing. Like I said, it was just on a whim so I used what I had on hand and in the fridge was ranch. We all agreed it was missing a little somethin-somethin.
So I thought about it and thought about it and I finally came to the conclusion that this salad needed avocado. So this time I made a smoky, cilantro-y, avocado-y dressing. Yeah, I wasn’t prepared AT ALL for the incredible flavor amazingness. There is something about the combination of bacon and avocado that I just love so much. And if you can imagine tossing it all with grilled chicken, corn and allthevegetables, you can expect your taste buds to be blown away.
And because, bacon.
First the dressing! To start, in your mini food processor, throw the cilantro and garlic clove.
Then pulse until coarsely chopped.
Next slice open two medium avocados and cut a lime in half. Scrape out the flesh of the avocado and add it to the cilantro and garlic.
Then add in the kosher salt and chipotle powder.
And then squeeze in the half of a lime.
Next, with the processor on, pour in the avocado oil.
And then thin it all out with about 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water.
And just like that you have a deliciously amazing smoky avocado dressing.
How To Get Ripe Avocados To LAST:
The trick to storing ripe avocados so they last is a no-brainer, it’s easy and effective and has saved me SO much money. First buy hard to the touch, bright green avocados and allow them to ripen on the counter. Once they are black, soft to the touch (NOT squishy) pop them into the fridge. Because here is where they will last for quite a few days! You guys this has changed my life and I owe this trick to my sisters. No more wasted avocados!
This stuff almost steals the show. Almost.
And then there is allthetoppings. And bacon.
Finally toss those beauts with chopped romaine leaves, cheddar cheese and then sprinkle in some sliced jalapeño, if that’s your thing.
Lastly, plate up the salad and then drizzle with the avocado dressing.
Toss it all around, grab a fork and finally… dig in.
YOU. Will. Love. This.
Enjoy! And if you give this Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
My cookbook Simply Scratch : 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy is now available! CLICK HERE for details and THANK YOU in advance!
Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad with Smoky Cilantro Avocado Dressing
Ingredients
FOR THE DRESSING:
- 1 clove fresh garlic
- 1/3 cup cilantro leaves
- 2 medium avocados
- 1/2 lime, juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle powder, to taste
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil, or a good olive oil will work
- 1/4 cup water, more or less as desired
FOR THE SALAD:
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped small
- 1 recipe Grilled Chipotle Cumin Chicken, cooled and chopped
- 6 slices applewood bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomato halves
- 1/2 cup diced orange bell pepper
- 2 ears yellow corn, grilled
- 4 green onions, sliced (dark parts only)
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 1 jalapeno, sliced thin
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- In the bowl of your food processor add the garlic and cilantro and pulse to roughly chop. Add in the avocado, chipotle powder, salt and lime juice.
- Pour in the olive oil and water while pulsing until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- In a large bowl, toss together the romaine, chicken, bacon, tomato halves, bell pepper, grilled corn, onions, jalapeno and cheddar cheese.
- Serve on plates with spoonfuls of the avocado dressing.
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This looks so good and that dressing looks amazing!
I am drooling right now!!!
Love that dressing!!
Jillian
Thank you Jillian!
That salad dressing looks insanely good!
Thanks Haley! <3
I make avocado dressing all the time and we love it. I usually add black beans also to the salad. Thanks for bringing this to my mind. I needed some inspiration for the week.
One, that looks crazy delicious, but two — where did you get those dishes?? They are SO gorgeous!
Hi Nikki! I bought them not that long ago from Target. Love that place 🙂
This looks delicious, can you tell me how much salt and chipotle powder do you put in the dressing. Thanks
Hi Jiji! I can’t believe I forgot to put those in the recipe! It’s 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 to 1/2 chipotle powder (or to taste). I’ve updated the recipe, thanks for pointing that out! 🙂
This was delicious! My husband and I had it for dinner tonight and we can’t wait to have our leftovers for lunch tomorrow. Thanks for the tasty recipe!
I’m so glad and you are most welcome Kelli 🙂
This was a huge hit thank you! I was short on ripe avocados so I added sour cream to make more & a couple pinches of dill really gave it another dimension. This will be added to the menu frequently!
That dressing looks amazing. I’d drizzle it over just about anything. You can’t go wrong with bacon in a crisp salad.
where is the receipt for the chipotle chicken?
I’m sorry Sandy, I thought I linked it in the post… Here you go http://www.simplyscratch.com/2015/05/15-minute-chipotle-cumin-grilled-chicken.html enjoy!
Do you serve the salad with warm bacon and warm chicken and warm corn? Or is room temperature just as tasty?
Hi Robin! I think either room temp or cold (leftovers!) would be delicious. You can’t go wrong!