Dive into the deliciousness of this Avocado Chicken Salad, an ideal dish for a healthy and satisfying meal. This salad combines the creamy texture of avocados with the savory flavors of chicken and bacon, enhanced by a tangy lemon dressing. It’s perfect for a hearty lunch, a light dinner, or even as a gourmet sandwich filling.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken (equivalent to 2 large chicken breasts), shredded or chopped
- 3 medium or 2 large avocados, pitted and diced
- 1 cup corn, from 1 cooked cob or canned
- 6 oz bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1/4 cup chives or green onions, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, cut into halves or quarters (optional)
Avocado Salad Lemon Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, or to taste
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Chicken: Cook the chicken breasts and chop or shred them into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover chicken, ensure it’s warmed up if you prefer a warm salad.
- Bacon: Fry the bacon until crispy, then let it cool on paper towels before chopping.
- Corn: Boil the corn cob until tender, then slice off the corn kernels. Alternatively, you can use canned corn, drained and rinsed.
- Eggs: Hard boil the eggs, cool them under cold running water, peel, and quarter or halve them.
- Assemble the Salad:
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped chicken, diced avocados, corn, crispy bacon, chives or green onions, and dill.
- If using, add the hard-boiled eggs to the salad.
- Prepare the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Dress the Salad:
- Drizzle the lemon dressing over the salad and gently toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve:
- Serve the salad immediately to prevent the avocados from browning. If you plan to serve it later, squeeze a little extra lemon juice over the avocados or cover the surface of the salad with plastic wrap to minimize air exposure.
Serving Suggestions:
- As a Standalone Dish: This salad is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own.
- With Sides: Serve with crusty bread or a light soup for a fuller meal.
- As a Sandwich Filling: Scoop some of the salad into whole wheat wraps or between slices of multigrain bread for a delicious sandwich.
Tips:
- Avocado Handling: To keep the avocados from browning, add them right before serving or toss them in a bit of lemon juice.
- Flavor Enhancement: For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a pinch of garlic powder or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the dressing.
Enjoy this Avocado Chicken Salad as a refreshing choice that combines health with flavor, making it perfect for any meal!
Culinary Context
The Avocado Chicken Salad fits beautifully into several dining occasions:
- Summer Barbecues: Its fresh and light qualities make it an excellent choice for outdoor meals.
- Health-Conscious Gatherings: Packed with good fats and lean protein, it’s ideal for guests who prefer wholesome, nutritious dishes.
- Quick Lunch Solutions: Easy to prepare in advance, it’s a convenient option for a busy weekday lunch.
Health Benefits
- Avocado: A superfood providing heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, avocados are also rich in fiber, vitamins E, C, and B6, and potassium.
- Chicken: A great source of low-fat protein, chicken helps build muscles and supports healthy body function.
- Eggs: Contain high-quality protein and important nutrients like vitamin D and choline.
- Bacon: While bacon adds a burst of flavor and texture, it should be consumed in moderation due to its fat content. Opting for turkey bacon or leaving it out can be a healthier choice.
Recipe Insights
- Flavor Building: The inclusion of dill and green onions provides a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the olive oil and the depth of the bacon.
- Dressing: The simple lemon and olive oil dressing is light, avoiding the heaviness of mayonnaise-based dressings, making it perfect for those looking for a lighter salad option.
- Customization: This salad is easily customizable. Vegetarians can substitute chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas. Those who like a bit of heat can add sliced jalapeños or a dash of chili flakes.
Preparation Tips
- Avocado Handling: To prevent browning, dice the avocado right before serving or toss it in lemon juice, which adds flavor and preserves the vibrant green color.
- Serving: If you’re preparing this salad for a party, consider serving it in individual cups or small bowls for easy handling and a lovely presentation.
- Make Ahead: For meal prep, keep the dressing separate and mix just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
Additional Serving Suggestions
- Wine Pairing: A light white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling, complements the fresh flavors of the salad perfectly.
- Bread Pairing: Serve with slices of toasted baguette or garlic bread for a satisfying crunch and flavor contrast.
- Additional Toppings: For extra texture and nutrition, add seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, or nuts like almonds or walnuts.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a healthy weekday dinner, a quick lunch, or a dish to impress at your next social gathering, this Avocado Chicken Salad is a versatile choice that promises not only to satisfy but also to nourish. Its combination of flavors and ingredients offers a culinary delight that’s sure to appeal to salad lovers and food enthusiasts alike.