Chopped Chicken Club Salad is a hearty, flavorful salad that combines the best elements of a classic club sandwich with the freshness of a salad. This dish features tender, grilled chicken, crispy beef bacon, creamy avocado, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed with mixed greens and a tangy dressing. It’s a satisfying meal that’s both light and filling, perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
I first made this salad when I wanted a lighter version of a club sandwich that still felt substantial. The combination of smoky beef bacon, creamy avocado, and tender chicken was perfect, and the fresh veggies added a nice crunch. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can swap the chicken for turkey or steak, add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein, or use a different dressing like ranch or balsamic vinaigrette. Whether served as a main dish or a side, Chopped Chicken Club Salad is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s sure to please!
Perfect for:
- Lunch or dinner
- Meal prep
- Healthy eating
- Family gatherings
- Chicken and bacon lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this Chopped Chicken Club Salad will become your go-to meal:
- Loaded with Flavor: The combination of chicken, beef bacon, avocado, and a zesty dressing creates a crave-worthy salad.
- Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your preferences, such as adding tomatoes or using turkey bacon.
- Perfectly Balanced: It’s a great mix of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables.
- Quick and Easy: This salad comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights.
- Ideal for Meal Prep: This salad keeps well in the fridge, so you can prep it ahead of time for lunches throughout the week.
- Healthy Yet Satisfying: Low in carbs but high in protein, this salad is filling without being heavy.
- Creamy and Crunchy: The creamy avocado and crispy beef bacon create a delightful contrast in every bite.
- Great for All Diets: It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and can be made dairy-free if needed.
- Packed with Nutrients: The salad provides essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants from the fresh veggies and chicken.
- Versatile Dressing Options: You can use a variety of dressings, from a simple vinaigrette to a creamy ranch or blue cheese dressing.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 12g, Fat: 28g
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and chopped
- 6 strips of beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 avocado, diced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (such as romaine, arugula, or spinach)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breast: A lean protein that provides a satisfying base for the salad.
- Beef Bacon: Adds a crispy, salty crunch that enhances the flavor.
- Avocado: Rich in healthy fats, making the salad creamy and satisfying.
- Mixed Greens: A variety of leafy vegetables adds a range of textures and flavors.
- Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that forms the base of the dressing.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Salad:
- Cook the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Let the chicken rest before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the beef Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the beef bacon strips until crispy, then crumble them into smaller pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables: While the chicken and beef bacon are cooking, chop the avocado, slice the red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes (if using).
Make the Dressing:
- Whisk Together Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the salad greens, chopped chicken, beef bacon, avocado, tomatoes, and red onion.
- Add Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top if desired.
Serve:
- Plate and Enjoy: Divide the salad into bowls or plates, serve immediately, and enjoy!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Chopped Chicken Club Salad:
- As a Standalone Meal: Enjoy it as a filling lunch or light dinner.
- With Grilled Bread: Serve with warm, toasted bread or croutons for added crunch.
- As a Meal Prep: Pack individual servings in airtight containers for easy lunches during the week.
- With a Side of Soup: Pair with a light soup, like tomato or chicken noodle, for a complete meal.
- For a Picnic: Pack the salad in individual containers for an easy-to-serve dish outdoors.
- As a Party Salad: Make a large batch and serve it as a side dish at your next gathering.
- With Sweet Potato Fries: Add a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a hearty meal.
- For a Low-Carb Option: Skip the cheese and reduce the avocado for a lighter version.
- With a Cold Drink: Pair it with a chilled iced tea or sparkling water for a refreshing meal.
- As a Leftover Lunch: Enjoy the salad cold the next day as a quick and satisfying lunch.
Additional Tips
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the amount of apple cider vinegar.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables, like cucumber or bell peppers, for extra crunch and nutrients.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Keep Avocado Fresh: To prevent the avocado from browning, squeeze some lemon juice over it before adding it to the salad.
Recipe Variations
- Turkey Bacon Version: Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter, lower-fat option.
- Cheese-Free: Omit the cheddar cheese for a dairy-free version of the salad.
- Vegan Option: Replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu, and use a dairy-free dressing.
- Spicy Chicken Salad: Add grilled spicy chicken or buffalo sauce to the chicken for extra heat.
- Crispy Chicken Salad: Use crispy chicken tenders or breaded chicken for a crunchy twist.
- With Nuts: Add toasted almonds or walnuts for an extra crunch and healthy fats.
- Cobb Salad Style: Add hard-boiled eggs and blue cheese crumbles for a heartier salad.
- Avocado-Free: Omit the avocado for a simpler version of the salad.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: To cook the chicken and beef bacon.
- Sharp Knife: For chopping the chicken and vegetables.
- Whisk: For making the salad dressing.
- Large Salad Bowl: To toss all the ingredients together.
- Measuring Spoons: For measuring the dressing ingredients.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and cook it thoroughly before adding it to the salad. - How long will the salad keep in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate to prevent sogginess. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients ahead of time, but wait to add the dressing until you’re ready to serve. - Can I use a different dressing?
Yes, feel free to use any dressing you like, such as ranch, blue cheese, or a balsamic vinaigrette. - How can I make the salad spicier?
Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the dressing for a spicy kick. - Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Try using grilled shrimp, steak, or tofu for a different protein option. - Can I skip the beef bacon?
Yes, feel free to omit the beef bacon if you prefer a vegetarian or leaner version of the salad. - Can I use pre-washed salad greens?
Yes, using pre-washed salad greens can save time. Just make sure they’re thoroughly dried before assembling. - Can I add other fruits to the salad?
Yes, you can add fruits like apples or berries for a sweet contrast. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients to make a larger batch.
Conclusion
Chopped Chicken Club Salad is a hearty, flavorful salad that brings together the best of a classic club sandwich in a fresh, vibrant bowl. Tender, grilled chicken is paired with crispy beef bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy lettuce, all drizzled with a tangy dressing. Each bite offers a satisfying combination of savory, creamy, and fresh elements that will leave you craving more.
This salad is perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a filling side dish for any occasion. It’s quick to make and can easily be customized by adding extra veggies, cheese, or swapping in your favorite dressing. Whether you enjoy it on its own or as a side to your favorite protein, Chopped Chicken Club Salad is sure to become a go-to in your salad rotation.
I can’t wait to see how your Chopped Chicken Club Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!