Get ready to treat your taste buds to a burst of flavor with our Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette. Succulent grilled chicken mingles effortlessly with the creamy goodness of ripe avocados, all resting atop a bed of crisp, vibrant greens.
But what truly sets this salad apart is the homemade vinaigrette, a tangy symphony of flavors that dance across your palate. Each bite is a delightful journey, where tender chicken meets the luxurious richness of avocado, perfectly complemented by the zesty embrace of the vinaigrette. Whether you're seeking a wholesome lunch or a light dinner option, this salad brings together freshness and homemade goodness in every forkful.
To create the magic, our homemade vinaigrette steals the show
To create the magic, our homemade vinaigrette steals the show – a harmonious blend of extra-virgin olive oil, a hint of Dijon mustard, a squeeze of citrusy brightness, and a touch of honey for that irresistible balance of sweet and tangy. As you drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad, it cascades like liquid gold, infusing each ingredient with its mouthwatering allure. The interplay of textures continues with the addition of toasted nuts or crunchy croutons, adding that satisfying crunch to every bite. Wholesome, satisfying, and bursting with flavors, our Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is a symphony of ingredients that celebrates the art of crafting a truly memorable dish. Whether you're a salad enthusiast or a culinary adventurer, this creation promises a delightful experience that will leave you craving more.
This was inspired by my other recipe on this site, and pairs well with this amazing sidedish recipe.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10-13 minutes
Serves 4-6
Jump to:
- To create the magic, our homemade vinaigrette steals the show
- Ingredients needed to make Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
- How to make Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
- Variations on the Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette recipe
- Equipment used in making the Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette recipe
- Storage for the Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
- Top tips for making Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
- Related
- Pairing
- Chicken Avocado Salad with Our Irresistible Homemade Vinaigrette!"
Ingredients needed to make Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
2 T. honey, preferably local
1 T. whole grain mustard
1 T. Dijon mustard
3 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. white balsamic vinegar
1 T. shallots, finely minced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Salad Ingredients:
8 thick-cut slices bacon, diced
1½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
4 c. mixed salad greens (lettuce of choice)
2 c. grape or cherry tomatoes, diced
2 large avocados, pitted and sliced
2 T. fresh lime juice
How to make Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
- Combine honey, both mustards, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and shallots in a small, non-reactive bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
- Cook bacon, stirring occasionally, in a large skillet over medium heat until just crispy, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet with a slotted spatula and transfer to a bed of paper towels to drain. Blot off excess grease and set aside.
- Drain all but approximately one tablespoon bacon grease from the skillet and return to medium heat. (Carefully wipe any grease off the side of the pan with a heavy, damp cloth before returning to heat to prevent flare-ups).
- Add chicken to skillet and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Add salad greens and tomatoes to a large salad bowl and top with the cooked bacon and chicken.
- Toss avocado slices with fresh lime juice to prevent browning and add to salad bowl. Drizzle with half the salad dressing and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately on chilled individual salad plates with remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!
Variations on the Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette recipe
here are 10 tantalizing variations to take your Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette to new heights:
- Mediterranean Marvel: Toss in Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. The Mediterranean flavors will transport your taste buds to the shores of Greece.
- Tropical Temptation: Add a tropical twist with diced mango, pineapple chunks, and toasted coconut flakes. It's a vacation for your palate!
- Spicy Fiesta: Kick up the heat with sliced jalapenos, black beans, and a sprinkle of chili powder. A fiesta of flavors in every bite!
- Berry Bliss: Introduce fresh berries like strawberries or blueberries for a burst of sweetness that plays off the savory elements beautifully.
- Nutty Crunch: Amp up the crunch factor with chopped candied nuts or seeds like almonds, pecans, or sunflower seeds. A nutty delight in every forkful.
- Classic Caesar Fusion: Give it a Caesar twist by tossing in some garlicky croutons, grated Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of Caesar dressing.
- Asian Fusion: Infuse an Asian flair with mandarin orange segments, sliced almonds, and a sesame-ginger vinaigrette. A fusion of flavors that's both refreshing and satisfying.
- Greek Goddess Remix: Incorporate cucumber slices, red onion, and a creamy tzatziki drizzle for a Greek-inspired twist that's light and refreshing.
- Tex-Mex Fiesta: Spice it up with corn kernels, black beans, diced bell peppers, and a tangy lime-cilantro vinaigrette. A Tex-Mex fiesta on your plate!
- Avocado Ranch Delight: Swap the vinaigrette for a creamy ranch dressing, and add crispy bacon bits and diced red onion for a ranch-lover's dream.
Feel free to mix and match these variations or let your culinary creativity flow to craft your own signature Chicken Avocado Salad masterpiece. Each variation brings a unique twist to the classic dish, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Equipment used in making the Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette recipe
Storage for the Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
Due to the nature of the ingredients, Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette is best enjoyed when freshly prepared. However, if you want to store it, here are some general guidelines:
- Chicken: Cooked chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Make sure it's properly cooled before refrigerating to maintain its quality.
- Avocado: Avocado tends to brown over time due to exposure to air. To slow down the browning process, you can drizzle some lemon or lime juice over the avocado slices before adding them to the salad. Even with this precaution, it's best to consume the salad within 1-2 days for the best taste and appearance of the avocado.
- Vinaigrette: The homemade vinaigrette can be stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using, as some separation might occur.
- Assembled Salad: If you've already mixed everything together, try to consume the salad within a day. The avocado and lettuce might start to lose their freshness and crispness after that.
To maximize the salad's quality, you can also store the chicken, avocado, greens, and vinaigrette separately and assemble them just before serving. This way, you'll retain the best texture and flavor of each ingredient.
Remember, the sooner you consume the Chicken Avocado Salad, the better the flavors and textures will be. If you're planning to have leftovers, it's a good idea to prepare and store the components separately and assemble the salad when you're ready to enjoy it.
Top tips for making Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette
Here are 10 top tips to make your Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette a smashing success:
- Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Grill or pan-sear the chicken until it's juicy and cooked through. No one likes dry chicken in their salad!
- Avo Timing: Slice the avocado just before serving to keep its creamy texture intact. It's the star, after all!
- Greens Galore: Choose a mix of fresh greens like spinach, arugula, or mixed lettuces to add layers of flavor and nutrients.
- Vinaigrette Magic: Prepare the vinaigrette ahead and let the flavors mingle for even more deliciousness.
- Balancing Act: Balance the tanginess of the vinaigrette with a touch of sweetness – honey or a splash of fruit juice does the trick.
- Toppings Matter: Add a crunch with toasted nuts, seeds, or croutons. Texture is key to a satisfying bite.
- Marinade Marvel: Marinate the chicken in the vinaigrette for extra flavor. Just remember to reserve some for dressing the salad!
- Citrus Splash: Squeeze a hint of lemon or lime juice over the salad – it enhances the overall freshness and brings out the flavors.
- Temperature Check: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute, keeping it moist.
- Layer with Love: Assemble the salad thoughtfully – start with the greens, then layer on the chicken, avocado, and toppings. Drizzle with vinaigrette just before serving.
With these tips in mind, you're well on your way to creating a Chicken Avocado Salad that's not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. Enjoy your culinary adventure!
Related
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with [this recipe]:
Chicken Avocado Salad with Our Irresistible Homemade Vinaigrette!"
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Get ready to treat your taste buds to a burst of flavor with our Chicken Avocado Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette. Succulent grilled chicken mingles effortlessly with the creamy goodness of ripe avocados, all resting atop a bed of crisp, vibrant greens.
Ingredients
Vinaigrette Ingredients:
2 T. honey, preferably local
1 T. whole grain mustard
1 T. Dijon mustard
3 T. extra virgin olive oil
2 T. white balsamic vinegar
1 T. shallots, finely minced
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Salad Ingredients:
8 thick-cut slices bacon, diced
1½ lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
4 c. mixed salad greens (lettuce of choice)
2 c. grape or cherry tomatoes, diced
2 large avocados, pitted and sliced
2 T. fresh lime juice
Instructions
-
Combine honey, both mustards, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and shallots in a small, non-reactive bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and whisk to combine. Taste and adjust seasonings, as desired. Cover and set aside until ready to use.
-
Cook bacon, stirring occasionally, in a large skillet over medium heat until just crispy, approximately 5-6 minutes. Remove bacon from skillet with a slotted spatula and transfer to a bed of paper towels to drain. Blot off excess grease and set aside.
-
Drain all but approximately one tablespoon bacon grease from the skillet and return to medium heat. (Carefully wipe any grease off the side of the pan with a heavy, damp cloth before returning to heat to prevent flare-ups).
-
Add chicken to skillet and season with salt and black pepper, to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, approximately 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
-
Add salad greens and tomatoes to a large salad bowl and top with the cooked bacon and chicken.
-
Toss avocado slices with fresh lime juice to prevent browning and add to salad bowl. Drizzle with half the salad dressing and gently toss to combine. Serve immediately on chilled individual salad plates with remaining dressing on the side. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 13 minutes
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