Chicken Salad With Bacon
A fresh, hearty chicken salad with crisp bacon, colorful vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for casual lunches or light dinners for friends and family.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Tear the iceberg lettuce into large pieces and place in a salad bowl.
- Add the red sweet pepper strips, cucumber slices, mushrooms, and chopped chicken to the lettuce; toss lightly to combine.
- Top the salad with quartered hard-boiled eggs and halved crispy-fried bacon slices.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using a mix of greens instead of just iceberg lettuce; arugula or spinach can bring a peppery note. If you don’t have wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar works well as a substitute. To save time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken can be used instead of cooking chicken from scratch. For a vegetarian option, substitute bacon with crispy chickpeas.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken salad with bacon pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a side of Nettie'S Potatoes for a hearty meal. Consider serving it alongside a light soup or as a filling for a sandwich. For a refreshing drink, a citrus lemonade complements the salad well.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the lettuce crisp, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. Reheat any chicken gently in the microwave if desired, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Salad With Bacon contains roughly 730 calories, with 18g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 48g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (157% of the Daily Value), protein (36% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1680mg per serving (73% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of lettuce?
Absolutely! While iceberg lettuce provides a nice crunch, you can substitute it with romaine or mixed greens for different textures and flavors. Just make sure the greens are fresh and washed thoroughly before adding them to the salad.
How can I make this salad healthier?
To make this chicken salad healthier, consider using turkey bacon or omitting the bacon altogether. You can also reduce the amount of oil in the dressing or replace it with Greek yogurt for a creamy texture without the extra calories.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time! Chop the vegetables and cook the chicken in advance, but keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to maintain freshness. Assemble the salad just before serving for the best texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).