Big & Easy Chicken Salad Recipe
A quick, easy, and hearty Chicken Salad featuring shredded roast chicken, fresh vegetables, and a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying meal, this salad is loaded with crunchy romaine, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and optional crispy bacon for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (to cook bacon if using)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: International
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 3 cups store bought roast chicken, shredded
- 12 cups cos / romaine lettuce (2 medium, 1 giant), chopped into bite size pieces (or other leafy greens)
- 1 cup corn kernels, canned and drained (about 2/3 can)
- 1/2 red onion, finely sliced
- 300g (10oz) cherry or grape tomatoes (or 2 normal tomatoes, chopped)
- 2 cucumbers, halved lengthwise then sliced 1cm / 1/3″ thick (or 1 long English/telegraph cucumber)
- 2 avocados, cut into bite size chunks (or 1 giant avocado)
- 150g (5oz) bacon, cooked until crisp then chopped (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 2 1/2 tbsp cider vinegar
- 6 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced using garlic press (~1 tsp)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (or any smooth, non-spicy mustard, optional)
- 2 tsp dried mixed herbs
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: Place the cider vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, dried mixed herbs, sugar, salt, and black pepper into a jar. Shake vigorously until well combined. Set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and deepen.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded roast chicken, chopped romaine lettuce, drained corn kernels, finely sliced red onion, halved and sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and avocado chunks. These fresh ingredients provide a perfect balance of textures and flavors for the salad.
- Toss the Salad: Drizzle the majority of the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Toss thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing, enhancing the taste of each component.
- Assemble and Serve: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving bowl. Drizzle with the remaining dressing for added flavor. Finally, sprinkle the crispy chopped bacon on top if using, adding a savory crunch. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshness and textures at their best.
Notes
- Note 1: Using store-bought roast chicken saves time and adds great flavor, but you can substitute with freshly cooked chicken if preferred.
- Note 2: Cider vinegar lends a subtle tang; if unavailable, you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.
- Note 3: Dried mixed herbs such as oregano, thyme, and basil work well; fresh herbs can also be used but adjust quantities accordingly.
- Note 4: Sugar is optional but helps balance the acidity in the dressing.
- The bacon is optional but highly recommended for a smoky, crispy texture.
Keywords: chicken salad, quick salad, roast chicken recipe, healthy salad, easy lunch, avocado salad, bacon salad, fresh salad dressing
Find it online: https://kitchenbyclara.com/big-and-easy-chicken-salad-recipe/
