Description
Succulent avocado bacon chicken salad dances with zesty jalapeño honey mustard, creating a mouthwatering symphony of flavors. Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful culinary experience you’ll savor with every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins and Meats:
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs (cubed)
- 6 strips cooked bacon (chopped)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh Produce and Herbs:
- 6 cups shredded lettuce or mixed greens
- 1–2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup sliced dill pickles
- 1 cup mixed herbs: basil + cilantro
- 1 avocado (chopped)
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
Seasonings and Dressing Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Chili flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
Jalapeño Honey Mustard Dressing:
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons tahini
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 425° F for roasting the chicken with a robust blend of spices.
- Arrange chicken on a baking sheet and generously coat with olive oil, chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Ensure even distribution of seasonings.
- Roast the seasoned chicken for 15-20 minutes until edges become lightly charred and meat is thoroughly cooked.
- Create the salad base by combining crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy pickles in a large serving bowl.
- Craft the jalapeno honey mustard dressing by blending all components until smooth, gradually adding water to achieve desired consistency. Adjust seasoning with salt to taste.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad base, then strategically layer roasted chicken, creamy avocado chunks, crumbled feta, fresh herbs, and crispy bacon pieces.
- Generously pour additional dressing over the salad, gently tossing to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated and flavors are well distributed.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the vibrant mix of textures and bold flavors.
Notes
- Customize the chili powder and flakes to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized flavor profile.
- Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas to create a vegetarian-friendly version of this salad.
- Control the dressing thickness by gradually adding water, achieving the perfect drizzling texture without compromising flavor.
- Roast extra chicken and prepare dressing in advance for quick, convenient lunch assembly during busy weekdays.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 493 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 679 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 29 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 31 g
- Cholesterol: 86 mg