30-Minute Bacon Chicken Chopped Salad
A hearty main course salad combining grilled chipotle-seasoned chicken, crispy applewood bacon, and fresh vegetables with a creamy avocado-cilantro dressing infused with smoky chipotle powder. The grilled corn adds sweetness while jalapeños provide heat, creating a balanced Southwestern-inspired dish perfect for summer entertaining or meal prep. The homemade dressing brings everything together with its rich, smoky flavor that complements both the protein and crisp vegetables beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 clove fresh garlic
- ⅓ cup cilantro leaves
- 2 medium avocados
- ½ lime lime, juiced
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground chipotle powder, to taste (up to 1/2 teaspoon)
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- ¼ cup water, more or less as desired
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped small
- 1 recipe Grilled Chipotle Cumin Chicken, cooled and chopped
- 6 slices applewood bacon, cooked until crispy and choppedturkey bacon1:1healthier
may be less smoky
- 1 cup cherry tomato halves
- ½ cup orange bell pepper, diced
- 2 ears yellow corn, grilled
- 4 green onions, sliced (dark parts only)
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- 1 jalapeno, sliced thin
- 4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
Instructions
- 1
Add garlic and cilantro to food processor and pulse to roughly chop
- 2
Add avocado, chipotle powder, salt and lime juice
- 3
Pour in olive oil and water while pulsing until smooth
- 4
Cover and refrigerate dressing until ready to serve
- 5
In a large bowl, toss together romaine, chicken, bacon, tomato halves, bell pepper, grilled corn, onions, jalapeno and cheddar cheese
- 6
Serve on plates with spoonfuls of avocado dressing
Tips
Grill the corn ahead of time for easier assembly and better flavor development.
Make the dressing up to 2 days ahead - the flavors improve with time.
Toast the corn kernels in a dry pan if you can't grill for added smoky flavor.
Good to Know
Refrigerate assembled salad up to 1 day. Store dressing separately up to 3 days.
Prepare all components except assembly up to 1 day ahead. Dress just before serving.
Serve immediately after dressing. Individual portions work well for entertaining.
Common Mistakes
Don't overdress the salad to avoid wilting the lettuce.
Ensure bacon is fully crispy to maintain texture in the salad.
Keep dressing chilled to prevent separation.
Substitutions
may be less smoky
FAQ
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prep all components separately up to a day ahead. Combine and dress just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent wilting.
What if I don't have chipotle powder?
Substitute with smoked paprika plus a pinch of cayenne, or use a small amount of minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
How long will the dressing keep?
The avocado dressing will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container.