Description
This quick and easy Chicken Salad is a big, satisfying meal featuring shredded roast chicken, fresh leafy greens, crunchy vegetables, creamy avocado, and optional crispy bacon, all tossed in a zesty homemade dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner, it delivers a delightful mix of textures and flavors.
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, 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″ (or 1 long English/telegraph cucumber)
- 2 avocados, cut into bite-size chunks (or 1 giant one)
- 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 well until all ingredients are combined. Set aside for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded roast chicken, chopped cos/romaine lettuce, drained corn kernels, finely sliced red onion, halved and sliced cucumbers, cherry or grape tomatoes, and avocado chunks. Drizzle most of the prepared dressing over the salad and toss everything well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Serve: Transfer the tossed salad into a serving bowl. Drizzle the remaining dressing on top and sprinkle with the crispy chopped bacon if using. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Note 1: Use store-bought roast chicken for convenience, or substitute with leftover cooked chicken.
- Note 2: The cider vinegar adds a tangy brightness; you can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice if preferred.
- Note 3: The dried mixed herbs impart an herby depth; substitutions like Italian seasoning or a mix of oregano, thyme, and basil work well.
- Note 4: Sugar is optional and can be omitted if you prefer a less sweet dressing.
