Loaded Chicken Avocado Salad!!

Loaded Chicken Avocado Salad (Keto & High Protein)

Enjoy a vibrant, satisfying salad packed with lean protein and healthy fats! This loaded chicken avocado salad is easy to assemble and makes for a delicious, fresh, and low-carb meal that keeps you feeling full and energized.

Yields: 1 large serving (or 2 smaller side servings) Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 5-7 minutes (for bacon)

Ingredients:

• For the Salad:
  • 1 medium head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 4-5 cups)
  • 7 ounces cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced (about 1.5 cups; use leftover, rotisserie, or quickly cook fresh)
  • 2 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 1 medium avocado, diced
  • 2 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed (about 1/2 cup)
  • 2 large hard-boiled eggs, peeled and chopped
• For the Simple Vinaigrette:
  • 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (for vinaigrette)

Equipment:

• Large salad bowl or plate
• Cutting board and knife
• Small bowl or jar with lid (for vinaigrette)
• Skillet (for bacon)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Salad Base: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce. Place it into a large salad bowl or arrange it on a wide plate.
2. Cook and Prepare Bacon: If not already cooked, cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble once cooled.
3. Prepare Remaining Ingredients: If using raw chicken, cook and shred/dice it. Peel and chop the hard-boiled eggs. Dice the avocado. Shred or cube the cheddar cheese.
4. Assemble Salad: Arrange the prepared ingredients (chicken, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, cheddar cheese, and chopped hard-boiled eggs) in individual piles or sections on top of the chopped lettuce. This makes for a beautiful presentation!
5. Make the Dressing (or use your choice): In a small bowl or a jar with a lid, whisk together the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper (and optional garlic powder) until well combined. If using a jar, shake vigorously.
6. Season & Serve: Lightly sprinkle the assembled salad with additional salt and pepper to taste. Drizzle the simple vinaigrette (or your dressing of choice) over the salad just before serving.
7. Enjoy!

Tips for Success:

• Freshness: This salad is best enjoyed immediately after assembly to ensure the avocado doesn’t brown and the lettuce stays crisp.
• Meal Prep Hack: Prep all ingredients (cook chicken/bacon, boil eggs, chop cheese) ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Assemble the salad just before eating. Slice the avocado last.
• Customization: Feel free to add other favorite low-carb vegetables like sliced bell peppers, cucumbers, or a few olives.

Recipe Analysis & Dietary Classification

• High Protein: Yes, this recipe is very high in protein. Chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and hard-boiled eggs are all excellent protein sources, making this salad incredibly satisfying and ideal for satiety and muscle support.
• Low-Carb: Yes, this recipe is very low-carb. All the ingredients (lettuce, chicken, bacon, avocado, cheese, eggs, olive oil, apple cider vinegar) are naturally very low in carbohydrates.
• Keto: Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. All listed ingredients are perfect for a ketogenic diet. The healthy fats from avocado, olive oil, bacon, and cheese are crucial for meeting keto macros.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.