Get ready to elevate your salad game with this irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad that's about to become your new obsession! Imagine tender, juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, and fresh, vibrant greens all harmoniously combined and drizzled with creamy ranch dressing. This isn't just another boring salad – it's a flavor explosion that'll satisfy your hunger and delight your senses in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooled, shred the chicken using two forks.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon slices until crispy and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash the mixed greens thoroughly. Pat dry using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel. Rinse cherry tomatoes and slice them in half.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, spread the mixed greens as the base. Top with shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle ranch dressing evenly over the salad. Use tongs or salad servers to gently toss and coat all ingredients with the dressing.
- Season and serve: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately while ingredients are fresh and crisp.
- Optional garnish: For added texture and flavor, consider sprinkling some chopped chives, green onions, or additional cracked black pepper on top before serving.
Tips
- Chicken Perfection: Always ensure your chicken reaches 165°F to guarantee food safety and optimal tenderness. For extra flavor, consider seasoning with herbs like thyme or rosemary before cooking.
- Bacon Brilliance: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to render fat evenly and achieve that perfect crispy texture. Blotting excess grease ensures your salad stays light and fresh.
- Greens Matter: Use a mix of greens like baby spinach, arugula, and romaine for varied textures and nutritional benefits. Always wash and dry thoroughly to prevent a soggy salad.
- Dressing Hack: For a lighter version, mix ranch dressing with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare chicken and bacon in advance and store separately to quickly assemble the salad when you're ready to eat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 600kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
