Description
Mediterranean-inspired Rosemary Chicken Bacon Avocado Salad brings bold Mediterranean flavors dancing across crisp greens. Protein-packed ingredients and zesty herb dressing create a perfectly balanced meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 4 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Fresh Produce:
- 6 cups mixed salad greens (such as arugula, spinach, and romaine)
- 1 large avocado (diced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)
- 2 teaspoons fresh rosemary (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup olive oil (for chicken marinade)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for dressing)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, fresh rosemary, crushed garlic, tangy lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a mixing container.
- Thoroughly coat chicken breasts in the aromatic marinade, allowing them to absorb flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- Heat grill or skillet to medium-high temperature around 400°F, ensuring surface is hot before cooking.
- Grill chicken for approximately 6-7 minutes per side, verifying doneness by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F with no pink remaining.
- Rest cooked chicken for 5 minutes, then slice into elegant thin strips.
- Prepare salad base by arranging mixed greens in a spacious bowl.
- Artfully scatter diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion across greens.
- Sprinkle crumbled crispy bacon, crumbled feta cheese, and toasted sliced almonds over the salad.
- Whisk dressing ingredients rapidly in a small bowl, combining olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth and integrated.
- Crown salad with rosemary-infused chicken strips.
- Delicately drizzle prepared dressing and gently toss to ensure even coating.
- Serve immediately while ingredients remain fresh and vibrant.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally 2 hours before cooking.
- Use fresh rosemary for intense aromatic profile and brighter taste compared to dried herbs.
- Toast almonds briefly to enhance their nutty flavor and add delightful crunch to the salad.
- Swap bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh for lighter, vegetarian-friendly protein option.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg