This bacon ranch chicken salad is a savory, creamy, and crunchy dish that combines classic comfort flavors with a fresh salad feel. Tender chicken mixed with crispy bacon pieces that all gets tossed in a creamy ranch dressing. I am a huge fan of chicken salads and if you love them too try this Herbed Chicken Salad or this Apple Almond Chicken Salad.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s a versatile, high protein dish that feels indulgent offering the perfect combination of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures in every bite.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken breast: is a lean cut of meat from the chicken that can be baked, grilled or poached. I like Grass Roots for my meat purchases.

Bacon: is a salt-cured pork product made from various cuts of the pig, usually the belly or less fatty parts of the back.

Celery: is a nutrient rich, low calorie food and adds a delightful crunch to this salad.

Sweet onion: or Vidalia, are a sweet onion with a mild flavor and higher sugar content. They are perfect for when you don’t want the bold pungent flavor of a yellow onion.

Fresh parsley: brings a burst of fresh, herby goodness to this chicken salad.

Ranch seasoning mix: is a dry, powdered blend of herbs, spices, and tangy dairy flavorings. I like Primal Palate’s organic garden ranch seasoning mix.

Avocado oil mayonnaise: offers a unique creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.

Salt and black pepper: salt enhances and balances flavors. Meanwhile, ground black pepper adds a gentle heat.

Instructions

In a large bowl: combine the roasted diced or shredded chicken, celery, onion, parsley, and toss well.

In a small bowl: mix the mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, salt and pepper. (note: you may not need to add salt as your seasoning mix along with the bacon may be enough salt).

Using a rubber spatula: fold in the bacon.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Cook the bacon ahead: and having it ready for whenever you want to make this bacon ranch chicken salad.

Cooking a whole chicken for dinner: and saving some leftovers is a huge timesaver.

Recipe Variations

Apple: such as Pink Lady or Granny Smith diced small add a wonderful sweet-tart crunch to this salad.

Greek yogurt: is a great alternative for the avocado oil mayonnaise. Be sure to use a thick Greek yogurt so the chicken salad does not get watery.

Storage Tips

You can store this bacon ranch chicken salad in the refrigerator for 5 days when placed in an airtight glass container.

FAQ’s About Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad

What are some common chicken salad mistakes?

Using warm chicken, overcooking it which can lead to dryness, adding too much dressing at once and not letting the flavors meld by chilling the salad.

What is a good side for a chicken salad:

A traditional Greek salad, fresh cut vegetables or a cup of your favorite soup all make excellent sides.

Penny Kovacs