This Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad Recipe is the perfect poolside lunch. It’s quick, easy, and so refreshing! I use store bought ranch but you could make your own or use whatever ranch you like!
Table of Contents
What is a Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad?
To me, a chicken bacon ranch salad is the perfect summertime poolside lunch!
It's a mouthwatering masterpiece that brings the freshness of the farm and the richness of the ranch dressing.
This salad sets the stage for an explosion of flavors that will take your senses on a wild ride. But wait, it gets even better!
Nestled within this verdant oasis are tender, succulent pieces of rotisserie chicken, smoky-crispy bacon, white cheddar, sweet corn, fresh tomatoes, tender avocado and a hefty drizzle of creamy ranch dressing to bring it all together,
It's pure magic -- especially while enjoyed with your feet in the pool!
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Romaine Lettuce - You could use any green you like but i love the crisp, freshness of romaine.
- Corn on the cob - You could also use canned corn but fresh is best!
- Rotisserie chicken - Any sort of grilled chicken is great, too! It's perfect for leftover rotisserie chicken or even chopped up chicken lunchmeat.
- Cherry tomatoes - If you don't have cherry or grape tomatoes, try using any delicious heirloom variety. But also, regular tomatoes work just fine!
- Crumbled bacon - Any salty bacon works. I don't recommend sweet bacon.
- White Cheddar - You could also use regular cheddar, pepperjack, colby jack or the like - basically it's delicious with any cheese!
- Avocado - No real sub for avocado, you can leave it off if you don't like it.
- Lemon - This is just for a pop of freshness. You could also use lime.
- Ranch Dressing - I am using store bought but def make your own if you're into it!
- Crispy Fried Onions - The french's Thanksgiving kind work just fine! As always, you can make your own if you're into it!
How to make Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad
Making a chicken bacon ranch salad is beyond easy!
First wash and dry all of the produce.
Then chop it up accordingly.
Now add it all to a big bowl and finish with a drizzle of ranch dressing and the juice from a lemon.
Give it a big ole toss and season with salt and pepper to taste.
it's best if enjoyed right away.
What goes with Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad?
Since it's so versatile, I love pairing Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad with almost any recipe!
If I were making it for lunch, I'd pair it with my easy ciabatta caprese sandwiches, Rustic tortellini soup with Kale and Parmesan some cottage cheese ranch dip with buffalo roasted cauliflower.
For dinner, I would pair this Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad with my one pot french onion pasta or even a tasty avocado grilled cheese.
Want more recipes like this? Try my viral chopped salad sandwich, this Romain Wedge Salad with dates, bacon, blue cheese and cherry tomatoes, or my Spinach Artichoke Ditalini Pasta Salad
Frequently asked questions
How long does Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad last?
Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad doesn't last long. It's best if eaten right away. If you leave the lettuce out, and add it as you're eating it, it'll last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.
Is there a homemade ranch dressing recipe that complements this salad?
Absolutely! To make a killer homemade ranch dressing, combine buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs like dill and chives, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
You can get my buttermilk ranch dressing on this instagram post!
What are some good vegetarian substitutions for Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad?
- Crispy Chickpeas: For a protein-packed crunch, toss some roasted chickpeas in smoky paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne. Pop them in the oven until they're crispy and golden brown. These little flavor bombs will lend a delightful texture and a hint of earthiness to your salad.
- Grilled Portobello Mushrooms: Transform your salad into a flavor extravaganza by grilling some thick slices of portobello mushrooms. Brush them with a marinade of balsamic vinegar, garlic, and herbs before grilling. The juicy, meaty texture and umami-rich taste of portobello mushrooms will make your taste buds swoon.
- Fried Seitan: Chop it up and pan fry it with olive oil and spices. Once it's crispy, you can either toss it in your favorite sauce or just add it directly to the salad.
Save this recipe for later
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Recipe
Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad
Ingredients
- 2 Heads Romaine lettuce roughly chopped
- 2 cobs Corn grilled and shaved off the cob
- 1 cup Rotisserie chicken roughly chopped
- ½ cup Cherry tomatoes halved
- ⅓ cup Bacon cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup White cheddar shredded
- 1 whole Avocado cubed
- ½ Lemon juiced
- ⅓ cup Ranch dressing
- ⅓ cup Crispy fried onions
- Sea salt & fresh cracked pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and toss together. Serve immediately.
