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Summer Chicken Salad with bacon, corn, avocado, tomatoes, and Cajun chicken on a bed of fresh greens, served on a wooden platter with apple cider vinaigrette.
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Summer Chicken Salad with Bacon, Corn, and Avocado

Fresh summer produce shines in this colorful Summer Chicken Salad loaded with marinated chicken, sweet corn, creamy avocado, bacon, and tomatoes. Finished with fresh herbs and a tangy vinaigrette, it's a satisfying main course salad that's perfect for summer.
Prep Time25 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Marinating Time1 hour
Total Time1 hour 50 minutes
Course: Main Course, Salad
Cuisine: American
Servings: 6
Calories: 445kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts about 1 pound or more
  • ½ of a lemon juiced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun Seasoning Mix or your favorite all-purpose seasoning blend
  • Olive oil as needed, for cooking the chicken

For the Salad

  • 5 slices bacon
  • 2 ears corn husks and silks removed
  • 1 small artisan romaine heart well chopped
  • 2 to 3 cups spring mix torn
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes assorted colors, halved
  • ¼ cup fresh basil chopped
  • ¼ cup fresh mint chopped
  • 2 large Hass avocados chopped
  • 1 recipe Apple Cider Vinaigrette

Instructions

  • Place a piece of chicken between 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a cutting board and use a meat mallet to pound it to about ¼-inch thickness, flipping it over to pound both sides. Repeat with the 2nd piece then transfer them to a gallon size zippered food storage bag.

Marinate the Chicken

  • In a small bowl, whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, dijon, garlic, and Cajun Seasoning Mix. Pour the marinade over the chicken in the bag and move the chicken around until it is well coated. Press out as much air as possible, seal the bag, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours

Cook the Bacon

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place the bacon on the baking sheet and cook for about 15 minutes, or until cooked and crisp. Remove from the oven and transfer the bacon to a double layer of paper towels and blot them of excess grease. Set aside.

Cook the Corn

  • Place the ears of corn in a large pot of water, bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat and cook at a low boil for about 5 minutes, or until just beginning to soften (should still be crisp-tender). Turn off the heat and transfer the corn to the cutting board to cool slightly. When cool enough to handle, slice the kernels from the cob and in a small bowl, toss them with about ¼ teaspoon salt. Place the bowl in the refrigerator while you prep the remaining ingredients.

Cook the Chicken

  • Coat a nonstick skillet with a little olive oil, place it over MEDIUM heat, and cook the chicken until well browned on both sides and the internal temperature reads 165 degrees F when measured with an instant read thermometer. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board to rest and cool.

Assemble and Serve

  • In a large salad bowl, combine the lettuces, cooled corn, tomatoes, basil, mint, and bacon, and toss well to combine. Add the cooled chicken and avocado and toss again, lightly, so you don't smash the avocado.
  • Serve drizzled with Apple Cider Vinaigrette.

Notes

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Store leftover salad and vinaigrette separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 to 4 days. For the freshest flavor and texture, add the avocado just before serving.
The chicken, bacon, corn, and vinaigrette can all be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated separately until ready to assemble.

Nutrition

Calories: 445kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 29g | Fat: 32g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 571mg | Potassium: 941mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 2233IU | Vitamin C: 19mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2mg