Are you ready to elevate your salad game to a whole new level? The Crispy Italian Chicken and Bacon Salad is not just any ordinary salad; it’s a flavor-packed feast that combines succulent chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh greens, all drizzled with a tangy balsamic dressing. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a delightful lunch, this dish promises to satisfy your cravings while keeping things light and healthy. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you’ll wonder why you didn’t try this delicious recipe sooner! Dive into this culinary adventure and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality salad right in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble it into small pieces. Reserve about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet for later use.
- Next, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add the chicken breasts and cook over medium heat for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- While the chicken is resting, prepare the salad base. In a large salad bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes. Toss the ingredients together gently to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a dressing. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss to coat the lettuce and tomatoes evenly.
- Add the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon to the salad, gently tossing to combine all the ingredients.
- Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad for added flavor and garnish.
- Serve the Crispy Italian Chicken and Bacon Salad immediately, enjoying the delightful combination of flavors and textures.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can cook the bacon and chicken in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and assemble the salad when you’re ready to eat.
- Perfectly Crispy Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat. This allows the fat to render out and results in a crunchy texture.
- Seasoning Matters: Don’t skimp on seasoning your chicken with salt and pepper. This enhances the flavor and makes a significant difference in the overall taste of your salad.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use the freshest romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes you can find. Fresh produce not only tastes better but also adds vibrant color to your salad.
- Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to tweak the dressing to your liking! Add a pinch of garlic powder or a dash of Italian herbs for an extra flavor boost.
- Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the salad immediately after tossing with the dressing. This keeps the greens crisp and the bacon crunchy.
- Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, store the salad components separately to maintain their freshness. Combine them just before serving for a quick lunch the next day!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 307kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 86mg
