Meet your new favorite weeknight salad: crisp lettuce, juicy chicken, smoky bacon, creamy avocado, and tasty ranch dressing that ties it all together.
Taco salads just feel fun, don’t they? Maybe it’s the bright colors piled high in a bowl, maybe it’s the mix of crunchy, creamy, smoky, and cheesy all happening in one bite—or maybe it’s the fact that you can call it a salad while still getting things like bacon involved. Whatever the reason, this taco salad with chicken proves that healthy and hearty can absolutely go hand in hand.
You know those “clean out the fridge” nights where you pull together whatever odds and ends are left from the week? Normally those are not my favorite dinners (pineapple + mayonnaise + zucchini noodles = never again). But one night, the fridge happened to be stocked with lettuce, chicken, avocado, a little cheese, and—bless—the last of my favorite ranch dressing. Add a couple strips of turkey bacon and some sautéed veggies, and suddenly I had a taco salad that didn’t just taste good—it became one of my all-time favorites.
That successful mash-up has turned into a regular dinner rotation in our house because it checks all the boxes. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it leaves you feeling energized.
Why ranch dressing works so well
You might be wondering—why ranch? Traditional taco salads usually feature salsa or a dollop of sour cream, but ranch brings a creamy tanginess that pairs so well with smoky bacon and tender grilled chicken. Sometimes I like to lighten things up by mixing my ranch with a little Greek yogurt—it boosts the protein and keeps the dressing thick and creamy without weighing down the salad. Think of it as a little twist that makes taco salad feel fresh and even more craveable.
How do I store leftovers?
This salad is definitely best enjoyed fresh—nobody wants soggy lettuce. But if you need to prep ahead, you can store the grilled chicken, sautéed veggies, bacon, and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, toss everything together with fresh lettuce and avocado. If you’ve already mixed the salad, leftovers will keep for about 1 day in the fridge, though the greens will soften and wilt.
Serving suggestions
Serve this salad with Fried Tortilla Chips on the side or pair it with Roasted Sweet Potato Cubes for a warm, comforting addition. If you’re feeling fancy, try adding a squeeze of lime juice or a handful of Tortilla Strips on top for extra crunch.
Since I absolutely love tacos (who doesn’t?) I have plenty of other yummy taco-inspired recipes for you to try. Taco Bowls, Doritos Taco Salad, Taco Pasta, and Taco Mason Jar Salad are just a few of my faves!
Ingredients
- 2 small chicken breasts
- 4 slices turkey bacon
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup red bell pepper about ½ a large pepper, sliced
- 1½ cups zucchini about 1 medium zucchini, sliced
- 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups lettuce of choice
- ¼ cup chopped cilantro
- ⅓ cup reduced-fat grated cheddar cheese
- ½ a sliced avocado
- Ranch dressing of choice
Instructions
- Spray your grill with cooking spray and heat it to medium-high. Grill the chicken until no longer pink inside, about 4-6 minutes per side.
- Meanwhile, spray a large pan with cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat. Cook the turkey bacon until crisp, about 1-2 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. Once cool enough to handle, tear into small pieces.
- Heat the oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Add the bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic. Season with a little bit of salt. Sauté the vegetables until they are soft and lightly browned, about 3-4 minutes.
- Toss the cooked veggies into a bowl and add the bacon pieces, lettuce, cilantro, grated cheddar cheese, avocado slices, and as much ranch dressing as you like. Toss well until all the lettuce is coated with the dressing.
- Divide the tossed salad between two plates and top each with a grilled chicken breast.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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