Chopped Chicken Salad is loaded with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and the most incredible dressing.
author’s note
This Salad Has No Boring Bites!
Big, hearty, and filling salads are a reliable—something you can probably tell from all the salad recipes I’ve shared over the years.
The best part of a chopped salad? Every bite is packed with flavor and evenly coated in dressing!
This CPK copycat has been a longtime favorite, so I had to make a new version—this time with chicken, bacon, and classic garden veggies like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion. And wow—I can’t wait for you to try this one!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make Chopped Chicken Salad:
- Lettuce: Wash and dry well to prevent a soggy salad.
- Chickpeas: Grab some extra cans and check out my other chickpea recipes.
- Cherry tomatoes: Use a serrated knife for straightforward cutting.
- Red onion: Skip if you don’t like it, or soak in lightly salted water for 10 minutes to mellow the bite.
- Cooked chicken: Rotisserie (pre-shredded or diced) is the best time-saver.
- Cucumber: English or mini cucumbers stay crisp and don’t need peeling.
- Avocado: Adds creaminess; ripe when it feels like the tip of your nose.
- Cooked bacon: Baked bacon is a game changer; microwave bacon is a quick shortcut.
- Fresh basil: Swap for parsley or cilantro if you’d like.
Chopped Chicken Salad Dressing
- Lemon juice: Fresh is best! A citrus juicer makes it quick and straightforward.
- Dijon mustard: Use Dijon, not yellow—there is a big flavor difference.
- Red wine vinegar: Adds brightness and tang.
- Sugar: Balances acidity; swap with honey if you’d prefer.
- Dried oregano & parsley: Adds a nice flavor.
- Minced garlic: Fresh, jarred, or paste—they all work.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for the richest flavor.
Quick Tip
Make the dressing ahead (a few days or the morning of) to save time. Shake well before using! If clumps form, that’s normal—olive oil hardens when cold. Let it sit at room temp, then shake again.
chelsea’s recipe tip
My Top Chopped Chicken Salad Tips
- Dry the lettuce well so the chopped chicken salad stays crisp. A salad spinner helps!
- Cut everything evenly so each bite has a good mix of flavors.
- Shake the dressing well before using, especially if it’s been in the fridge.
- Add dressing right before eating to keep the salad fresh.
- Add avocado in last so it doesn’t brown too fast.
- Make extra dressing and save it for another salad later in the week!
Storage
- Once chopped chicken salad is dressed, don’t store it—the salad gets soggy. Only dress what you’ll eat that day.
- Keep salad and dressing separate to enjoy later.
Make Ahead
- Prep everything ahead, except the avocado.
- Store dressing in a jar in the fridge and shake before using.
- Add avocado last, right before serving.
More Flavorful Salad Recipes:
Salads
Black Bean Corn Salad
Salads
Strawberry Poppyseed Salad
Green Salads
Mango Salad
Salads With Meat
Grilled Steak Salad Recipe
