Let me introduce you to the best Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad I’ve ever had. A bold statement, but when I tell you we inhaled this the first time I made it, it’s no exaggeration.

The key ingredients are all in the name, so if that’s what drew you in, you won’t be disappointed. I just know you’re going to love this one!

THE BEST CHICKEN BACON RANCH SALAD

Any salad that involves chicken, bacon and ranch is a salad for me. I know salads don’t always sound so exciting, and I’m obviously biased, but this Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad is by far superior.

It’s easy to throw together, high in protein and flavor, and just an overall winner. My stomach is growling just thinking about it.

I first got the idea to make this salad when my order of @getsidedish Classic Ranch arrived and I guess you can say it just felt right to make.

So, I seasoned and grilled some chicken breast, chopped up some romaine, parsley and crispy, cooked bacon, tossed it all in my fave ranch dressing, and whipped up the salad of all of our dreams.

I also sprinkled in a few tablespoons of hemp seeds for even more of a nutrient and protein boost, and it came out incredible, you guys!

And I have to mention that I turned it into a wrap for Bridger, and his review? He said he could eat it literally every single night.

SALAD SEASON FOREVER

I truly believe everyone needs this Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad in their life. It’s mouthwateringly delicious, and one I will crave forever.

And it’s honestly a salad that can, and should, be enjoyed year-round, no matter the weather. Salad season forever! Especially when it involves, well, you know – chicken, bacon and ranch.

More on how you can easily whip this up below (for lunch or dinner, btw) – whether you grill or pan-sear your chicken, you got options! And I’d love to hear what you think in the comment section at the bottom of the page. Enjoy! xx

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

• Organic chicken breasts
• Romaine lettuce
• Hemp seeds
• Avocado oil
• Sea salt
• Ground pepper
• Garlic powder
• SideDish Classic Ranch dressing (code RACHAEL15)
• Fresh parsley
• Cooked, pasture-raised bacon

HOW TO MAKE MY CHICKEN BACON RANCH SALAD

Drizzle chicken with avocado oil and season with salt, pepper and garlic powder.

Grill chicken for about 4-5 minutes each side at 500 degrees F. Remove and slice.

*Instead of grilling the chicken, option to sear it in a skillet on the stove top, for about 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat. In that case, I’d recommend a cast iron skillet if you have, to give you more of that grilling effect.

Add chopped romaine to a bowl with hemp seeds, parsley and dressing, and toss to coat.

Lastly, add sliced, grilled chicken + cooked bacon, and sprinkle hemp seeds, salt + pepper, and drizzle more ranch to top. Enjoy!

RECIPE SUBSTITUTIONS & QUESTIONS

Ok, so obviously this is a Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad, but feel free to swap out the main protein if you’d like – steak or even hard-boiled eggs instead of chicken could work. Or, you could try making with my 15-Minute Crispy Chicken (gluten-free!) for some extra flavor and crunch.

I’m obsessed with SideDish Classic Ranch dressing (code RACHAEL15) because the taste is perfection and all their dressings are made without seed oils, refined sugar, gluten, dairy, or preservatives. But feel free to use whichever ranch you prefer!

Also, including here again the note that instead of grilling the chicken, you could sear it in a skillet on the stove top, for about 6-8 minutes per side over medium-high heat. I’d recommend a cast iron skillet if you have one, to give you more of that grilling effect.

HOW TO MAKE CRISPY BACON?

A quick how-to on making crispy bacon, if ya need: line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the bacon to the sheet and transfer to the oven on the middle rack. Turn the oven to 400. Bake until the bacon is crisp, about 18-20 minutes. It’s as easy as that!

WHAT LETTUCE IS BEST FOR SALAD?

While you should always feel free to use whichever lettuce you prefer, I’d say the general go-to would be romaine lettuce. It’s dark green color, long leaves and crunchy color make for a versatile, and probably the most popular salad base. Not to mention the health benefits it offers, including a range of antioxidants and boost of vitamins A, C and K.

MORE EASY, HEALTHY, YUMMY SALADS YOU’LL LOVE:

Avocado Egg Salad

Asian-Inspired Chicken Salad

Crispy Hot Honey Chicken Caesar Salad

Flank Steak & Avocado Chimichurri Salad

Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Chickpea Salad

Click here to watch the reel I made of this recipe 🙂