Go Back
–+ servings

BLT Chopped Salad

Easy and flavorful! Loaded with chicken, bacon, avocado, cherry tomatoes, white cheddar, arugula, and a basil pesto vinaigrette.
Print Pin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 2

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

For the vinaigrette:

  • 2 cups tightly packed fresh basil leaves, stems removed
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2 Tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tablespoon dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt

For the salad:

  • 6 cups baby arugula
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 3-4 strips thick cut bacon, cooked to crispy and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup diced white cheddar cheese
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 lb chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • Fresh chives for garnish

Instructions

For the vinaigrette:

  • Combine all the ingredients for the basil vinaigrette in a blender and blend until smooth.
  • Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

For the salad:

  • Preheat the grill to medium. You can use a grill plate if you don't have a grill.
  • Drizzle chicken with olive oil and season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
  • Grill the chicken. Cook for 3 minutes and then flip and cook for 3-4 more minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  • In two medium bowls, add the arugula, tomatoes, bacon, and avocados. Top with the grilled chicken and serve with the basil vinaigrette drizzled on top and sprinkled with chives.