I was in my kitchen, craving something satisfying yet wholesome. That's when it hit me – why not combine two of my all-time favorite ingredients into one epic salad? And thus, my journey with Bacon Avocado Salad began.
Creamy avocado, smoky bacon, and a hint of lemon—even salad haters will love this salad! Whether you're looking for a light lunch or a flavorful side dish, this salad will satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. Let's dive into the recipe!
This Bacon Avocado Salad Recipe Is: Gluten Free, Paleo, Low Carb
Table of Contents
5 Reasons to Love This Recipe
I love making bacon avocado salad for countless reasons. For example, this recipe is:
- Easy to prepare with simple ingredients!
- Versatile as a lunch or side dish!
- Customizable with easy additions!
- Satisfying yet light and refreshing!
- Perfectly balanced dish!
Is Bacon Avocado Salad Low Carb?
Yes, this bacon avocado salad recipe is low carb. Let me break it down for you: The avocado clocks in at just 1.9g of net carbs, and as for the bacon? Well, it's a carb-free champion. Plus, those shallots and spices? Barely a blip on the carb radar. So, if you aim to increase your fat intake while keeping those carbs in check, look no further – this salad aligns with your low carb or balanced diet!
Bacon Avocado Salad Ingredient List
To make this salad with bacon and avocado, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 avocado, peeled
- 2 strips oven cooked bacon
- ½ bunch fresh watercress
- 1 teaspoon shallots, minced
- ¼ teaspoon pink peppercorns, smashed
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil, or substitute olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 1 pinch Maldon or kosher salt
Ingredient Substitutions
If you find yourself running low on certain ingredients, don't sweat it! Here are some easy swaps you can make:
- Strips of bacon: If you don't have bacon, use bacon bits or bacon lardon. Another tasty option is smoked salmon.
- Watercress: No watercress? No problem! Swap it out for fresh arugula to add leafy salad greens.
- Shallots: You can also substitute green onion for shallots in this recipe, providing a similar oniony flavor with a hint of freshness.
Additional Ingredients
Salads don't have to be boring! By incorporating these flavorful and keto-friendly ingredients, you can transform your basic bacon avocado salad into a masterpiece:
- Crumbled feta or goat cheese: This creamy cheese provides a delightful contrast to the smooth avocado, adding flavor and rich creaminess to every bite.
- Toasted pine nuts: Elevate your salad bowl with toasted pine nuts. They offer a nutty richness that perfectly complements the zesty lemon.
- Veggies: Thinly slice radishes or half cherry tomatoes, and season with salt to bring a fresh, crunchy element to the mix.
- Pickled items: Add pickled red onions or pickled jalapenos for a tangy twist. Their vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the avocado and bacon, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
- Black pepper: Sprinkle black pepper generously over your salad to add bold flavor and warmth to every bite.
- Fresh spinach: Toss fresh spinach leaves to make a delicious avocado bacon spinach salad and a pop of green.
Note: Additional ingredients are just there to improve the flavor; they are not part of the original recipe.
Cooking Tools Required
You'll need the following tools to make this delicious bacon avocado salad:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
How to Make Bacon Avocado Salad: Complete Cooking Guide
Cooking Methods
- No cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and cooking tools.
- Wash the vegetables.
- Peel avocados.
- Mince shallots.
- Smash pink peppercorns.
- Squeeze lemon juice.
Instructions
- On a plate, drizzle the avocado oil. Add the peeled avocado.
- Top with the bacon, watercress, shallots, peppercorns and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt.
- Prepare to have your mind blown.
- Enjoy!
💡 My Pro Tip
Pink Peppercorns: These aren't your typical peppercorns – they're actually berries from a Brazilian pepper tree! With a light and fruity pepper flavor, they're pickled and dried for culinary use.
However, it's essential to note that if you have allergies to mango or nuts, this ingredient may trigger a reaction. If that's the case, opt for regular cracked black peppercorns soaked in water for 5 minutes and drained as a suitable substitute.
Also, I have a complete guide on how to peel avocado if you want to follow some pro method!
⏲️ Time-Saving Tips
- Cook bacon in advance and store it in the fridge for quick access during meal prep. I always have a container of cooked bacon, which saves a lot of time for meal prep.
- Wash the greens ahead of time and store them in a ziplock bag in the fridge to streamline the salad-making process.
- Opt for prewashed greens for an even faster homemade salad prep.
What to Serve With Bacon Avocado Salad?
Pair this easy homemade salad with the following delectable dishes:
- Spicy Roasted Cauliflower: Add a fiery twist to your meal by pairing this fresh salad with spicy roasted cauliflower, creating a dynamic flavor.
- Easy Roasted Red Pepper and Tomato Soup: Warm up your taste buds with a comforting bowl of roasted red pepper and tomato soup served alongside the bacon avocado salad, offering a cozy and satisfying meal.
- Pork Kabobs: Elevate your meal with juicy pork kabobs paired with the bacon avocado salad, combining smoky grilled flavors with creamy goodness.
- Grilled Chicken Wings: Enjoy a finger-licking good meal by serving grilled chicken wings alongside the bacon avocado salad, offering a perfect balance of protein-rich goodness.
Storage Instructions
This dish does not store well in the fridge. It is best enjoyed fresh, as the avocado and greens may not hold up well overnight. I recommend making and consuming it in the same sitting.
Note: Freezing and reheating do not apply.
Recipe Conclusion
The Bacon Avocado Salad is a flavor-packed sensation that will become a staple in your kitchen. With creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and a burst of fresh flavors, every bite celebrates deliciousness. I make this flavorful salad at least once a month, and let me tell you, it's a love affair with every bite. So, don't wait any longer – dive into the kitchen, prepare this salad, and treat yourself to a taste sensation you won't soon forget.
More Salad Recipes:
Looking for more hearty salad recipes? Here are some great options:
FAQs
The Hass avocado is widely regarded as the best variety due to its creamy texture and rich flavor. Besides that, you can use any ripe avocado for this recipe.
A bacon avocado salad boasts a rich and creamy taste with subtle nutty undertones, making it a delicious addition to various dishes.
Vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers complement avocado well, adding freshness and crunch to salads and sandwiches.
Bacon Avocado Salad 🥓🥑
Ingredients
Bacon Avocado Salad Ingredient List
To make this salad with bacon and avocado, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 avocado peeled
- 2 strips oven cooked bacon
- ½ bunch fresh watercress
- 1 teaspoon shallots minced
- ¼ teaspoon pink peppercorns smashed
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil or substitute olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 pinch Maldon or kosher salt
Instructions
Cooking Methods
- No cook recipe
Preparation Steps
- Gather all the ingredients and cooking tools.
- Wash the vegetables.
- Peel avocados.
- Mince shallots.
- Smash pink peppercorns.
- Squeeze lemon juice.
Instructions
- On a plate, drizzle the avocado oil. Add the peeled avocado.
- Top with the bacon, watercress, shallots, peppercorns and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle a pinch of salt.
- Prepare to have your mind blown.
- Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Recent Low Carb Recipes:
Is it low carb? Learn more about it:
Mary Jones says
So simple and tasty. Who knew that these few ingredients would work so well together.
Scott Groth says
Hi Mary:
Oh, they work so well together. I have bacon and avocado with my eggs almost every morning. Delicious!
Thank you for visiting.
Take care an happy cooking!
Scott
Jenna says
I love any dish that takes comforting classics like a BLT and elevates them with extra layers of flavor and fancy ingredients!
Scott Groth says
Hi Jenna:
Well said- you and I both. Thank you for writing.
Have a delightful weekend!
Scott
Tina says
I'm with you. I love bacon. I love avocado. I also happen to love shallots, lemon and avocado oil! Good thing I have all of those in my fridge right now and can go make a plate of this salad!
Scott Groth says
Hi Tina:
How was it? My mouth is watering right now, even though I just finished eating.
Thanks for stopping by and happy eating!
Scott
Mary says
So many good things on one plate! The salad looks delicious, but I'm biased when it comes to avocado (and bacon!).
Scott Groth says
Hi Mary:
You just need to try them once and you'll see what I'm talking about - you're welcome.
Thank you for stopping by and happy cooking!
Scott
April @ Girl Gone Gourmet says
Once a month? I think I'd like this at least once a week! Bacon and avocado is a match made in heaven 🙂
Scott Groth says
Hi April:
My thoughts exactly. I started eating bacon and avocado more often ever since I went low-carb. They're part of my breakfast now, so... Happy me!
Thank you for writing and have a delicious day in the kitchen!
Scott
Jennifer says
I'm so over "regular" salads. But this... this I could eat everyday. Two of my favorite things all wrapped up in the word "salad" so it has to be healthy and good for you.
Scott Groth says
Hi Jennifer:
I know what you mean - I do have this combination almost every day for breakfast now and I think I will never get enough!
Thank you for visiting and happy eating!
Scott
Just Jo says
Oh I could eat this every day, not just once a month! I adore avocados and bacon - a match made in heaven. And thanks for the background info on pink peppercorns - I can't believe I didn't know they were a berry and related to mangos and cashews! You live and learn 😀
Scott Groth says
Hi Jo:
I was so surprised when I found out the story of the pink peppercorns. You're right- learning something new every day.
I am so grateful you shared your thoughts.
Have an excellent day in the kitchen!
Scott