Ingredients
Equipment
Method
Prepare the Core Ingredients
- Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. In a bowl, toss them with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Place the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before dicing.
- Cook the Bacon: While the chicken cooks, place the bacon strips in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook, flipping occasionally, for 8-10 minutes or until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble or chop once cooled.
- Hard-Boil the Eggs: Place the eggs in a small saucepan and cover with cold water by 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, turn off the heat, cover the pan, and let the eggs sit for 10-12 minutes. Transfer the eggs to an ice bath to cool completely before peeling and dicing.
Make the Vinaigrette
- In a small jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously until the dressing is well-emulsified. Alternatively, whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
Assemble the Salad
- Spread the chopped romaine lettuce evenly over a large platter or in a large salad bowl.
- Arrange the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, diced hard-boiled eggs, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, sliced red onion, and crumbled blue cheese in distinct rows over the bed of lettuce.
- Serve immediately, drizzling the red wine vinaigrette over the top just before serving, or serve the dressing on the side.
Notes
Meal Prep Tip: Cook the chicken, bacon, and eggs ahead of time and store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Chop the veggies and assemble the salad just before serving to maintain freshness. Chicken Alternative: If you don't have an air fryer, you can pan-sear the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes per side. Cheese Swap: If you're not a fan of blue cheese, feel free to substitute with feta, goat cheese, or shredded cheddar.
