The Best High-Protein Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad You'll Make All Summer

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This Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad was born from a bare fridge and a random craving for something salty, crunchy, filling, and fresh. I had a pack of turkey bacon in the freezer, a few leftover high-protein chicken tenders, and some romaine that desperately needed to be used. Somehow, it all came together into one of the best healthy dinner recipes I’ve made in a long time.

This salad tastes like the inside of a loaded deli sandwich, except it’s packed with protein, naturally low carb, and made with simple ingredients that actually keep you full. The crispy chicken, smoky turkey bacon, juicy tomato, creamy ranch dressing, and crunchy romaine all come together into the ultimate summer salad that feels indulgent while still supporting your goals.

If you’re looking for a high-protein meal prep recipe, a quick, healthy dinner, or a 30-minute recipe start to finish that actually tastes exciting, this one checks every box. It’s perfect for muscle building and fat loss because it’s loaded with protein, satisfying fats, and tons of volume from the lettuce without relying on heavy processed ingredients.

This is also one of those recipes that makes you realize your air fryer deserves permanent counter space.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 3 servings Real Good Foods high-protein chicken tenders, air-fried and chopped into bite-sized pieces

• 6 strips of turkey bacon, cooked until crispy and chopped

• 1 tomato, diced or grape tomatoes

• 2 heads romaine lettuce, finely chopped and washed

• 1/2 cup low-fat shredded mozzarella cheese or shaved parmesan

For the Healthy Ranch Dressing

• 1/4 cup avocado oil mayonnaise

• 1/4 cup cottage cheese

• 1 tablespoon coconut aminos

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

Instructions

1. Air fry the chicken tenders according to package instructions until crispy and golden brown. Chop into small pieces.

2. Cook the turkey bacon in the air fryer until crisp. Let cool slightly before chopping.

   (I use this dual basket air fryer to cook both the bacon and chicken at the same time!)

3. Finely chop the romaine lettuce and tomato, then add to a large salad bowl (these are my favorite mixing bowls) along with the mozzarella cheese, chopped chicken, and bacon.

4. Add all dressing ingredients into a blender cup and blend until smooth and creamy (this ninja blender works incredibly well). The cottage cheese makes this dressing extra high-protein while keeping it creamy and flavorful.

5. Pour dressing over the salad and toss until every bite is coated. Serve immediately for maximum crunch.

This healthy dinner recipe comes together in about 30 minutes start to finish and stores surprisingly well up to 3 days for meal prep lunches throughout the week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High protein and low carb

• Great for meal prep

• Healthy dinner that actually keeps you full

• Easy 30-minute recipe, start to finish

• Perfect for muscle building and fat loss

• Fresh and crunchy summer salad

• Family-friendly and picnic-friendly

• Uses simple ingredients you probably already have

Macros (Approximate)

Entire Recipe

• Calories: ~1,760

• Protein: ~172g

• Carbs: ~33g

• Fat: ~104g

Per Serving (5 servings)

• Calories: ~352

• Protein: ~34g

• Carbs: ~7g

• Fat: ~21g