Why you'll love it

This avocado salad is the best because not only does it look gorgeous, it tastes just as good as it looks! I'm one of those people who really enjoys a salad that's hearty and packed with fresh and satisfying ingredients. This is not a wimpy salad and makes a fantastic entrée. I made sure to go full-on in the flavor department.

Just picture this colorful avocado, bacon, and spinach salad at your next BBQ or picnic this summer. It's the ideal crowd-pleasing salad since it's so quick and easy to make. It's equally good for a lazy warm evening on the patio or for date night. The crown jewel is the homemade honey mustard dressing. It's incredibly addictive, so don't be surprised if everyone asks for the recipe!

What goes into it

For the salad

Bacon - for that savory and delicious crunch

Tomatoes - use grape, cherry, or any variety of little tomatoes that's ripe and fresh at the grocery store or farmers' market to give a sweet quality

Spinach - it's a healthy and hearty leafy green

Avocadoes - the creamy star of our salad. To find a ripe avocado, make sure that it's fairly dark in color, just soft to the touch, and flick off the little nub to reveal green (not brown).

Mozzarella - we're using the mini kind that's also known as bocconcini for cheesy goodness

Red onion - this is the ideal variety for salads since it's milder

For the dressing

Yellow mustard - this is a typical American variety that's quite mild

Honey - for a touch of sweetness and that signature honey mustard taste

Lemon juice - always use fresh lemon juice. It adds a little acidity for overall balance.

Olive oil - for the base of the dressing

Garlic powder - it adds an irresistible savory dimension. Don't skip it!

Parsley - chopped parsley gives a burst of freshness

How to make bacon avocado salad

This is an overview, and full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Cut the bacon into small pieces. I use kitchen shears to make this step simple. Fry until nice and crispy, and discard the bacon grease.

Wash, chop, and prep the rest of the salad ingredients, adding them to a large bowl.

Whisk the dressing ingredients in a small bowl. Give it a taste, season with salt & pepper, and adjust to your preferences. Dress the salad, toss, and enjoy immediately!

What to serve with this salad

Since this is a filling salad, it makes a fabulous meal on its own on a hot day. Serve it with a slice of crusty bread, and you're all set.

You can also serve it as a side dish along with other BBQ or potluck favorites like Tequila Lime Shrimp, my Cajun Grilled Corn on the Cob, or The Best Ground Chicken Burgers.

Leftovers and storage

As with many salads, this bacon avocado salad is best eaten fresh.

If you are planning on having leftovers or assembling it later, though, I'd store all of the ingredients separately and make a fresh salad when you're ready and wait to cut up the avocado until the last minute. These glass jars are a favorite of mine to keep homemade salad dressing in.

If this salad has been sitting outside for any length of time, I'd discard leftovers for food safety reasons.

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