Description
Craving a mouthwatering blend of classic BLT flavors, this BLT chicken salad elevates sandwich ingredients into a refreshing main course. Crisp bacon, juicy chicken, and zesty dressing create a perfect summer meal that satisfies your lunch or dinner cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Fresh Produce:
- 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (60 g) romaine lettuce, chopped
- ¼ cup (25 g) green onions, sliced
- ½ avocado, diced
Dressing and Seasonings:
- ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup (30 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor
Instructions
- Transform crisp bacon into delicate crumbles by cooking until golden and perfectly crunchy, allowing the fat to render completely and create a rich, savory texture.
- Slice or dice the pre-cooked chicken into uniform pieces, ensuring each morsel is tender and flavorful for an even distribution throughout the salad.
- Carefully chop fresh tomatoes into bite-sized segments, removing seeds to prevent excess moisture from diluting the salad’s consistency.
- Tear crisp romaine lettuce into delicate pieces, maintaining their vibrant green color and providing a refreshing crunch to the overall mixture.
- Mince green onions into fine, delicate rings, releasing their subtle, sharp flavor that will complement the other ingredients.
- Craft a harmonious dressing by whisking mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, creating a creamy base that will bind the ingredients together with tangy sophistication.
- Incorporate fresh lemon juice to brighten the dressing, balancing the richness of the bacon and mayonnaise with a zesty, citrusy note.
- Season the dressing with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring each element is carefully measured to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Gently combine the chicken, bacon crumbles, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions in a spacious mixing bowl, allowing each ingredient to mingle naturally.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using a gentle folding technique to coat every ingredient without crushing the delicate components.
- For serving, present the salad nestled in a soft wrap, between slices of toasted bread, or atop a bed of fresh greens for a versatile and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Crisp up the bacon in a skillet for maximum flavor, ensuring it’s not too oily or burnt.
- Pat the chicken dry before shredding to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
- Chop ingredients uniformly for a balanced bite and professional presentation.
- Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra tenderness.
- Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed dressing option.
- Toast bread or wraps briefly to add a delightful crunch when serving the salad.
- Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
- Experiment with different lettuce varieties like butter lettuce or mixed greens for unique texture.
- Prep ingredients ahead of time for a speedy meal during busy weekdays.
- Add extra crunch with toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for nutritional boost.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg