BLT Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying dish, this BLT Chicken Salad is perfect for you. This recipe combines tender shredded chicken with fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes and creamy avocado, all brought together by a flavorful dressing. Whether for a quick lunch, meal prep, or a gathering with friends, this salad stands out with its high protein content and delightful crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this salad in no time.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of chicken, Turkey Bacon, and fresh veggies creates an explosion of taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a convenient grab-and-go option.
• Versatile: Enjoy it on its own or serve it in wraps or sandwiches for a fun twist.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with protein and nutrients without sacrificing flavor.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Airtight container

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients effectively.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to blend the dressing smoothly, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• Chopping board: Protects your countertops while making chopping easy and organized.
• Airtight container: Perfect for storing leftovers and keeping your salad fresh for longer.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 8 strips Turkey Bacon (chopped, center cut)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or you can skip and use all mayonnaise)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
• 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
• 2/3 pint grape tomatoes (halved or quartered)
• 1 avocado (diced)

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by making the dressing in a large mixing bowl.
1. Add in the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
2. Whisk in the ranch seasoning and cracked pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

Add the shredded chicken, chopped Turkey Bacon, and diced green onions into the bowl.
1. Mix well until everything is evenly combined.
2. Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes to incorporate them without mashing.

Step 3: Final Touches

Once everything is mixed together, taste your salad and adjust any seasonings as needed.
1. Add the diced avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
2. Toss gently or layer on top of each portion as desired.

Step 4: Chill Before Serving

Transfer your BLT Chicken Salad into an airtight container.
1. Place it in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld together.

Enjoy your tasty BLT Chicken Salad as a nutritious lunch or snack that’s sure to impress!

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Serving BLT Chicken Salad is versatile and can suit various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a lunch gathering or enjoying a quick meal at home, this salad can be enjoyed in multiple ways.

On a Bed of Greens

• Use fresh lettuce or spinach as a base. This adds crunch and freshness to your meal.

In a Wrap

• Spoon the salad into whole grain wraps for an easy-to-eat lunch option. Add extra veggies for more flavor and nutrition.

With Crackers

• Serve the chicken salad alongside whole grain crackers. This makes for a delightful snack or appetizer.

As a Sandwich

• Layer the salad between two slices of whole grain bread. It transforms it into a hearty sandwich perfect for lunch.

How to Perfect BLT Chicken Salad

To ensure your BLT Chicken Salad is always delicious, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh vegetables like tomatoes and avocado enhance the flavor and add nutrients.

• Customize the dressing: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in your dressing for unique flavors that suit your taste.

• Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to chill for at least an hour helps the flavors meld together beautifully.

• Add nuts or seeds: For extra crunch, toss in some chopped nuts or seeds like almonds or sunflower seeds.

Best Side Dishes for BLT Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your BLT Chicken Salad can elevate the meal. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast to the savory salad and can be baked for a healthier option.

2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and complements the flavors of the chicken salad well.

3. Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing sweetness that balances out the savory elements of the dish.

4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers and lemon dressing adds protein and fiber, making it filling yet healthy.

5. Vegetable Chips: Crunchy vegetable chips are perfect for dipping into your chicken salad or enjoying on their own as a snack.

6. Roasted Veggies: Roasted seasonal vegetables bring warmth and savory flavors that pair nicely with the coolness of the chicken salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making a delicious BLT Chicken Salad is easy, but some common mistakes can impact the final result.

• Overcooking the Chicken – Ensure the chicken is cooked just right for tenderness. Use rotisserie chicken to save time and ensure moisture.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments – Always taste your mixture before serving. Adjust seasonings to fit your preference for the best flavor.
• Chopping Ingredients Too Small – Avoid making diced ingredients too small, as they can lose texture. Aim for uniform sizes for an appealing crunch.
• Adding Avocado Too Early – To prevent browning, add avocado just before serving. This keeps it fresh and visually appealing in your salad.
• Skipping the Chill Time – Don’t skip refrigerating your salad. Letting it chill enhances flavors and improves the overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Keep away from strong-smelling foods to avoid flavor transfer.

Freezing BLT Chicken Salad

• Freezing is not recommended due to the ingredients’ textures.
• If necessary, store without avocado; add fresh avocado when ready to serve.

Reheating BLT Chicken Salad

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Microwave – Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, stirring after each interval.
• Stovetop – Place in a pan over low heat, stirring gently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making BLT Chicken Salad.

What is the best type of chicken for BLT Chicken Salad?

Rotisserie chicken works best because it’s moist and flavorful. You can also use leftover grilled or baked chicken.

Can I use regular bacon instead of Turkey Bacon?

Yes, you can substitute with any preferred bacon or omit it altogether for a lighter version.

How do I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?

Feel free to add ingredients like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch or spices like paprika for added flavor.

Is BLT Chicken Salad healthy?

Absolutely! It’s packed with protein from chicken and has healthy fats from avocado, making it a nutritious meal option.

How do I make this a low-carb dish?

You can reduce carbs by using less mayonnaise or Greek yogurt and increasing veggies like lettuce or spinach as a base.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious and versatile recipe that’s perfect for meal prep or as a crowd-pleaser at lunch gatherings. Feel free to customize it with your favorite vegetables or dressings. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!

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BLT Chicken Salad

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

Discover a delightful twist on a classic salad with this BLT Chicken Salad recipe. Combining tender shredded chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes and creamy avocado, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. Perfect for a quick lunch, meal prep, or social gatherings, it boasts high protein content while maintaining a refreshing crunch. With a simple dressing that brings all the flavors together, you’ll find this salad not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough to suit various dining occasions.

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Ingredients

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• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 strips chopped turkey bacon
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
• 1/3 cup diced green onions
• 2/3 pint halved grape tomatoes
• 1 diced avocado

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Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Whisk in ranch seasoning and cracked pepper until smooth.
2. Add shredded chicken, chopped turkey bacon, and diced green onions to the bowl. Mix thoroughly.
3. Gently fold in halved grape tomatoes. Adjust seasonings to taste.
4. Just before serving, add diced avocado to retain freshness.
5. Chill in an airtight container for at least one hour before serving.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: None
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg