If you’re craving a fresh and hearty meal, this Savory BLT Chicken Salad is perfect for you! Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy cherry tomatoes, it bursts with flavor in every bite. The creamy dressing pulls everything together, making it a delicious choice for lunch or dinner. In this guide, I’ll walk you through easy steps to create this tasty dish, along with tips for customizing it to your taste. Let’s dive in!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 4 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
Dressing Ingredients
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
– 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
– Optional: 1 avocado, diced
To create a tasty BLT Chicken Salad, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Let’s talk about the main components.
You start with cooked chicken breast. I prefer to use shredded chicken. It mixes well and absorbs flavor effectively. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken too. It saves time and adds great taste.
Next, crispy bacon adds a salty crunch. Cook it until it’s nice and crisp. Then crumble it into small pieces. This gives each bite a delightful texture.
Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet pop. Halve them to make them easy to mix in. Their freshness brightens the salad.
Finally, we have romaine lettuce. Chop it into bite-sized pieces. It adds a crispy base and makes the salad feel light.
Now, let’s move on to the dressing. A creamy dressing makes the salad rich and satisfying.
For the dressing, you need mayonnaise as the base. It gives a smooth texture. Add Dijon mustard for a bit of tang. It really enhances the taste.
Mix in garlic powder for some depth. It adds a nice flavor without being overpowering. Lastly, season with salt and pepper. Taste as you go to find the right balance.
You can also include some fresh chives for garnish. They add a nice color and mild onion flavor. If you love avocados, you can dice one and mix it in. This adds creaminess and healthy fats.
This recipe is simple but lets you enjoy great flavors. Check out the Full Recipe for more details on making this delicious dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
– In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.
– In another bowl, mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
This step is simple. Just add the chicken, bacon, and tomatoes to one bowl. You want to get the right balance of flavors. Then, whip up the dressing. Each ingredient plays a role. Mayonnaise brings creaminess, and Dijon adds a nice kick. Garlic powder gives a deep flavor. The salt and pepper enhance everything.
Mixing and Serving
– Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and mix until coated.
– Add chopped romaine lettuce and diced avocado, tossing lightly.
Once the dressing is ready, pour it over the chicken mix. Stir gently until everything is coated. This ensures each bite is tasty. Next, add the romaine lettuce and avocado if using. Toss lightly to keep the lettuce crisp. This mix of textures makes the salad fun to eat.
Chilling and Garnishing
– Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
– Serve chilled, garnished with fresh chives.
Chilling the salad is key. It allows the flavors to meld together. Cover the bowl and put it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. When ready to serve, scoop it into bowls and top with fresh chives. They add a nice pop of color and flavor. For the full recipe, check below.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Cooking Chicken
To shred cooked chicken easily, use two forks. Hold one fork steady and pull the chicken apart with the other. This method works fast and gives you nice, even shreds.
For the best flavor, use chicken breast. It cooks well and stays juicy when you shred it. You can also grill or roast it for added taste.
Crisping Bacon Perfectly
To cook bacon crispy, use a skillet over medium heat. Lay the strips flat and cook until they turn golden brown. Turn them a few times for even cooking.
Once done, let the bacon cool on paper towels. This helps soak up extra grease. For crumbling, use your hands or a knife. This way, you get nice, crunchy bits for your salad.
Seasoning Suggestions
To adjust flavors, taste as you go. Start with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can add more later if needed.
For unique tastes, try adding smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce. These small changes can bring new life to your salad. You can also swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Use these tips to make your BLT Chicken Salad fresh and flavorful. Don’t forget to check the Full Recipe for all details!
Variations
Additional Ingredients
You can make this salad your own by adding more veggies. Bell peppers add a nice crunch. Try diced cucumbers for extra freshness. These veggies mix well with the chicken and bacon. You can also add cheese for a creamy touch. Feta or cheddar works great. Nuts like pecans or walnuts can give the salad a delightful crunch too.
Diet-Specific Modifications
If you need gluten-free options, look for gluten-free mayonnaise. Many brands now offer this. You can also use yogurt as a base for a lighter dressing. For low-calorie swaps, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. This keeps the creaminess but cuts down on calories.
Serving Style Options
You can serve this salad as a sandwich or wrap. Just put it between slices of bread or in a tortilla. It’s also great as a light appetizer. Present it on a bed of greens for a nice touch. This makes it look fancy and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on making this flavorful dish.
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
To store leftover BLT Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container. It helps keep the salad fresh. You can enjoy it for about three days. Just remember to check for any changes in smell or texture before eating.
Freezing Tips
If you want to freeze the chicken salad, divide it into small portions. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Freezing can change the texture a bit, making it less crunchy. The taste will still be good, but fresh is best.
Reheating Suggestions
I don’t recommend reheating BLT Chicken Salad. It tastes best cold. If you must warm it up, do so gently in the microwave. Heat it for short intervals. Avoid cooking it too long, or you will lose the freshness. Enjoy it cold for the best flavor! For the full recipe, check out the section above.
FAQs
What is the best type of chicken to use for BLT Chicken Salad?
I recommend using cooked chicken breast for this salad. It stays moist and has great flavor. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Just shred the meat and mix it in. Dark meat like chicken thighs works well too. It adds richness to the dish. Ensure the chicken is cooked fully for safety and taste.
Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time! It’s best to prepare it a few hours before serving. This gives the flavors time to blend. If you need to, you can also prepare it a day in advance. Just store it in the fridge. Keep the lettuce separate until you are ready to serve. This keeps it crisp and fresh.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, use a dairy-free mayonnaise. There are many tasty options available. Look for brands that use avocado or olive oil as bases. You can skip cheese if you want. If you love the creaminess, add diced avocado instead. It adds smooth texture without dairy. Enjoy your delicious dairy-free BLT Chicken Salad!
The BLT Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh tomatoes. This simple dish is topped with a creamy dressing that you can customize. You can easily adapt it to your taste and dietary needs. Remember to chill it for the best flavor!
Whether you serve it as a light meal or a tasty appetizer, this salad shines. Enjoy trying different ingredients to make it your own. With these tips, you’ll impress everyone at your next gathering.
