Savory BLT Chicken Salad Easy and Tasty Recipe

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If you’re on the hunt for a fresh, tasty meal, you’ve hit the jackpot! My Savory BLT Chicken Salad is easy to make and full of flavor. It combines classic BLT ingredients with juicy chicken for a dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner. I will guide you through all the steps, swaps, and tips to help you create a salad that delights every bite. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Complete List of Ingredients

To make a tasty BLT Chicken Salad, you need the following ingredients:

– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

– 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 1 cup crispy iceberg lettuce, chopped for added crunch

– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced into small pieces

– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced for a sharp flavor

– 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped into small bits (substitute with regular bacon if desired)

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise for creaminess

– 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing

– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth of flavor

– Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

– Fresh chives, chopped, for a vibrant garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas:

– Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep.

– Substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon for a richer taste.

– Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream if you prefer.

– Try spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine for a different green.

– Add avocado for creaminess and healthy fats.

Tools Needed for Preparation

To prepare this delicious salad, you will need:

– A large mixing bowl for the salad

– A separate small bowl for the dressing

– A whisk for mixing the dressing

– A cutting board and knife for chopping

– A spatula or spoon for tossing the salad

– Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy

With these ingredients and tools, you can create a refreshing and flavorful BLT Chicken Salad. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe].

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Salad Base

Start by getting a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can shred or dice it. Next, toss in 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce. This will be the base. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Don’t forget 1 cup of crispy iceberg lettuce to add crunch.

Now, chop 1/2 cup of cucumber into small pieces. Add that to the bowl. For a sharp flavor, slice 1/4 cup of red onion thinly and mix it in. Finally, chop 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon into small bits. This adds a salty bite. Gently toss everything to mix well.

Making the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. This mix makes the dressing creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Whisk all these ingredients together. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth. This creamy dressing will tie the salad together.

Combining and Chilling the Salad

Drizzle the dressing over your salad mix in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated well. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if you want.

Now, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives. They add a nice color and flavor. You now have a tasty BLT chicken salad ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check the complete details above.

Tips & Tricks

How to Perfect Your Dressing

To make a great dressing, balance is key. Use creamy mayo for richness, but add Greek yogurt to lighten it. This combo gives you a smooth texture without being too heavy. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while garlic powder brings depth. Mix them well to ensure each bite is flavorful. Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to fit your liking.

Suggestions for Serving

Serve your BLT chicken salad cold for the best taste. I like to pile it on a bed of greens or in a wrap. You can add crunchy croutons for extra texture or serve it with pita chips. For a fun twist, try it in a lettuce wrap. This keeps it fresh and light!

Serving Size and Nutritional Information

This recipe makes four servings. Each serving is about 1.5 cups. For nutrition, you get protein from chicken and bacon. The salad is also packed with veggies. Each serving has roughly 350 calories, depending on your dressing and bacon type. This makes it a tasty option that fits into a balanced meal plan. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe link.

Variations

Alternative Protein Options

You can switch up the protein in your BLT Chicken Salad. If you want a change, try using grilled shrimp or diced turkey. Both options add a nice flavor and texture. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick fix. It saves time and keeps the taste delightful.

Vegan/Vegetarian Adaptations

For a vegan or vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Both ingredients absorb flavors well and add protein. Swap turkey bacon for crispy tempeh or coconut bacon. These choices keep the crunch and smoky taste in your salad. Use vegan mayonnaise to create a creamy dressing without animal products.

Seasonal Ingredient Swaps

Seasonal swaps can make your salad fresh and fun. In summer, add fresh corn or bell peppers for sweetness. In fall, try roasted squash or apples for a sweet touch. These ingredients keep your salad vibrant and exciting. They also add new flavors while staying true to the BLT spirit.

For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. This helps the salad stay crisp. Always chill the container in the fridge.

How Long It Lasts

When properly stored, the BLT chicken salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After this time, the lettuce may wilt and the flavors fade. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it.

Reheating or Refreshing the Salad

This salad is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. If the salad seems a bit sad, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more dressing. This will revive the flavors and freshness. Enjoy your salad’s tasty crunch! For the full recipe, check the section above.

FAQs

What is the origin of BLT Chicken Salad?

The BLT Chicken Salad comes from the classic BLT sandwich. BLT stands for bacon, lettuce, and tomato. People wanted to enjoy these tasty flavors in a salad form. So, they added chicken to make it heartier. The chicken adds protein, making it a full meal. This salad blends freshness with comfort, making it loved by many.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It’s great for meal prep! You can mix the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon together. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep the greens crisp. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving for the best taste.

How do I keep the salad fresh for longer?

To keep your BLT Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from wilting the greens. You can also place a paper towel in the container. This will soak up any extra moisture and keep your salad crisp. If you have leftovers, try to eat them within two days for the best flavor and texture.

This blog post covered how to make a tasty BLT Chicken Salad. We shared the ingredients needed, how to prepare the salad, and tips for serving. You learned about ingredient swaps, storage tips, and how to keep your salad fresh.

In summary, enjoy your salad by trying different variations. With these steps, you can create a dish everyone will love. Happy cooking!

To make a tasty BLT Chicken Salad, you need the following ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup crispy iceberg lettuce, chopped for added crunch - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced into small pieces - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced for a sharp flavor - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped into small bits (substitute with regular bacon if desired) - 1/2 cup mayonnaise for creaminess - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness - 1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth of flavor - Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning - Fresh chives, chopped, for a vibrant garnish You can easily swap some ingredients if needed. Here are a few ideas: - Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep. - Substitute regular bacon for turkey bacon for a richer taste. - Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream if you prefer. - Try spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine for a different green. - Add avocado for creaminess and healthy fats. To prepare this delicious salad, you will need: - A large mixing bowl for the salad - A separate small bowl for the dressing - A whisk for mixing the dressing - A cutting board and knife for chopping - A spatula or spoon for tossing the salad - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy With these ingredients and tools, you can create a refreshing and flavorful BLT Chicken Salad. Enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite! For the full recipe, check out the [Full Recipe]. Start by getting a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of cooked chicken. You can shred or dice it. Next, toss in 4 cups of chopped romaine lettuce. This will be the base. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness. Don’t forget 1 cup of crispy iceberg lettuce to add crunch. Now, chop 1/2 cup of cucumber into small pieces. Add that to the bowl. For a sharp flavor, slice 1/4 cup of red onion thinly and mix it in. Finally, chop 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon into small bits. This adds a salty bite. Gently toss everything to mix well. In a separate small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt. This mix makes the dressing creamy. Add 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness. Next, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Whisk all these ingredients together. Keep whisking until the dressing is smooth. This creamy dressing will tie the salad together. Drizzle the dressing over your salad mix in the large bowl. Toss everything together gently. Make sure all the ingredients are coated well. Taste the salad and add more salt or pepper if you want. Now, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for about 10 minutes. This helps the flavors blend. Before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped chives. They add a nice color and flavor. You now have a tasty BLT chicken salad ready to enjoy! For the full recipe, check the complete details above. To make a great dressing, balance is key. Use creamy mayo for richness, but add Greek yogurt to lighten it. This combo gives you a smooth texture without being too heavy. Fresh lemon juice adds brightness, while garlic powder brings depth. Mix them well to ensure each bite is flavorful. Taste as you go! Adjust salt and pepper to fit your liking. Serve your BLT chicken salad cold for the best taste. I like to pile it on a bed of greens or in a wrap. You can add crunchy croutons for extra texture or serve it with pita chips. For a fun twist, try it in a lettuce wrap. This keeps it fresh and light! This recipe makes four servings. Each serving is about 1.5 cups. For nutrition, you get protein from chicken and bacon. The salad is also packed with veggies. Each serving has roughly 350 calories, depending on your dressing and bacon type. This makes it a tasty option that fits into a balanced meal plan. For the full recipe, check out the full recipe link. {{image_4}} You can switch up the protein in your BLT Chicken Salad. If you want a change, try using grilled shrimp or diced turkey. Both options add a nice flavor and texture. You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quick fix. It saves time and keeps the taste delightful. For a vegan or vegetarian version, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Both ingredients absorb flavors well and add protein. Swap turkey bacon for crispy tempeh or coconut bacon. These choices keep the crunch and smoky taste in your salad. Use vegan mayonnaise to create a creamy dressing without animal products. Seasonal swaps can make your salad fresh and fun. In summer, add fresh corn or bell peppers for sweetness. In fall, try roasted squash or apples for a sweet touch. These ingredients keep your salad vibrant and exciting. They also add new flavors while staying true to the BLT spirit. For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and prevents odors. If you have extra dressing, store it separately. This helps the salad stay crisp. Always chill the container in the fridge. When properly stored, the BLT chicken salad lasts about 3 days in the fridge. After this time, the lettuce may wilt and the flavors fade. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. If it looks or smells off, it’s best to toss it. This salad is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. If the salad seems a bit sad, add a splash of lemon juice or a bit more dressing. This will revive the flavors and freshness. Enjoy your salad's tasty crunch! For the full recipe, check the section above. The BLT Chicken Salad comes from the classic BLT sandwich. BLT stands for bacon, lettuce, and tomato. People wanted to enjoy these tasty flavors in a salad form. So, they added chicken to make it heartier. The chicken adds protein, making it a full meal. This salad blends freshness with comfort, making it loved by many. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It’s great for meal prep! You can mix the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon together. Just keep the dressing separate until you are ready to eat. This helps keep the greens crisp. You can store the salad in the fridge for up to two days. Just remember to add the dressing right before serving for the best taste. To keep your BLT Chicken Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent air from wilting the greens. You can also place a paper towel in the container. This will soak up any extra moisture and keep your salad crisp. If you have leftovers, try to eat them within two days for the best flavor and texture. This blog post covered how to make a tasty BLT Chicken Salad. We shared the ingredients needed, how to prepare the salad, and tips for serving. You learned about ingredient swaps, storage tips, and how to keep your salad fresh. In summary, enjoy your salad by trying different variations. With these steps, you can create a dish everyone will love. Happy cooking!

BLT Chicken Salad

Looking for a fresh and delicious meal? Try my Savory BLT Chicken Salad! This easy recipe combines tender chicken with classic BLT flavors, making it perfect for any lunch or dinner. Discover simple steps, ingredient swaps, and tips to create a salad bursting with flavor. With just a few ingredients, you can whip up a tasty dish that everyone will enjoy. Click to explore the full recipe and elevate your mealtime!

Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup crispy iceberg lettuce, chopped for added crunch

1/2 cup cucumber, diced into small pieces

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced for a sharp flavor

4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped into small bits (substitute with regular bacon if desired)

1/2 cup mayonnaise for creaminess

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt to lighten the dressing

1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice for brightness

1 teaspoon garlic powder for depth of flavor

Salt and pepper to taste for seasoning

Fresh chives, chopped, for a vibrant garnish

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, chopped romaine, crispy iceberg lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped turkey bacon. Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

    In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating a creamy dressing.

      Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad mixture in the large bowl. Toss everything together until all ingredients are thoroughly coated in the dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

        Place the salad in the refrigerator and let it chill for approximately 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

          Before serving, sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped chives to add a pop of color and enhance the flavor profile.

            - Prep Time: 15 minutes

              - Total Time: 25 minutes

                - Servings: 4

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