BLT Chicken Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on the classic flavors we all know and love. Combining the savory taste of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with tender chicken, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of textures and flavors. Originating from the beloved BLT sandwich, this salad brings a refreshing take to a traditional favorite, making it perfect for warm summer days or as a hearty lunch option.

What I adore about BLT Chicken Salad is how it effortlessly marries convenience with taste. It’s quick to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends. The crunch of the lettuce, the smokiness of the bacon, and the succulent chicken create a satisfying experience that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re a salad enthusiast or just looking for a new way to enjoy classic ingredients, this BLT Chicken Salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can use either grilled or roasted chicken for this salad. I usually prefer to use leftover chicken from a previous meal, as it saves time and adds great flavor. 2. To cook the chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and any other spices you like. Grill or roast it until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This usually takes about 20-30 minutes depending on the thickness of the chicken breasts. 3. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for about 5-10 minutes before shredding or dicing it. This helps retain the juices and keeps the chicken moist.

Cooking the Bacon

4. While the chicken is cooking, I like to prepare the bacon. You can either fry it in a skillet or bake it in the oven. 5. If frying, heat a skillet over medium heat and add the bacon strips. Cook until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through. 6. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lay the bacon strips on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. 7. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Preparing the Dressing

8. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. 9. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a tangier flavor, feel free to add a bit more vinegar or mustard.

Assembling the Salad

10. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded or diced chicken, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. 11. If you’re using green onions and shredded cheddar cheese, add them to the bowl as well. These ingredients add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad. 12. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. I usually start with half of the dressing and then add more as needed, depending on how creamy I want the salad to be. 13. Gently toss everything together using two large spoons or salad tongs. Be careful not to crush the tomatoes or bacon while mixing.

Serving the Salad

14. Once everything is well combined, I like to serve the salad immediately. You can either plate it individually or serve it in a large bowl for everyone to help themselves. 15. If you want to make it a bit more filling, you can serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or alongside some crusty bread. 16. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within a day or two, as the lettuce can become soggy over time.

Variations and Tips

17. Feel free to customize this salad to your liking! You can add ingredients like avocado, cucumber, or even hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. 18. If you want to make it healthier, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the dressing. It adds creaminess while cutting down on calories. 19. For a bit of spice, add some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. 20. If you’re preparing this salad for a gathering, you can make the chicken and bacon ahead of time and assemble the salad just before serving to keep everything fresh. Enjoy your delicious BLT Chicken Salad! It’s a perfect dish for lunch, dinner, or even a picnic. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser, and I’m sure you’ll love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

In summary, this BLT Chicken Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their lunch game or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or even in a wrap for a quick and easy meal. Feel free to get creative with variations—add avocado for creaminess, toss in some cheese for extra flavor, or switch up the dressing to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation! Trust me, this BLT Chicken Salad will quickly become a favorite in your household, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!

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