– **Title**: BLT Chicken Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
– 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 2 cups lettuce (such as romaine or iceberg), chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss everything together until the ingredients are well-coated with the dressing.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if necessary.
5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6. Optionally, garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your BLT Chicken Salad!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I love using shredded rotisserie chicken for its flavor and convenience. If you don’t have rotisserie, leftover chicken works great too, or even canned chicken in a pinch!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds crunch and richness. If you want a healthier option, try turkey bacon or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version. You can also use crispy chickpeas as a crunchy substitute.
Cherry Tomatoes: These provide a sweet burst of flavor. If they’re out of season, you can use grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes. Canned diced tomatoes (drained) can work if you need something easy.
Mayonnaise: It’s the creaminess that brings everything together! You can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter version or a vegan mayo if you’re keeping it plant-based. I love how yogurt adds a nice tang too!
Red Onion: This ingredient gives your salad a sharp flavor. You can use green onions for a milder taste or shallots for a subtle sweetness if you prefer.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad is Well-Mixed and Flavorful?
The key to a delicious salad is combining everything properly and balancing the flavors. Start by mixing the chicken, bacon, and veggies in a big bowl. Make sure to break apart any clumps of chicken so every bite is juicy.
- Whisk the dressing ingredients till smooth. This helps them mix in better.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggies, then gently toss to avoid breaking the tomatoes.
- Take a taste after mixing; don’t be shy to add more seasoning if needed!
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works well)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, sliced
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy BLT Chicken Salad recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Perfect for a quick meal or a satisfying snack at any time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add your shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced green onion. Give it a gentle stir so that everything is mixed together nicely.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or fork to mix them all together until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and gently toss until all the ingredients are coated in that delicious dressing. Make sure it’s all evenly mixed!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Give your salad a little taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your BLT Chicken Salad on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves. You can also use it as a filling for a sandwich if you’re in the mood for something more! Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Meat Instead of Chicken?
Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with turkey, or even go vegetarian by using chickpeas or tofu as a base. Just ensure that whatever you choose is cooked and appropriately seasoned!
How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?
To make a healthier version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. You can also add more veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrients!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
Yes, you can! The salad can be made a few hours in advance. Just keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from wilting. Refrigerate in an airtight container and enjoy within 24 hours for the best freshness.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If mixed with the dressing, it may become watery, so it’s best to separate components if you plan to keep it longer. Enjoy cold as a quick snack or meal!
