Zesty BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: Fresh Farmhouse Flavors

Crafting a mouthwatering BLT chicken salad brings summer memories rushing back to my kitchen.

Crisp bacon crackles alongside tender chicken chunks, creating a symphony of flavors.

Juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce dance through this classic combination.

Fresh herbs sprinkle unexpected brightness across each delightful bite.

Creamy dressing weaves magic between protein and vegetables, connecting every ingredient seamlessly.

Quick and simple, this recipe promises satisfaction in mere minutes.

Scoop this delectable mixture onto crusty bread or crisp greens and savor every delicious moment.

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Cooked and chopped for a lean protein source.
• Bacon: Crumbled for a smoky and crispy texture.

• Romaine Lettuce: Chopped for a fresh and crisp foundation.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved to add bright color and juicy burst.
• Red Onion: Sliced to provide a sharp and tangy flavor.
• Avocado: Diced for creamy richness and healthy fats.

• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded to add sharp and creamy dimension.
• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creamy base for the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the rich ingredients.
• Dijon Mustard: Provides a tangy and slightly spicy undertone.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

How to Prepare BLT Chicken Salad with Ease

Step 1: Prep the Green Base

Start by washing and chopping crisp romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.

Spread the lettuce across a spacious serving bowl, creating a fresh green foundation for your salad.

Step 2: Layer in Protein and Veggies

• Tender shredded chicken
• Juicy halved cherry tomatoes
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Zesty sliced red onion
• Creamy diced avocado

Step 3: Whip Up Tangy Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Rich sour cream
• Bright lemon juice
• Zesty Dijon mustard
• Aromatic garlic powder
• Pinch of salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Step 4: Dress and Toss

Drizzle the vibrant dressing over the salad ingredients.

Use gentle tossing motions to ensure every morsel gets coated with the delicious mixture.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

You can serve the salad immediately for maximum crunch or let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 30 minutes to allow flavors to develop and mingle.

Enjoy your flavor-packed BLT chicken salad!

Pro Tips for Crisp and Flavorful BLT Chicken Salad

• Crisp bacon in a skillet for maximum crunchiness and deeper taste, avoiding soggy texture.
• Toss diced avocado with lemon juice to maintain fresh green color and prevent oxidation.
• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or rotisserie turkey for varied protein preferences.
• Chop vegetables and cook chicken in advance, storing separately to maintain salad's fresh crispness.
• Replace full-fat mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-rich alternative that keeps creamy texture.

Variations to Try with BLT Chicken Salad

• Vegetarian Deconstructed: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, use plant-based bacon alternatives, and maintain the same dressing for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Keto Friendly: Swap romaine lettuce with mixed greens, increase avocado portion, use full-fat mayonnaise, and add extra crispy bacon bits for higher fat content.
• Mediterranean Inspired: Substitute cheddar with crumbled feta cheese, add kalamata olives, replace red onion with thinly sliced cucumber, and incorporate fresh herbs like oregano and parsley.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap Dijon mustard with chipotle mayo, include roasted corn kernels, and sprinkle cilantro on top for a zesty southwestern profile.

Serving Suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad

• Picnic Paradise: Pack this salad in a portable container for a delightful outdoor lunch that's easy to transport and enjoy in the fresh air.
• Sandwich Sidekick: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or crispy ciabatta bread to create a complete meal with extra crunch and texture.
• Bed of Greens Twist: Layer the salad over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for added nutrition and a beautiful presentation that elevates the dish.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the salad into a hearty meal by adding quinoa or brown rice as a base, making it more filling and nutritionally balanced.

How to Store BLT Chicken Salad for Freshness

• Store leftover BLT chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salad cold to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• For best quality, store dressing separately from salad ingredients. Mix just before serving to keep lettuce crisp and prevent soggy texture.
• Do not freeze this salad as mayonnaise-based dressings and fresh vegetables like avocado will separate and lose their texture when thawed.
• Gently warm chicken portions separately in microwave for 15-20 seconds if desired, but consume cold salad for optimal taste and texture.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Yes, you can substitute romaine with iceberg, butter lettuce, or mixed greens for a different texture and flavor.

• Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! Prepare the ingredients separately and combine just before eating to keep the salad crisp and fresh.

• Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Replace chicken with grilled tofu or chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the salad’s delicious profile.

• How can I make the salad healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduce mayonnaise, and add more vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers to boost nutrition.

BLT Chicken Salad That Everyone Will Love

• Craft a Flavor Explosion: Combine classic BLT ingredients with tender chicken for a mouthwatering twist that transforms an ordinary salad into a taste sensation.
• Whip Up in Minutes: Toss together fresh ingredients and a quick homemade dressing, creating a delicious meal that requires minimal cooking and prep time.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing: Packed with protein, veggies, and creamy dressing, this salad appeals to both health-conscious eaters and comfort food lovers.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust seasonings to match your taste preferences, making this recipe versatile for different dietary needs and cravings.

Blt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Fresh BLT chicken salad combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and garden-fresh lettuce in a creamy dressing. Crunchy ingredients and zesty flavors make this dish perfect for summer lunches and quick meals you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Fruits:

• 4 cups romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red onion
• 1 avocado

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Layer shredded cooked chicken atop the crisp lettuce foundation.
3. Halve cherry tomatoes and distribute them across the salad landscape.
4. Crumble crispy bacon strips, scattering the savory fragments throughout the mixture.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese to add a creamy, tangy dimension.
6. Thinly slice red onion and disperse delicate rings across the salad.
7. Cube ripe avocado and gently fold into the assembled ingredients.
8. Whisk mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
9. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad and toss gently, ensuring each ingredient receives a light coating.
10. For optimal flavor melding, refrigerate for 15-20 minutes before serving.
11. Plate and garnish with additional bacon crumbles or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

• Quickly cook chicken breasts ahead of time to save preparation time and ensure maximum flavor infusion.
• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or coconut bacon bits to create a lighter, healthier alternative for diet-conscious individuals.
• Customize the salad’s protein by using grilled shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken for diverse dietary preferences.
• Enhance dressing’s tanginess by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 298 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 7 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg