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BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing meal that combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with tender chicken breast. This easy-to-make salad blends savory and fresh flavors with a creamy dressing, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Customizable and colorful, it’s a wholesome dish that delights both eyes and palate.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 to 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
  • 4 to 6 crisp bacon strips, crumbled or chopped

Vegetables

  • 4 cups fresh Romaine or iceberg lettuce, roughly chopped
  • 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion, diced

Dressing & Extras

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise or preferred dressing (Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute)
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs like parsley or chives, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken breast—grilled or poached works great. Once cooled, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces that’ll blend beautifully into the salad.
  2. Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon strips until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Crumble or chop the bacon once cool for perfect bite-sized crispy bits.
  3. Chop the Veggies: Roughly chop the lettuce and dice the tomatoes and red onions. The goal is to maintain a great mix of textures and flavors with each forkful.
  4. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Add cheese or herbs if using.
  5. Dress the Salad: Mix in your mayo or chosen dressing, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly without becoming soggy.
  6. Serve Immediately or Chill: For the freshest experience, serve right away. If you prefer a cold salad, refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.

Notes

  • Use leftover chicken: It’s a time-saver and adds extra flavor from any marinades you’ve used.
  • Drain excess dressing: Prevent sogginess by adding just enough dressing to lightly coat the ingredients.
  • Better bacon texture: Cook bacon on a baking sheet in the oven for even crispiness without the mess.
  • Chill ingredients: Keep all ingredients well chilled for optimal freshness and crunch.
  • Layer for crunch: Keep bacon and lettuce clustered separately until the last minute to maintain their texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT salad, chicken salad, bacon lettuce tomato, quick salad, easy lunch, healthy salad, gluten free