Looking for a fresh twist on a classic meal? My BLT Chicken Salad packs all the flavor you love while being healthy! With just a few easy steps, you can whip up a dish that’s not only tasty but also full of good-for-you ingredients. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe, perfect for lunch or dinner. Let’s get cooking and enjoy a hearty salad that satisfies!
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
– 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 avocado, diced
– 1/2 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Gather these fresh ingredients to make your BLT chicken salad. Each one brings flavor and nutrition. The cooked chicken breast adds protein. Turkey bacon gives a crispy texture and a savory taste. Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst. Avocado brings creaminess, while romaine lettuce adds crunch. Red onion offers a mild bite, and the herbs brighten the flavors.
You can mix Greek yogurt with mayonnaise for a tangy dressing. Dijon mustard and lemon juice add zest. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper! These simple ingredients create a tasty, healthy meal.
Equipment Needed
– Large mixing bowl
– Small bowl
– Measuring cups and spoons
– Fork or spatula for mixing
Having the right tools makes cooking easier. A large mixing bowl helps combine all the salad ingredients. Use a small bowl for the dressing to keep it separate until ready. Measuring cups and spoons ensure you use the right amounts. Finally, a fork or spatula allows for gentle mixing without smashing the ingredients. You can find this full recipe in my collection of delicious meals.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Salad
– Combine shredded chicken, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, lettuce, and onion.
– Gently mix to incorporate ingredients.
Start by taking a large mixing bowl. Add in two cups of shredded chicken. Next, toss in four slices of crispy turkey bacon that you have chopped. The bacon adds a nice crunch. Then, add one cup of halved cherry tomatoes for sweetness.
Don’t forget the avocado! Dice one avocado and add it in for creaminess. Now, chop half a cup of romaine lettuce and a quarter cup of finely chopped red onion. These add freshness and flavor. Mix everything gently but thoroughly. You want each bite to have a bit of everything.
Making the Dressing
– Combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
– Whisk until smooth and creamy.
In a small bowl, combine half a cup of Greek yogurt with two tablespoons of mayonnaise. The yogurt makes the dressing creamy but lighter. Add in one tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a little zing. Squeeze in one tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste.
Whisk it all together until smooth and creamy. This dressing will bring your salad to life.
Final Assembly
– Pour dressing over salad mixture.
– Toss gently to coat evenly.
– Chill for 15 minutes before serving.
Now, pour the dressing over your salad mixture. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. This is where the magic happens! Let the salad chill in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This time lets the flavors blend nicely.
Before serving, give the salad one last gentle toss. You want it to look fresh and inviting. Serve it in a clear glass bowl to show off those vibrant colors. Enjoy your delicious and healthy BLT Chicken Salad! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe.
Tips & Tricks
How to Perfect Your Salad
To make your BLT chicken salad shine, use freshly cooked chicken. This gives your salad the best texture and flavor. After mixing all the ingredients, let the salad chill in the fridge. Chilling helps the flavors meld together, making each bite taste even better.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your salad, consider pairing it with crusty bread or crackers. This adds a nice crunch. For a great visual impact, present the salad in a clear bowl. The colorful ingredients will look inviting and make your meal more appealing.
Nutritional Tips
To lighten up your salad, use low-fat Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt. This swap cuts calories without losing creaminess. You can also substitute ingredients based on your dietary needs. For example, try bacon alternatives if you want a healthier option. These changes keep the salad delicious while catering to different diets. You can find the full recipe [here](#).
Variations
Creative Ingredient Swaps
You can add your own twist to the BLT Chicken Salad. Try adding diced cucumbers or bell peppers for a crunch. These veggies not only boost flavor but also add color. You can also use different greens like spinach or arugula. These greens bring a fresh taste and vibrant look.
Dressing Variations
The dressing is key to making this salad yummy. You can experiment with different types of mustard. Honey mustard adds sweetness, while spicy mustard gives a kick. You can also try yogurt flavors like garlic or herb for a creamy base. Adding fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can brighten the dish. These herbs add depth and fresh taste.
Dietary Adjustments
If you need to cater to dietary needs, it’s easy to adapt. To make it gluten-free, just check your ingredient choices. Most items, like chicken and veggies, are naturally gluten-free. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based substitutes. Swap the chicken for chickpeas and the yogurt for a dairy-free option. These changes keep the salad hearty and filling.
For the full recipe, check out the details above!
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the salad fresh. It’s best to eat the salad within 2-3 days. After that, the ingredients may lose their taste and texture.
Freezing Tips
Freezing the salad is not a good idea. The ingredients can change texture when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, store the dressing separately. This will help maintain the salad’s taste when you serve it later.
Reheating Recommendations
I recommend serving the BLT chicken salad cold. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. If you must reheat it, do so gently on low heat. This method helps avoid altering the texture of the ingredients. Enjoy the crispness and taste just as they are!
FAQs
How do I make a BLT Chicken Salad without mayo?
You can use avocado or a yogurt-based dressing as alternatives. These options keep the salad creamy and tasty. Avocado adds a rich flavor, while yogurt gives a nice tang. Both choices make the salad lighter and healthier. Plus, they keep the dish fresh and vibrant.
Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. Just remember to add delicate ingredients like lettuce and avocado just before serving. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. Preparing the chicken and bacon ahead of time saves you effort on busy days.
What can I serve with BLT Chicken Salad?
This salad pairs well with vegetable sticks, potato chips, or a light soup. The crunch of the chips or the fresh veggies adds great texture. A bowl of soup can balance out the flavors nicely. Enjoy your meal with these simple sides!
This BLT Chicken Salad recipe is a tasty and simple dish. You mix fresh ingredients and create a flavorful dressing. Remember to chill the salad for better taste. You can also switch ingredients to fit your diet. Store your leftovers well for days of enjoyment. With some tips and variations, you can keep this meal fresh and exciting. Enjoy making it your own!
. {{image_2}} You can add your own twist to the BLT Chicken Salad. Try adding diced cucumbers or bell peppers for a crunch. These veggies not only boost flavor but also add color. You can also use different greens like spinach or arugula. These greens bring a fresh taste and vibrant look. The dressing is key to making this salad yummy. You can experiment with different types of mustard. Honey mustard adds sweetness, while spicy mustard gives a kick. You can also try yogurt flavors like garlic or herb for a creamy base. Adding fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can brighten the dish. These herbs add depth and fresh taste. If you need to cater to dietary needs, it’s easy to adapt. To make it gluten-free, just check your ingredient choices. Most items, like chicken and veggies, are naturally gluten-free. If you want a vegan version, use plant-based substitutes. Swap the chicken for chickpeas and the yogurt for a dairy-free option. These changes keep the salad hearty and filling. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store your leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This helps keep the salad fresh. It’s best to eat the salad within 2-3 days. After that, the ingredients may lose their taste and texture. Freezing the salad is not a good idea. The ingredients can change texture when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, store the dressing separately. This will help maintain the salad’s taste when you serve it later. I recommend serving the BLT chicken salad cold. This keeps the flavors bright and fresh. If you must reheat it, do so gently on low heat. This method helps avoid altering the texture of the ingredients. Enjoy the crispness and taste just as they are! You can use avocado or a yogurt-based dressing as alternatives. These options keep the salad creamy and tasty. Avocado adds a rich flavor, while yogurt gives a nice tang. Both choices make the salad lighter and healthier. Plus, they keep the dish fresh and vibrant. Yes, you can prepare the salad in advance. Just remember to add delicate ingredients like lettuce and avocado just before serving. This way, they stay crisp and fresh. Preparing the chicken and bacon ahead of time saves you effort on busy days. This salad pairs well with vegetable sticks, potato chips, or a light soup. The crunch of the chips or the fresh veggies adds great texture. A bowl of soup can balance out the flavors nicely. Enjoy your meal with these simple sides! This BLT Chicken Salad recipe is a tasty and simple dish. You mix fresh ingredients and create a flavorful dressing. Remember to chill the salad for better taste. You can also switch ingredients to fit your diet. Store your leftovers well for days of enjoyment. With some tips and variations, you can keep this meal fresh and exciting. Enjoy making it your own!](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/be5971cc-85e2-4ca7-9605-6932b8f45a1d-300x300.webp)