There’s something truly heartwarming about a BLT Chicken Salad; it wraps you up in flavors that feel just like home. As the savory notes of crispy bacon mingle with tender, shredded chicken and fresh veggies, you can almost hear the laughter of family around the table. With just the right amount of creaminess from the dressing and the perfect crunch from the greens, it’s a dish that brings joy to those busy weeknights when a cozy dinner is all you need.
BLT Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A heartwarming BLT Chicken Salad with savory bacon, shredded chicken, and fresh veggies, wrapped in a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, chopped (center cut)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or skip and use all mayonnaise)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add the ranch seasoning and pepper, mixing well.
- Stir in the shredded chicken, bacon, and green onions until fully coated.
- Carefully fold in the diced tomatoes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Right before serving, mix in the avocado.
- For best flavor, chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving.
Notes
Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor. For a zestier kick, add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Let’s Make It Together
Gather your loved ones and let’s dive into making this mouthwatering dish together. It’s simple and quick to prepare, which means there’s all the more time for stories and laughter while you cook.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, chopped (center cut)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or you can skip and use all mayonnaise)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 avocado, diced
Step-by-Step Directions
- Begin by making the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth. Add the ranch seasoning and pepper, mixing well. The aromas will already start to fill the kitchen!
- Stir in the shredded chicken, bacon, and green onions. Give it a good mix until everything is fully coated in that creamy dressing.
- Carefully fold in the diced tomatoes, being gentle to keep their shape. Taste the salad at this stage and adjust the seasonings if needed; the balance of flavors is important!
- Right before you’re ready to serve, mix in the avocado. If you prefer, you can leave the avocado on top for a beautiful presentation.
- For the best flavor, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving. This gives all those wonderful flavors a chance to mingle.
Nutritional Snapshot
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 25g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 4g
Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full without feeling heavy, making it perfect for those days when you’re craving comfort food that’s nutritious too.
Perfect Pairings
This salad shines during family dinners or casual summer gatherings. Serve it with a side of crunchy pita chips or a light cucumber salad, and don’t forget a refreshing lemonade to wash it down. It’s a dish that invites everyone to the table, ready to share stories and make memories.
Keep It Fresh
To store your delicious BLT Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to three days. If you need to freeze it, consider storing the salad without the avocado and adding it fresh when you’re ready to serve. Just let it thaw in the fridge overnight, and it will be ready to enjoy again.
Betty’s Secrets
- Use high-quality bacon for the best flavor; smoky or peppered varieties can add an extra depth.
- For a zestier kick, add a splash of lemon juice to the dressing—this can brighten up the flavors wonderfully.
- Mix in some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, for a fresh pop of flavor.
- For added crunch, toss in some chopped pecans or walnuts right before serving.
Creative Twists
- Add some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick, turning up the heat while keeping it classic.
- Incorporate seasonal fruits like diced apples or pears for a sweet contrast that balances the savory flavors.
- Replace the Greek yogurt with a flavored variation, like tzatziki, to add a Mediterranean touch to this American staple.
Your Questions Answered
How can I make my BLT Chicken Salad healthier? Consider using a lighter mayonnaise or replacing half of it with Greek yogurt, which contains more protein and fewer calories.
Can this salad be made ahead of time? Absolutely! In fact, letting it chill for a few hours enhances the flavor. Just hold off on adding the avocado until you’re ready to serve.
What can I serve with BLT Chicken Salad for a complete meal? Pair it with soup for a comforting lunch or alongside tortilla chips and salsa for a fun dinner.
Can I customize the ingredients? Yes! Feel free to substitute any proteins or add your favorite veggies to make this salad your own.
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