Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad with Cheddar (Low Carb)

There’s something absolutely comforting about a bowl of chicken salad. It’s like a hug from your favorite blanket on a chilly night, and this Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad with Cheddar takes that comfort up a notch! Picture this: juicy, tender chicken mingling with the savory crunch of bacon, all wrapped in a creamy ranch dressing that sings with flavor. It’s one of my top go-to recipes, especially when I need something quick but oh-so-satisfying.

I first stumbled upon a version of this dish during a summer potluck, where everyone was raving about it, and let me tell you, I’m glad I snagged the recipe! It’s become a beloved staple in my kitchen, and I believe it will be in yours, too. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll understand why.

Why you’ll love this recipe

This isn’t just any chicken salad; it’s a flavor fiesta! The combination of ranch dressing and mayo creates a creamy base that could easily be mistaken for a cheat day, but guess what? With low-carb goodness and protein-packed chicken, you’re indulging in a guilt-free delight. Each bite is a tantalizing dance of flavors—creamy, tangy, and smoky from the bacon.

It’s also dually beneficial: the rotisserie chicken saves you time and effort, while the crispy bacon adds that unforgettable crunch. Plus, you can whip this up in no time—perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Who needs takeout when you can create this magic at home?

Gather these ingredients

Let’s get our ingredients together, shall we?

• Cooked Chicken: You’ll need 2 cups of chopped or shredded cooked chicken. I swear by a quality rotisserie chicken—it’s flavorful and saves considerable prep time. If you prefer cooking your chicken, poached or grilled will also work well here.

• Mayo: Add 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to the mix (or light mayo, if you’re looking to lighten things up). This adds that richness that makes chicken salad, well, a real salad!

• Ranch Dressing: You’ll want 1/4 cup of ranch dressing. Again, feel free to choose the light version. The tanginess pairs harmoniously with the other ingredients, giving it that creamy goodness.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Grab yourself 1/3 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This cheesy goodness brings a delightful richness and bite to each mouthful.

• Cooked Bacon: A must! 1/3 cup of chopped cooked bacon is what you’ll crave. You can use thick-cut bacon for extra meaty bliss, or turkey bacon as a lighter alternative.

• Green Onions: Toss in 2 tablespoons of chopped green onions. They add a fresh, herby crunch that brightens up the entire dish.

• Garlic and Onion Powder: Just a teaspoon of each helps build that savory flavor foundation.

• Salt and Pepper: To taste, of course. These simple seasonings are the stars behind every delicious dish.

The cooking process explained

Now let’s dive into the delightful process of bringing our Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad to life!

1. Mix the Dressings: Start by adding the ranch dressing, mayo, garlic powder, and onion powder to a small mixing bowl. Combine everything thoroughly—this creamy mixture is the secret sauce of the salad.

2. Combine the Ingredients: In a larger bowl, add your cooked chicken, shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, and crispy bacon. Toss these ingredients together gently, marrying the flavors before adding the dressing.

3. Dress It Up: Pour that luscious ranch dressing mixture over the chicken and bacon ensemble. Seriously, don’t be shy here; this is where the magic happens!

4. Mix It Up: Combine everything thoroughly—give it a good mix until the dressing coats every piece of chicken and bacon.

5. Season It: Finally, sprinkle a little salt and pepper to taste. Tweak it until it feels right for you, and voilà, it’s ready!

Best way to enjoy it

Now that your salad is dressed to impress, let’s talk about how to serve this beauty!

• On Bread: A classic choice—slap it between two slices of your favorite bread or a toasted bun. It’s a sandwich lover’s dream!

• On Salads: Ditch the bread for a lighter option. Serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing lunch, and maybe drizzle a little balsamic glaze on top for an extra kick.

• In Lettuce Wraps: If you’re feeling super low carb, use large lettuce leaves as your wrap. These crunchy beauties add a refreshing twist!

Whatever you choose, serve it with a side of crispy veggies or some crunchy pickles to elevate your meal.

Storage and reheating tips

After all that deliciousness, you might be wondering how to keep leftovers fresh. Here’s the scoop:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days.

• No Freezing: I recommend against freezing this salad. The creamy dressing and texture can get wonky when thawed. You want it fresh!

• Morning After Perk Up: If you find it a bit thick after a day in the fridge, add a drizzle of ranch or mayo to liven it back up.

Helpful cooking tips

Want to make your Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad even better? Here are some pro tips:

• Quality Matters: Use high-quality ranch dressing for a richer flavor. Trust me; it makes a big difference!

• Crisp the Bacon: Cook your bacon until it’s super crispy for that perfect crunch. If it’s too soft, it may lose its texture in the salad.

• Add a Touch of Acid: A spritz of lemon juice can brighten the flavors even more. Just a teaspoon can work wonders!

• Customize for Health: Feel free to swap the mayo for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and an extra protein boost.

Creative twists

Now, let’s get creative! Want to spice things up or try something new?

• Add Some Heat: If you’re a spice lover, toss in a dash of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños for a kick.

• Go Nutty: Sprinkle in some chopped walnuts or pecans for an extra crunch and nutty flavor.

• Swap the Protein: No chicken available? No problem! This salad works great with shredded turkey or even tuna for a seafood twist.

Ingredients list

Here’s your simplified ingredient rundown:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
• 2 tbsp mayo
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing
• 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/3 cup chopped cooked bacon
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions to follow

1. In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, mayo, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. In a large bowl, mix cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cooked bacon.
3. Pour the ranch mixture over the chicken mix and stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve on sandwiches, salads, or lettuce wraps. Enjoy!

Common questions

1. Can I prepare this salad a day in advance?
   Yes, if you want to save time, prepare it a day ahead and store it in the fridge.

2. Can I use leftover grilled chicken?
   Absolutely! Leftover grilled chicken will impart an awesome flavor to the salad.

3. What dietary adjustments can I make?
   You can easily make it gluten-free by using gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps.

4. How many servings does it make?
   This recipe typically yields about 4 servings, depending on how hungry you are!

5. Can I leave out the bacon?
   Yes, though you might miss that delightful crunch and smokiness—consider substituting with nuts or sunflower seeds.

There’s a certain magic in cooking that brings people together, and this Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad is no exception. Not only does it fulfill your cravings, but it also keeps you feeling satisfied with its low-carb goodness! So gather your ingredients, get cooking, and remember: it’s all about having fun in the kitchen. Play with the flavors, share your twists in the comments, and let’s build a community filled with cooking adventures!

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Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad with Cheddar (Low Carb)

Cooking Method: Mixing Courses: Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish Recipe Keys: E Easy High Protein Low Carb Non Vegetarian Quick Meals

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time Total Time 15 hrs

Servings: 4 Estimated Cost: $ 10 Calories: 350

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad features juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing, making it a satisfying and delicious dish perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded (Rotisserie chicken is recommended for convenience.)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (Use light mayo for a lighter version.)
• ¹⁄₄ cup ranch dressing (Lite version can be used.)
• ¹⁄₃ cup shredded cheddar cheese (Adds richness and bite.)
• ¹⁄₃ cup cooked bacon, chopped (Thick-cut or turkey bacon can be used.)
• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (Provides fresh flavor.)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• salt and pepper (To taste.)

Instructions

1. Mix the Dressings

   In a small bowl, combine ranch dressing, mayonnaise, garlic powder, and onion powder.
   Mix until well combined.
   Mark as complete

2. Combine the Ingredients

   In a larger bowl, combine cooked chicken, cheddar cheese, green onions, and bacon.
   Toss gently to mix.
   Mark as complete

3. Dress It Up

   Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the chicken and bacon mixture.
   Toss until everything is well coated.
   Mark as complete

4. Season It

   Add salt and pepper to taste.
   Adjust seasoning as necessary.
   Mark as complete

5. Serve

   Enjoy on sandwiches, salads, or wraps.
   Serve with fresh veggies or pickles.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 350kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 22g34%

Saturated Fat 6g30%

Trans Fat 0g

Cholesterol 80mg27%

Sodium 800mg34%

Potassium 500mg15%

Total Carbohydrate 6g2%

Dietary Fiber 1g4%

Sugars 2g

Protein 30g60%

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Vitamin A 10 IU

Vitamin C 2 mg

Calcium 200 mg

Iron 1 mg

Vitamin D 0 IU

Vitamin E 1 IU

Vitamin K 3 mcg

Thiamin 0 mg

Riboflavin 0 mg

Niacin 4 mg

Vitamin B6 0 mg

Folate 2 mcg

Vitamin B12 1 mcg

Biotin 0 mcg

Pantothenic Acid 1 mg

Phosphorus 200 mg

Iodine 0 mcg

Magnesium 20 mg

Zinc 2 mg

Selenium 30 mcg

Copper 0 mg

Manganese 0 mg

Chromium 0 mcg

Molybdenum 0 mcg

Chloride 0 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Keywords: chicken salad, bacon, ranch, cheddar, quick meals, low carb, comfort food