There’s something incredibly comforting about a classic BLT, isn’t there? The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce—it’s a symphony of textures and flavors that feels like a warm hug. Now, imagine that beloved sandwich reimagined as a refreshing chicken salad! This BLT Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s the kind of dish that sparks joyful memories of summer picnics and backyard barbecues. It’s an easy go-to recipe that will transform your weeknight dinners with just a handful of ingredients.
Why you’ll love this recipe
This BLT Chicken Salad isn’t merely a salad; it’s an experience—trust me! The combination of tender, chopped chicken and crispy, salty bacon creates the kind of flavor explosion that makes every bite a delight. Then, there’s the burst of sweetness from the cherry tomatoes, the mild bite from the red onion, and the satisfying crunch of celery; it’s all beautifully bound together with a tangy, creamy dressing. What more could you want? It’s not only a terrific source of protein, making it a filling option for lunch or dinner, but it’s also versatile. Serve it on a bed of greens, pile it on a sandwich, or scoop it onto crackers—endless possibilities await! This salad also preps quickly, allowing you to whip up something truly sensational without spending hours in the kitchen.
Gather these ingredients
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Cooked Chicken: You’ll need 3 cups of cooked chicken, preferably chopped. Leftover rotisserie chicken sings in this dish, but feel free to poach or grill chicken breasts if you prefer a quicker route. It’s like bringing home the flavors of a classic BLT, only now it’s leaner and packed with protein!
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Bacon: What’s a BLT without bacon? One pound of diced bacon, cooked until crispy, ‘cause let’s be real—bacon makes everything better! You could opt for turkey bacon if you want a lighter touch, but can I just say, nothing beats that sizzle and aroma of good ol’ pork bacon?
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Cherry Tomatoes: A cup of halved cherry tomatoes adds a sweet pop that dances on your palate. I recommend using the freshest seasonal tomatoes you can find; they elevate the salad from good to downright fabulous.
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Red Onion: Just half a small red onion, finely diced, is all you need to lend a subtle tang and crunch. If you’re sensitive to the power of onion, soaking the pieces in cold water for a few minutes can mellow them out—easy fix!
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Celery: You’ll want two stalks, diced small, to interject a fresh crunch. Celery adds not just texture, but it finishes the salad with a lightness that is oh-so-satisfying.
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Mayonnaise: Half a cup of light mayonnaise to give it that creamy dressing we all crave. If you’re looking for a healthier twist, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute that adds tang and protein!
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Lemon Juice: One tablespoon brightens up the mix, adding a zesty kick—don’t skip it!
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Seasonings: Salt (1/2 teaspoon), garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon), onion powder (1/2 teaspoon), and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon) are the key players that tie everything together and elevate the flavors. Each one plays a significant role, so keep your measuring spoons handy!
The cooking process explained
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and celery. This crowd of ingredients isn’t just hanging out; they’re on a mission to create magic together!
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In a separate small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This creamy dressing is what will bring everything together, so give it a good mix until it’s well combined and smooth—it’s like a hug for the salad!
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Pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and gently toss everything until it’s coated evenly. Be gentle; you want to keep that delicious texture we’ve built here!
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You can serve it immediately for a fresh experience, or if you prefer, let it chill in the fridge for about an hour. Allowing it to sit helps the flavors meld beautifully. Either way, it’s a win!
How to plate and pair
To serve this dish, think of a bright, refreshing base. Lay down a bed of crisp romaine or arugula, and then scoop that beautiful BLT Chicken Salad right on top. You could also use a hearty crusty bread or bagels to make delightful sandwiches. A side of crunchy pickles or crispy potato chips takes it to the next level, giving you those textural contrasts that make meals so exhilarating.
Keeping leftovers fresh
While I bet this salad won’t last long, you’ll want to store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This dish stays fresh for about 3 days; don’t take chances beyond that. To keep it safe, make sure it’s cooled to room temperature before sealing it tight! I wouldn’t particularly recommend freezing it due to the mayonnaise, which might not thaw well.
Pro chef tips
- Want to make this a pop of color? Add some diced bell peppers or even sweet corn for some sweetness and vibrancy.
- If you’re entertaining, double the recipe and impress your guests! This salad is a hit at potlucks; just make sure to bring a big bowl (and maybe some fresh baguette).
- For those mindful of carbs, serve it in lettuce wraps instead. They’re just as satisfying!
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of ways to switch it up:
- Toss in some crumbled feta or goat cheese for a burst of creaminess.
- Top it with avocado slices for added healthy fats and a luxurious touch.
- Try it with a little bit of BBQ sauce mixed into the dressing for a fun, smoky twist.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/2 small red onion, diced small
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Directions to follow
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery.
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately or chill for an hour for flavors to meld.
Common questions
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How can I make this salad ahead of time? You can prepare the chicken and chop the veggies in advance. Mix the salad just before you’re ready to serve!
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Can I add other veggies? Absolutely! Cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots add delightful crunch and flavor.
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What if I don’t have cooked chicken? Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut!
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Is it okay to freeze leftovers? I wouldn’t recommend it; the mayo may change texture once thawed.
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What sides pair well with this salad? Coleslaw, potato chips, or even a fruit salad work beautifully!
In closing, this BLT Chicken Salad is not just a recipe; it’s an invitation to gather around the table with family and friends, trading stories and laughter over delicious food. It’s also a flexible canvas—it welcomes your creative sparks! Dive in, try this recipe, and don’t hesitate to make it your own. We’re all part of this vibrant cooking community—so share your experiences and tweaks with me; I’d love to hear how you make it shine! Happy cooking!
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables with a creamy dressing for a delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
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Combine Chicken and Veggies
In a large bowl, combine chicken, cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery. -
Prepare Dressing
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.Whisk until well combined and smooth. -
Combine Dressing with Salad
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly.Be gentle to keep the texture. -
Serve or Chill
Serve immediately or chill for an hour for flavors to meld.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 7g35%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 120mg40%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 600mg18%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 35g70%
- Vitamin A 10 IU
- Vitamin C 15 mg
- Calcium 4 mg
- Iron 8 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 1 IU
- Vitamin K 15 mcg
- Thiamin 2 mg
- Riboflavin 4 mg
- Niacin 15 mg
- Vitamin B6 10 mg
- Folate 4 mcg
- Vitamin B12 5 mcg
- Phosphorus 15 mg
- Magnesium 6 mg
- Zinc 10 mg
- Selenium 15 mcg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
