If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal, you’ve got to try this BLT Chicken Salad. This dish is perfect for lunch or as a quick snack. With tender shredded chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and creamy avocado tossed in a zesty dressing, it’s not only flavorful but also high in protein. Ideal for meal prep, this salad is versatile enough to suit various occasions, whether you’re packing lunch for work or serving guests at a gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weekdays.
- High Protein: Packed with protein from chicken and Greek yogurt, it’s a filling option that keeps you satisfied.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of savory turkey bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado creates an irresistible taste experience.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Easily store leftovers in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
Tools and Preparation
To make this BLT Chicken Salad efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment can streamline your preparation process and enhance your cooking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Airtight container
- Cutting board
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows ample space for combining all your ingredients smoothly.
- Whisk: This tool is ideal for blending the dressing thoroughly without lumps.
- Airtight container: Perfect for storing leftovers while keeping them fresh in the fridge.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 8 strips Turkey 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 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 avocado (diced)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by making the dressing in a large mixing bowl.
1. Add the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt into the bowl.
2. Whisk in the ranch seasoning until well combined.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
Add the chicken, turkey bacon, and green onions into the bowl.
– Mix well until everything is thoroughly combined.
– Gently fold in the diced tomatoes.
Step 3: Adjust Seasonings & Add Avocado
Once everything is mixed together:
– Taste the salad and adjust seasonings if needed.
– Just before serving, add in the diced avocado and gently toss it into your desired portion of chicken salad.
Step 4: Chill & Serve
Place into an airtight container:
– Store in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld together.
– Enjoy your refreshing BLT Chicken Salad!
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad
BLT Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic, as a quick lunch, or as part of a dinner spread, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
In a Wrap
- Use a tortilla or lettuce leaves to wrap the BLT Chicken Salad for a satisfying handheld meal.
On Toast
- Spread the salad on toasted bread for an open-faced sandwich that’s both hearty and delicious.
As a Stuffed Avocado
- Hollow out an avocado half and fill it with the BLT Chicken Salad for a healthy, low-carb option.
Over Greens
- Serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens for added freshness and crunch. Drizzle with extra dressing if desired.
With Crackers
- Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for a delightful snack or appetizer. The crunch complements the creamy texture perfectly.
As a Dip
- Use the BLT Chicken Salad as a dip with vegetable sticks or pita chips for a fun party snack.
How to Perfect BLT Chicken Salad
Creating the ultimate BLT Chicken Salad requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your salad is top-notch.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and ripe avocados enhance flavor and texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; feel free to tweak salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning to suit your palate.
- Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for an hour allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Opt for Quality Bacon: Choose high-quality Turkey Bacon for better taste and texture in your salad.
- Add Crunch: Consider including chopped celery or nuts for an extra crunch that complements the creaminess.
- Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can add an exciting twist to this classic recipe.
Best Side Dishes for BLT Chicken Salad
Pairing side dishes with your BLT Chicken Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the salad.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and pairs well with the creamy texture of the chicken salad.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse your palate and provide natural sweetness.
- Potato Chips: Classic potato chips add saltiness and crunch, making them an easy and tasty side option.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables makes for a nutritious accompaniment that balances out the richness.
- Cucumber Slices: Crisp cucumber slices served with hummus create a refreshing side that complements any meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious BLT Chicken Salad can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can affect the outcome.
Skipping the Dressing: Many people forget to mix the dressing properly. Make sure you whisk together the mayo and Greek yogurt with seasonings until it’s smooth for the best flavor.
Overcooking the Bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon too long can make it chewy. Aim for crispy but not burnt; this will give your salad a nice crunch without overpowering it.
Adding Avocado Too Early: Adding diced avocado too soon can make it brown and mushy. Wait until just before serving to toss it into your salad for freshness.
Using Dry Chicken: If you use leftover chicken that’s been sitting too long, it might be dry. Opt for freshly shredded rotisserie chicken for moisture and flavor.
Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Some may skip tasting before serving. Always taste your salad after mixing and adjust the seasonings to ensure perfect flavor balance.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
Freezing BLT Chicken Salad
- It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as ingredients like avocado and tomatoes do not freeze well.
- If you must freeze, separate portions without avocado and tomatoes; use within 1 month.
Reheating BLT Chicken Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place salad in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring between each until warm.
- Stovetop: In a pan over low heat, gently stir until warmed through; avoid overheating as it can dry out the chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this a healthy lunch option?
This BLT Chicken Salad is packed with protein from chicken and Turkey Bacon, while Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories than traditional dressings.
Can I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or swap Turkey Bacon for regular bacon depending on your dietary needs.
How can I make this recipe even quicker?
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and pre-chopped vegetables from the store to save time during meal prep.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This salad is perfect for meal prep because it stores well in the fridge and is easy to portion out for lunches throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
The BLT Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that’s both satisfying and nutritious. It’s perfect for lunch or as a quick snack. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or dressings. Try making it today—you won’t regret adding this flavorful recipe to your meal rotation!
BLT Chicken Salad
If you’re in search of a quick, nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor, the BLT Chicken Salad is your perfect solution. With tender shredded chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and creamy avocado enveloped in a zesty dressing, this dish is ideal for lunch or as a satisfying snack. It’s high in protein and versatile enough for meal prep or entertaining guests. In just 25 minutes, you can create a delicious salad that not only tastes great but will keep you full throughout the day.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 strips chopped turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup diced green onions
- 2/3 pint halved grape tomatoes
- 1 diced avocado
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Whisk in ranch seasoning until smooth.
- Add the shredded chicken, chopped turkey bacon, and green onions to the bowl. Mix well.
- Gently fold in the grape tomatoes.
- Adjust seasonings to taste. Just before serving, add diced avocado and toss gently.
- Chill in an airtight container for at least one hour before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery or nuts. Use fresh ingredients like ripe tomatoes and avocados to enhance flavor. Feel free to customize with additional veggies based on your preference.
