BLT Chicken Salad: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on the classic flavors we all know and love. Combining the savory taste of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with tender chicken, this dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a celebration of textures and flavors. The origins of the BLT sandwich date back to the early 1900s, and it has since evolved into various forms, including this refreshing salad that captures the essence of the original while adding a healthy spin.

People adore BLT Chicken Salad for its perfect balance of crunch and creaminess, making it an ideal meal for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a potluck dish that will impress your friends, this salad is both convenient and satisfying. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering ingredients, BLT Chicken Salad is sure to become a favorite in your household, just as it has in mine!

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 slices of crispy bacon, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparing the Chicken

1. If you haven’t already cooked your chicken, you can use any method you prefer. I usually boil or grill the chicken breasts for a juicy result. To boil, place the chicken in a pot, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. If grilling, season with salt and pepper, and grill for about 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. 2. Once the chicken is cooked, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. I find that shredding gives a nice texture that blends well with the other ingredients.

Cooking the Bacon

3. While the chicken is cooling, it’s time to cook the bacon. I prefer to bake my bacon for an even crispiness. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay the bacon strips flat. 4. Bake the bacon for about 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it, as it can go from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool on a paper towel to absorb excess grease. 5. Once cooled, chop the bacon into small pieces. The crispy bits will add a delightful crunch to the salad.

Preparing the Dressing

6. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. I like to whisk it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is what ties all the flavors together, so feel free to adjust the seasoning to your taste. 7. If you want to add a little extra zing, you can also mix in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. They add a fresh flavor that complements the salad beautifully.

Assembling the Salad

8. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. If you’re using green onions or cheddar cheese, add them in at this stage as well. 9. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. I usually start with half of the dressing and then add more as needed. Gently toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to keep the lettuce crisp. 10. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If you like it creamier, add more dressing. If you want more crunch, consider adding some croutons or extra bacon.

Serving the Salad

11. Once everything is mixed, you can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. 12. To serve, I like to scoop the salad into individual bowls or plates. You can also serve it on a bed of extra romaine lettuce for a more elegant presentation. 13. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salad is best enjoyed within a day or two, as the lettuce can become soggy over time.

Variations and Tips

14. This BLT Chicken Salad is versatile! You can easily customize it to your liking. For a healthier version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It adds creaminess while cutting down on calories. 15. If you want to add more veggies, diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even avocado can be great additions. They not only enhance the flavor but also add more nutrients. 16. For a bit of sweetness, you can toss in some diced apples or grapes. The contrast of sweet and savory is always a hit! 17. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can serve the salad in lettuce wraps instead of using traditional salad greens. This makes for a fun and healthy meal. 18. Lastly, if you’re preparing this

Conclusion:

In summary, this BLT Chicken Salad is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their lunch game or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes creates a delightful medley of flavors and textures that is both satisfying and refreshing. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile! You can serve it on a bed of greens, in a sandwich, or even in a wrap for a quick and easy meal. Feel free to get creative with variations—add avocado for creaminess, toss in some cheese for extra flavor, or switch up the dressing to suit your taste. The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and make it your own. Once you do, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any tweaks you made, or even a photo of your delicious creation! Trust me, this BLT Chicken Salad will quickly become a favorite in your household, and I can’t wait for you to enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking! Print