There’s something magical about a salad that sings with flavor and crunch, like our BLT Chicken Salad Recipe. Imagine the crispness of fresh lettuce mingling with smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and ripe tomatoes, all dancing together in a creamy dressing. This dish is not just food; it’s a celebration of tastes and textures that will have your taste buds doing the cha-cha.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs:
- What ingredients do I need for the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
- How long does it take to prepare the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
- Can I make the BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
- What are some variations for the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
- Conclusion for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe:
- 📖 Recipe Card
I remember the first time I whipped up this delightful salad for a summer picnic. The sun was shining, birds were chirping, and my friends were expecting the usual bland offerings. Little did they know they were about to dive into a bowl of happiness! With each bite, laughter erupted around the table as we savored every delicious mouthful. Whether it’s a sunny picnic or a cozy dinner at home, this salad transforms any occasion into a festive feast.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- You can prepare this dish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- The combination of flavors—savory bacon, tender chicken, and fresh veggies—is simply irresistible.
- Its colorful presentation makes it an eye-catching centerpiece for any table.
- It’s versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a side salad at gatherings.
Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts are ideal; adjust based on how hungry your crowd is!
- Bacon: Use thick-cut bacon for that crispy goodness that adds a savory crunch to your salad.
- Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine adds that satisfying crunch while providing a great base for the salad.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These little gems burst with sweetness; choose plump ones to amp up the flavor.
- Cucumber: A refreshing addition that offers a cool crunch to balance out the richness of the bacon and dressing.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for our dressing; opt for full-fat or light based on your preference.
- Mustard: A dash of mustard brings tanginess that elevates the overall flavor profile.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan to medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them on the grill or pan. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing.
Step 2: Fry the Bacon
In another pan over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s crispy—about 5-7 minutes should do! Once cooked, transfer it to paper towels to drain excess grease and then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Prepare Your Veggies
While everything cooks, chop up your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and slice those cherry tomatoes in half. Don’t forget to peel and slice your cucumber into thin rounds!
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and mustard until smooth. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper according to taste. If you like it tangy, add more mustard!
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your chopped lettuce, sliced chicken, crispy bacon bits, halved cherry tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer your colorful creation onto plates or into bowls. For an extra touch of flair, sprinkle some additional bacon or croutons on top before serving!
Now you have yourself a vibrant BLT Chicken Salad ready to dazzle at any meal!
You Must Know
- This delightful BLT Chicken Salad Recipe combines the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with tender chicken to create a mouthwatering dish.
- It’s not just delicious; it’s quick to prepare and perfect for any occasion.
- You can easily customize it based on your preferences, making it an ideal option for meal prep or entertaining.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the bacon until crispy, then set it aside to cool. While the bacon cools, grill or bake the chicken until fully cooked. Next, chop the veggies while the chicken rests before mixing everything together for a perfect salad.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients based on your taste. Try adding avocado for creaminess, or substitute ranch dressing for a twist on the classic flavor. You can also mix in some cheese or spices to elevate your BLT Chicken Salad.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best flavor, eat cold straight from the fridge or let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before enjoying.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Get ready to impress!
- Use fresh ingredients for maximum flavor; wilted greens won’t do your salad justice.
- Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve that crispy perfection without burning it.
- Lastly, allow chicken to rest before slicing—this keeps it juicy and tender.
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of summer picnics with friends where we enjoyed this salad under the sun. Everyone couldn’t get enough of it, and I felt like a culinary rock star that day!
FAQs:
What ingredients do I need for the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
For a delicious BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, gather cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise. You can also add diced avocado for extra flavor and texture. Use salt and pepper to season your salad according to your preference. This combination creates a delightful blend of flavors that you will love!
How long does it take to prepare the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
Preparing the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is quick and easy! It typically takes about 15 minutes to gather your ingredients and chop everything up. If you have pre-cooked chicken, this salad can be assembled even faster. Overall, you can enjoy this tasty meal in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
Can I make the BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time! Simply mix all your ingredients except for the dressing and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve it, add the mayonnaise just before eating to keep everything fresh and crisp. This makes it a perfect option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
What are some variations for the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
There are many fun variations for the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe! You can swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon or use grilled chicken instead of rotisserie chicken. Adding nuts like pecans or walnuts can give your salad a crunchy twist. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise!
Conclusion for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe:
In conclusion, the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy a classic dish with a twist. With fresh ingredients like lettuce, tomatoes, chicken, and crispy bacon combined with creamy dressing, it’s sure to please everyone at your table. Whether you serve it on its own or as part of a sandwich, this recipe is versatile and quick to make. Enjoy this delicious salad as a perfect lunch or dinner option any day of the week!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the delightful combination of flavors in our BLT Chicken Salad! This vibrant dish features juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for summer picnics or cozy dinners, this salad is quick to prepare and makes an eye-catching centerpiece for any gathering. Enjoy the irresistible crunch and savory goodness that will make your taste buds dance!
Ingredients
- 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tsp mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or pan to medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, cook for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest before slicing.
- Fry the Bacon: In a pan over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (5-7 minutes). Drain on paper towels and chop.
- Prepare Veggies: Chop romaine, halve tomatoes, and slice cucumber.
- Make Dressing: Whisk mayonnaise and mustard in a bowl; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix lettuce, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently.
- Serve: Plate the salad and add extra bacon or croutons if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
