When the sun shines and you hear the sizzle of bacon on the grill, it can only mean one thing: a BLT Chicken Salad is about to make its grand entrance. Imagine juicy chicken mingling with crispy bacon, fresh greens, and a creamy dressing that dances on your taste buds. Philly Cheesesteak Bowls for hearty meals This vibrant dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that stirs up memories of summer picnics, backyard barbecues, and laughter shared around the dining table. For more inspiration, check out this creamy chicken Marsala pasta recipe.
Now, let me take you back to last summer when I decided to impress my friends with a fancy outdoor feast. Little did I know, my culinary creation would turn into a hilarious cooking saga. From chasing my runaway lettuce leaves to accidentally dropping the entire bowl of dressing—yes, it was as messy as it sounds! But the shining star of that day was undoubtedly the BLT Chicken Salad, stealing hearts and filling bellies. Kale Salad with a seasonal twist Perfect for any occasion, from casual lunches to festive gatherings, this salad promises an explosion of flavors that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This BLT Chicken Salad is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- The combination of flavors creates a delightful taste explosion in every bite
- With its vibrant colors and fresh ingredients, it’s visually appealing and sure to impress at gatherings
- Enjoy it as a standalone dish or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal
I remember serving this dish at a family barbecue, and seeing everyone reach for seconds made my heart smile.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work best; adjust according to your crowd size.
- Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness; the more bacon, the better!
- Romaine Lettuce: Fresh romaine adds crunch; look for vibrant green leaves without any wilting.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet gems burst with flavor; opt for ripe ones in assorted colors for visual appeal. Spicy Sweet Potato Fries for a tasty side.
- Avocado: Ripe avocados give creaminess; gently squeeze to check ripeness before buying.
- Red Onion: Thinly sliced red onion adds sharpness; soak in water briefly if you prefer milder flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat or Greek yogurt for creaminess; adjust based on dietary needs.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens flavors; skip bottled varieties for optimal taste.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; use freshly cracked black pepper for added depth.
- Optional Toppings (like croutons or nuts): Get creative and add your personal touch with these extras!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Chicken: Start by preheating your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them on the grill. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-7 minutes per side should do the trick!
Crisp the Bacon: While chicken cooks, fry bacon in a separate pan over medium heat until crispy—approximately 5-6 minutes per side works best. Drain on paper towels afterward to remove excess grease.
Prepare Your Veggies: Meanwhile, chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and slice cherry tomatoes in half. Dice avocado into cubes while keeping an eye on those sneaky kids who might swipe them!
Mix the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste—it’s like magic when all those flavors blend together!
Toss Everything Together: Once chicken cools slightly after grilling, slice it into strips. In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion. Healthy Chicken Pasta for a light dinner Add sliced chicken along with crispy bacon pieces.
Add Dressing & Serve: Drizzle your homemade dressing over everything generously—don’t be shy! Toss gently until everything is coated beautifully. Serve immediately—you won’t want this masterpiece sitting around too long!
This delicious BLT Chicken Salad is not just food but rather an experience filled with laughter and joy at every bite! For more inspiration, check out this cheesy beef wraps recipe.
You Must Know
- The BLT Chicken Salad is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- Combining crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies results in a delightful crunch that makes every bite memorable
- Plus, you can whip it up in less than 30 minutes!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the chicken until golden brown. Then crisp the bacon while preparing your salad ingredients for seamless assembly.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the chicken for grilled shrimp or add avocado for creaminess. Customize seasonings to match your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy cold or reheat gently on low heat.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always allow the chicken to rest after cooking for juicier meat
- Use thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness
- Fresh lettuce should be washed and dried thoroughly for the best crunch!
Making this salad brings back memories of summer picnics where friends would gather, and laughter filled the air over plates of delicious food.
FAQ
What can I substitute for chicken in a BLT Chicken Salad?
You can use turkey, tofu, or even chickpeas as a protein alternative.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, prepare everything but the dressing and lettuce to keep it fresh longer.
How do I prevent the salad from getting soggy?
Keep components separate until serving and add dressing just before eating.
BLT Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables, topped with a creamy dressing. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, this salad bursts with flavor and color, making every bite memorable. Enjoy it as a satisfying standalone dish or pair it with your favorite sides for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ medium red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
- In a separate pan, fry bacon over medium heat until crispy (about 5-6 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
- Chop romaine lettuce and halve cherry tomatoes. Dice avocado, keeping an eye out for little hands that might want to snag some!
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
- Once chicken has cooled slightly, slice it into strips. In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, red onion, sliced chicken, and crispy bacon.
- Drizzle dressing over the salad; toss gently to coat. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling/Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
