BLT Chicken Salad – Easy Tasty Recipe

Looking for a fresh, flavorful twist on your classic chicken salad? This BLT Chicken Salad combines the classic chicken salad with the crispy goodness of bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. It’s the perfect dish for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a healthy and satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re looking to enjoy it on a hot summer day or need a low-carb option, this BLT Chicken Salad is an easy, tasty solution.

Why You’ll Love BLT Chicken Salad

This BLT Chicken Salad is not just a twist on the classic—it’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures. With juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and lettuce, each bite is packed with savory goodness. It’s a quick and easy meal that’s both healthy and filling. The combination of ingredients ensures that it’s a family-friendly recipe, and with a low-carb profile, it’s perfect for anyone watching their carb intake.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your BLT Chicken Salad:

• Cooked Chicken: Provides lean protein and a base for the salad.
• Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky flavor that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy, they bring a burst of freshness to the dish.
• Lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the bacon and chicken.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the dressing, bringing everything together.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy kick to the mayo, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle, savory depth.
• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning, bringing all the flavors together.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing an ingredient or prefer to make substitutions, here are some suggestions:

• Greek Yogurt: Swap out mayonnaise for Greek yogurt to make the salad lighter and creamier.
• Turkey Bacon: For a leaner option, use turkey bacon in place of regular bacon.
• Avocado: For an extra creamy texture and healthy fats, add diced avocado to the salad.
• Lettuce Varieties: While Romaine works best for crunch, you can use spinach, kale, or mixed greens if you prefer a different texture or flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken: If you’re using leftover chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking fresh chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook it until fully cooked. Let it cool before adding it to the salad.
2. Cook the Bacon: Fry the bacon in a pan until crispy. Once cooked, remove it from the pan, place it on a paper towel to drain excess fat, and chop it into small pieces.
3. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, and chopped tomatoes. Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl.
4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Toss Everything Together: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is well-coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve your BLT Chicken Salad immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for later. It’s great served on its own or as a filling for a lettuce wrap.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the Dressing: If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a little extra Dijon mustard or even some lemon juice to the dressing.
• Perfect Bacon: To make sure the bacon stays crispy, cook it just before you assemble the salad. This helps retain its crunch.
• Storage: If you have leftovers, store the salad without the dressing in an airtight container in the fridge. Add the dressing just before serving to keep the salad fresh.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This BLT Chicken Salad pairs well with many side dishes or toppings. Here are a few ideas:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables, a light soup, or some crispy sweet potato fries for a complete meal.
• Make it Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing to give the salad a little kick.
• Gluten-Free: The salad is naturally gluten-free, but make sure the mayonnaise you use is also gluten-free.
• Make-Ahead: Prepare the salad a day in advance for a meal prep option. Keep the dressing separate and combine just before serving to maintain freshness.

Health Benefits of BLT Chicken Salad

Not only is BLT Chicken Salad delicious, but it’s also a great way to boost your protein intake while keeping carbs low. The combination of lean chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables makes this dish nutrient-packed and satisfying. It’s a great option for anyone following a low-carb or keto diet, and it can be easily modified to suit different dietary preferences.

Conclusion

BLT Chicken Salad is the ultimate meal when you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and quick to prepare. With its perfect combination of chicken, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, this dish offers both comfort and nutrition. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch or making it for a family dinner, this salad is versatile, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. Plus, it’s easy to customize to fit your dietary preferences, making it a go-to recipe for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, low-carb meal. Try it today and discover just how simple and delicious a BLT-inspired dish can be!

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