BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious twist on the classic chicken salad. This recipe combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies for a delightful meal perfect for lunch or dinner. Whether you’re packing a quick lunch for work or hosting a casual gathering, this salad stands out with its rich flavors and satisfying crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes only 10 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy days.
• Low Carb Delight: With just 3 grams of carbs per serving, it’s an ideal choice for low-carb diets.
• Versatile Meal Option: Enjoy it as a main course, in a sandwich, or on a bed of greens for a refreshing salad.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of bacon, chicken, and seasonings offers fantastic taste that everyone will love.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead of time and store in the fridge for up to 5 days for easy lunches all week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your BLT Chicken Salad successfully, having the right tools on hand is essential. Here are some kitchen tools that will help you whip up this dish efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large mixing bowl
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large mixing bowl: This allows you to combine all the ingredients comfortably without spills.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking together the dressing ingredients separately before combining them with the salad.
• Whisk: Ensures even mixing of the dressing to achieve the right consistency and flavor blend.

Ingredients

For this tasty BLT Chicken Salad, gather the following ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken
• 1 pound bacon (diced and cooked until crisp)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
• 1/2 small red onion (diced small)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used light)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Combine Main Ingredients

In a large bowl combine the cooked chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery.

Step 2: Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 3: Mix Everything Together

Stir the dressing into the main ingredients until well combined.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Serve right away or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. If left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, discard any leftovers.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you prefer it on a bed of greens or as a filling in your favorite bread, there’s a serving option for everyone.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Greens: Serve the salad over a mix of fresh leafy greens for a light and healthy meal.
• Spinach: Baby spinach adds an extra nutritional boost and pairs well with the salad’s flavors.

As a Sandwich

• Toasted Bread: Spread the salad between slices of toasted bread for a crunchy sandwich.
• Wraps: Use lettuce wraps or tortillas for a low-carb option that makes for easy eating.

With Crackers

• Whole Grain Crackers: Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
• Pita Chips: The crunchiness of pita chips complements the creamy texture of the salad perfectly.

In Lettuce Cups

• Iceberg Lettuce: Scoop the salad into crisp iceberg lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite-sized treat.
• Romaine Leaves: Romaine provides sturdiness and adds an extra crunch to each serving.

How to Perfect BLT Chicken Salad

To make your BLT Chicken Salad even better, consider these helpful tips. These suggestions will enhance flavors and textures, ensuring every bite is delightful.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and quality chicken will elevate your salad’s taste.
• Customize Your Dressing: Adjust the mayonnaise and seasoning to match your personal preferences; adding Greek yogurt can lighten it up.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding avocado, cheese, or nuts for additional flavors and textures.
• Storage Matters: Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to five days.
• Serve Cold: This salad is best enjoyed cold; refrigerate before serving if possible.

Best Side Dishes for BLT Chicken Salad

Complement your BLT Chicken Salad with these delicious side dishes that enhance your meal. Each option offers unique flavors that pair well with the main dish.

1. Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast to the savory salad and are easy to bake at home.
2. Coleslaw: A classic side that adds crunch and tanginess; make it creamy or vinegar-based based on your preference.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of fruits balances out the savory notes of the chicken salad beautifully.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add smokiness and are quick to prepare on the grill or stovetop.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings summer vibes; grill or boil and serve with butter for added flavor.
6. Potato Chips: A simple, crunchy side that satisfies cravings; try different flavors like barbecue or sour cream & onion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making BLT Chicken Salad, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the overall flavor and texture. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Using dry chicken: If your chicken is overcooked, it can become dry. To avoid this, use rotisserie chicken or ensure your chicken is cooked just right.
• Skipping seasonings: Neglecting spices can lead to blandness. Always taste and adjust seasonings like salt and pepper according to your preference.
• Not chilling before serving: Serving immediately can miss out on the flavors blending together. For best results, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.
• Overloading with dressing: Adding too much dressing can make the salad soggy. Start with less and add more as needed for a balanced taste.
• Not using fresh ingredients: Old vegetables can ruin the dish’s freshness. Always opt for fresh produce for the best flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3 to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing BLT Chicken Salad

• Freezing is not recommended because it can alter the texture of ingredients like mayonnaise and celery.

Reheating BLT Chicken Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish covered with foil to retain moisture.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (about 30 seconds), stirring between each until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Use low heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until heated evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making BLT Chicken Salad.

Can I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?

Yes! Feel free to add ingredients like avocado, cheese, or different herbs to suit your taste.

How do I serve BLT Chicken Salad?

You can serve it on its own, with lettuce wraps, or as a filling for sandwiches or wraps.

What are some good sides for BLT Chicken Salad?

Consider pairing it with fresh fruit, chips, or a light soup to round out your meal.

Is BLT Chicken Salad healthy?

Absolutely! This salad offers high protein while being low in carbs, making it a great option for a healthy lunch.

Final Thoughts

BLT Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients while enjoying its classic flavors. Give this recipe a try today!

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BLT Chicken Salad

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• Author: Olivia
• Total Time: 47 minute
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

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Description

BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying meal. Perfectly balanced in flavor and texture, this salad is quick to prepare, making it an excellent choice for busy lunches or casual gatherings. With just 10 minutes of prep time and only 3 grams of carbs per serving, it’s a delicious low-carb option that everyone will enjoy. Serve it on a bed of greens, as a sandwich filling, or even in lettuce wraps for a versatile dining experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked chicken
• 1 pound diced bacon (cooked until crisp)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 small red onion (diced)
• 2 stalks celery (diced)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Combine the cooked chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery in a large mixing bowl.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
3. Stir the dressing into the main ingredients until well combined.
4. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: N/A
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 930mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor. Chill the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the taste. Feel free to add extras like avocado or cheese for additional flavor.