A bright, sunny day is perfect for whipping up a quick and delicious meal. This BLT Chicken Salad is packed with flavor and protein, making it a tasty option for lunch or a light dinner. Imagine crispy bacon mingling with tender chicken and creamy avocado, all tossed together in a zesty dressing. It’s not just about filling your belly; this salad brings a delightful crunch and a perfect balance of flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
BLT Chicken Salad
A flavorful and protein-packed BLT Chicken Salad with crispy bacon, tender chicken, creamy avocado, and a zesty dressing, perfect for lunch or light dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, chopped (center cut)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add the ranch seasoning and cracked pepper, stirring to mix well.
- Toss in the shredded chicken, bacon, and diced green onions, making sure everything is well-coated.
- Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes.
- Mix in the creamy avocado before serving.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least one hour to enhance flavors.
Notes
To keep the avocado fresh, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Why This BLT Chicken Salad Never Fails
Making a memorable BLT Chicken Salad is easier than you think. With the right mix of ingredients and simple steps, you can serve up a bowl that impresses without stressing you out. Follow along, and I promise you’ll nail this every single time.
Your Ingredient Lineup
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, chopped (center cut)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 avocado, diced
Getting these ingredients together sets the stage for a delightful meal. The rotisserie chicken not only saves you time but also adds a depth of flavor that home-cooked chicken might miss on a busy day.
Cooking Method Made Simple
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth. This creamy base is key for that delicious flavor.
- Add the ranch seasoning and cracked pepper, stirring to mix well — no clumps allowed!
- Toss in the shredded chicken, bacon, and diced green onions. Make sure everything is well-coated; this is where the magic happens.
- Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes. They’ll add a fresh burst of flavor and juicy texture. Check your seasonings here; you might need a pinch of salt or an extra dash of pepper.
- Finally, before serving, mix in the creamy avocado. This step adds richness and plays nicely with the other textures.
- Cover and chill the salad in the fridge for at least one hour to enhance flavors. Trust me; letting it sit helps everything meld together beautifully.
Once you’ve got your salad ready, you’ll appreciate how quickly and easily it comes together. You can spend that extra time enjoying life instead of stressing in the kitchen.
Nutrition Breakdown
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 20g
- Carbs: 14g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
This salad is balanced and filling without feeling heavy. The protein from the chicken and the healthy fats from the avocado make it a well-rounded meal, whether you’re watching your weight or just want to eat well.
How to Serve It Best
This BLT Chicken Salad shines at any table. Serve it on a bed of greens for a light lunch or scoop it onto whole-grain bread for a satisfying sandwich. It also makes a stellar side dish for barbecues or potlucks. If you’re feeling fancy, try serving it in lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb option.
Pair it with a chilled glass of lemonade or iced tea, and you’ve got the perfect meal for a hot summer day. It’s versatile enough to take center stage or play a supporting role at your dinner table.
Keep It Fresh
To store, transfer any leftover salad into an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep well for 3 to 4 days — if it lasts that long! I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the texture of the vegetables can become mushy when thawed.
If you find yourself with extra salad, consider making a wrap with tortillas, or serve it as a topping on baked potatoes for a quick meal twist.
Kitchen Shortcuts That Matter
- Cook That Bacon Right: Use kitchen shears to cut the bacon into pieces before cooking. It saves time and reduces splatter.
- Rotisserie Chicken Magic: Grab that pre-cooked chicken at the store. It slashes the prep time while still delivering a homemade taste.
- Avocado Check: To keep your avocado fresh, add a squeeze of lime or lemon juice. It slows down oxidation and keeps that beautiful green color.
- Mixing Tip: Use a rubber spatula to incorporate your ingredients gently. It prevents squishing the tomatoes and avocado while still getting everything nicely melded.
- Chill Factor: Don’t skip chilling! If you can let it sit for a few hours or even overnight, the flavors will deepen and become incredibly delicious.
Flavor Experiments
- Southwestern Twist: Add diced jalapeños and replace ranch with taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Toss in some fresh basil or cilantro for an aromatic upgrade that brightens the entire dish.
- Fruit Forward: Diced apples or peaches give a sweet contrast to the savory elements, making every bite delightful and unexpected.
Curious Cooks Ask
Can I use chicken breast instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook and shred it thoroughly before mixing. You might want to add a little extra seasoning to achieve that same flavor depth.
How can I make this salad lighter?
Swap out the mayonnaise for more Greek yogurt or use a light mayo. You can even reduce the amount of bacon, substituting turkey bacon for less fat.
What’s the key to crunchy bacon?
Bake your bacon in the oven at 400°F on a parchment-lined sheet pan. This method keeps it crispy all over without constant flipping.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
For sure! Just add the avocado right before serving to keep it fresh and bright. The flavors develop beautifully after a day in the fridge, so it’s perfect for meal prep.
With this guide, you’re all set to create a BLT Chicken Salad that not only tastes fantastic but also brings a touch of culinary flair to your kitchen without the hassle. Enjoy the process, and remember, confidence is key in cooking!