BLT Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a fresh and delicious meal prep idea, this BLT Chicken Salad is your answer. Perfect for lunch or as a quick snack, this salad brings together tender shredded chicken, crispy Turkey Bacon, and creamy avocado. Tossed in a tangy dressing, it’s a versatile dish that suits various occasions—from casual picnics to elegant gatherings. Enjoy the blend of flavors and textures that make this salad a standout choice.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delightful salad in no time.
• High in Protein: The combination of chicken and Turkey Bacon provides a nutritious meal option that’s filling and satisfying.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the salad by adding your favorite veggies or substituting ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store it in an airtight container for quick lunches throughout the week.
• Flavorful Dressing: The creamy dressing enhances the taste, making every bite delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To create your BLT Chicken Salad, you’ll need some essential tools to help streamline the process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Airtight container

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: A whisk helps to blend the dressing smoothly for an even flavor throughout the salad.
• Cutting board: Using a cutting board provides a stable surface for chopping vegetables safely.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Salad

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 8 strips Turkey Bacon (chopped (center cut))
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or you can skip and use all mayonnaise)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
• 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
• 2/3 pint grape tomatoes (halved or quartered)
• 1 avocado (diced)

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Start by making the dressing in a large mixing bowl.
1. Add in the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
2. Whisk them together until smooth.
3. Stir in the ranch seasoning and freshly cracked pepper.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Add the following ingredients into the bowl:
1. Shredded rotisserie chicken,
2. Chopped Turkey Bacon,
3. Diced green onions.

Mix well until everything is combined.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes

Gently fold in:
1. The halved grape tomatoes.

Make sure they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 4: Incorporate Avocado

Once everything is mixed together, taste your salad and adjust seasonings if needed.
– Add in the diced avocado just before serving to maintain its texture.
– Toss gently to incorporate or leave them on top for presentation.

Step 5: Chill Before Serving

Place your BLT Chicken Salad into an airtight container.
– Store it in the fridge for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld together.

Now you have a delicious BLT Chicken Salad that’s perfect for any meal!

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, at a picnic, or as a hearty snack, the presentation can elevate your meal.

On a Bed of Greens

• Serve the salad over mixed greens for a fresh and crunchy base.
• Add extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for added nutrition.

In a Sandwich

• Use whole-grain bread or wraps to make a satisfying sandwich.
• Add some lettuce or spinach for an extra crunch.

With Crackers

• Pair the salad with whole-grain crackers for a simple and delightful snack.
• This option is perfect for meal prep or on-the-go lunches.

Stuffed Avocados

• Hollow out avocado halves and fill them with the BLT Chicken Salad.
• This adds healthy fats and makes for an impressive presentation.

How to Perfect BLT Chicken Salad

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your BLT Chicken Salad, consider these tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and ripe avocados enhance the overall taste of the salad.
• Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad sit in the fridge for at least an hour allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste before serving and tweak seasonings according to your preference; add more pepper or ranch seasoning if desired.
• Add Crunch: Incorporate chopped celery or bell peppers for added texture and crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for BLT Chicken Salad

Pairing side dishes with your BLT Chicken Salad can create a complete meal. Here are some great options:

1. Sweet Potato Fries: These provide a sweet contrast to the savory salad; bake them until they’re crispy.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw complements the creamy chicken salad perfectly; consider using a vinegar-based dressing for freshness.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances out the meal’s richness.
4. Vegetable Chips: Try baked vegetable chips for a crunchy side that’s healthier than regular chips.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad made with lemon dressing can elevate your lunch experience.
6. Cucumber Slices with Hummus: This refreshing snack is easy to prepare and pairs well with the richness of the chicken salad.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls can make your BLT Chicken Salad even better. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the seasoning: Not adding enough seasoning can lead to a bland salad. Make sure to taste and adjust seasonings during preparation for the best flavor.

• Overcooking the Turkey Bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon too long can make it tough and chewy. Cook it just until crispy for the perfect texture.

• Not using ripe avocados: Unripe avocados can ruin the creaminess of your salad. Choose avocados that yield slightly when pressed for optimal flavor and texture.

• Forgetting to chill: Serving immediately may not allow the flavors to meld properly. Refrigerate your salad for at least an hour before serving for a more delicious dish.

• Using low-quality chicken: Low-quality chicken can affect the overall taste of the salad. Opt for high-quality rotisserie chicken for better flavor and tenderness.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Best consumed within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing BLT Chicken Salad

• It is not recommended to freeze this salad, as avocados do not freeze well and may change texture.

Reheating BLT Chicken Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds), stirring in between until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Warm gently over medium heat in a skillet, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this BLT Chicken Salad healthy?

This BLT Chicken Salad is packed with protein from shredded chicken and turkey bacon while using Greek yogurt as a creamy base, reducing overall fat content without sacrificing flavor.

Can I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or cucumbers, or substitute different proteins such as turkey or beef for variety and personal taste preferences.

How can I make my BLT Chicken Salad more filling?

To make your salad more filling, consider adding ingredients like quinoa, chickpeas, or nuts which will boost fiber and protein content.

How long does BLT Chicken Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, this BLT Chicken Salad lasts about 3-4 days in the refrigerator while maintaining freshness.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that makes it perfect for meal prep or any lunch occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it based on your preferences. Give it a try, and enjoy a nutritious yet satisfying meal!