BLT Chicken Salad

Description of this recipe

This BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful and simple twist on the traditional chicken salad, incorporating the iconic flavors of a BLT sandwich – bacon, lettuce (though technically, the tomatoes and celery take its place here!), and tomato – into a creamy, satisfying dish. It’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or even a potluck contribution. This version skips the bread, making it a fantastic low-carb option, or enjoy it in a sandwich or wrap.

Why you will love this recipe

You’ll absolutely adore this BLT Chicken Salad because it’s incredibly versatile, requires minimal cooking, and is bursting with flavor. The combination of savory bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp celery, and tangy dressing creates a symphony of tastes and textures that is both comforting and refreshing. It’s also a customizable dish, easily adapted to suit your preferences and dietary needs. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken! Its fast prep time and deliciousness make it a perfect go-to recipe when you’re short on time but craving a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Introduction

Chicken salad is a timeless classic, but sometimes, you crave a little something extra. Enter the BLT Chicken Salad – a vibrant and exciting update to the familiar recipe. Imagine tender, shredded chicken mingling with crispy, smoky bacon, sweet and tangy cherry tomatoes, and the subtle bite of red onion and celery. All of this is bound together by a creamy, flavorful dressing that perfectly complements the ingredients. This recipe captures the essence of a BLT sandwich without the bread, making it a lighter, healthier option without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch, a crowd-pleasing appetizer, or a unique twist on a classic, this BLT Chicken Salad is sure to become a new favorite. So grab your ingredients, and let’s get started on this delightful culinary adventure!

Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook your own. Shredding is fine, but a larger chop will give it a heartier texture. Ensure the chicken is cooled before adding it to the salad.
• 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp: Crispy bacon is key to achieving that signature BLT flavor. Cook the bacon until it’s perfectly crisp, then drain off any excess grease before dicing. Consider using thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and texture.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half: Cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and acidity to the salad. Look for firm, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor. Grape tomatoes can be substituted as well.
• 1/2 small red onion, diced small: Red onion provides a subtle sharpness that complements the other ingredients. Be sure to dice it finely to avoid overpowering the salad. If you prefer a milder flavor, soak the diced red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it.
• 2 stalks celery, diced: Celery adds a refreshing crunch and a subtle savory note. Dice the celery into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the salad.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Mayonnaise forms the base of the dressing, providing creaminess and richness. Light mayonnaise works well to reduce calories without sacrificing flavor. Feel free to experiment with different types of mayonnaise, such as avocado oil mayonnaise, for a unique twist.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the dressing, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and enhancing the other flavors. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferable for the best flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste as needed.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder adds a subtle savory note to the dressing. Adjust the amount to your preference. Freshly minced garlic can be used for a stronger garlic flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder complements the garlic powder and enhances the overall flavor of the dressing.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle spice and enhances the other flavors. Freshly ground black pepper is recommended for the best flavor.

Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the ingredients. Cook the bacon until crispy, drain the grease, and dice it into small pieces. Chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and dice the celery. Ensure all ingredients are adequately prepped before combining them to make the process smoother.

Step 2: Combine the main ingredients in a large bowl. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and diced celery. Mix gently to ensure even distribution of the ingredients.

Step 3: Prepare the dressing in a small bowl. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and well combined. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Step 4: Combine the dressing and the main ingredients. Pour the dressing over the chicken, bacon, and vegetable mixture in the large bowl. Gently stir until all the ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the salad mushy.

Step 5: Serve or store. Serve the BLT Chicken Salad immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. If the salad sits for a while, the flavors will meld together even more. Keep in mind that any salad left out for over two hours should be discarded for safety reasons.

COOKING Rating:

• Ease of Preparation: Easy
• Flavor Profile: Savory, tangy, and refreshing
• Versatility: High
• Overall Rating: 5/5 Stars

Serving Suggestions:

• On its own: Enjoy it as a low-carb lunch or snack.
• In a sandwich or wrap: Use it as a filling for a classic BLT-inspired sandwich.
• On lettuce cups: For a lighter option, serve it in lettuce cups.
• With crackers or toasted bread: Serve it as an appetizer or snack with crackers or toasted baguette slices.
• As a topping for salads: Add it to a bed of mixed greens for a complete salad.
• Stuffed into avocado halves: Create a unique and delicious appetizer by stuffing the salad into avocado halves.

Tips:

• Use high-quality bacon: The quality of the bacon will significantly impact the overall flavor of the salad. Choose a good quality bacon with a rich, smoky flavor.
• Don’t overcook the bacon: Overcooked bacon can be dry and brittle. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy but still slightly chewy.
• Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Taste the dressing and adjust the salt, pepper, and other seasonings to your preference.
• Add a touch of sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter salad, add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup to the dressing.
• Make it ahead of time: The flavors of the salad will meld together even more if you make it a few hours in advance.
• Add avocado: Diced avocado adds creaminess and richness to the salad. Add it just before serving to prevent it from browning.
• Add a little heat: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can add a nice kick to the salad.

Prep Time:

10 minutes

Cook Time:

10 minutes (for bacon, if needed)

Total Time:

20 minutes

Nutritional Information (estimated per serving):

(Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes)

• Calories: 300-350
• Protein: 25-30g
• Sodium: 400-500mg

Conclusion

This BLT Chicken Salad recipe is a winner. It is easy to customize to your taste, a fast way to make a quick, delicious, and healthy meal, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. By following this recipe, you’ll have a refreshing and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Questions and Answers about this Recipe:

Question 1: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Answer: Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe, saving you time and effort. Simply shred or chop the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it to the salad. Using rotisserie chicken also adds a delicious depth of flavor due to the seasonings already present on the chicken. Make sure the chicken has cooled down before adding it to your salad to prevent the mayonnaise from melting.

Question 2: I don’t like red onion. Can I substitute it with something else?

Answer: Of course! If you’re not a fan of red onion, you can easily substitute it with other options. Scallions (green onions) offer a milder onion flavor, or you can use a small amount of finely diced yellow onion, soaked in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow its sharpness. Another alternative is chives, which provide a subtle onion-like flavor without the strong bite. Experiment with different options to find what best suits your taste preferences!

Question 3: Can I make this salad ahead of time? How long will it last?

Answer: Yes, you can definitely make this salad ahead of time! In fact, making it a few hours in advance allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. The BLT Chicken Salad will last for 3 to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. However, keep in mind that the texture may change slightly as it sits, with the tomatoes potentially releasing some moisture.

Question 4: I’m on a low-carb diet. What can I serve this salad with instead of bread?

Answer: There are plenty of delicious low-carb options for serving this BLT Chicken Salad! Consider serving it in lettuce cups for a refreshing and crunchy alternative to bread. You can also pair it with cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, or celery sticks for dipping. Another option is to serve it over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a complete salad.

Question 5: I don’t have lemon juice. Can I use anything else in its place?

Answer: If you don’t have lemon juice on hand, you can substitute it with other acidic ingredients that will add brightness to the dressing. White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar are both excellent alternatives. Lime juice also works well and provides a slightly different flavor profile. Use the same amount as the lemon juice called for in the recipe (1 tablespoon) and adjust to taste.