Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my all-time favorite salad—BLT Chicken Salad! It’s such a delightful mix of refreshing and hearty flavors that just dance on your palate. Imagine tender, juicy chicken combined with crispy bacon, crunchy romaine lettuce, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with creamy ranch dressing. It’s like a classic BLT sandwich, but in salad form and way healthier! I whip this up whenever I need a quick lunch or a light dinner, and it never fails to impress. Trust me, you’ll want to make this again and again!
Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad
Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious BLT Chicken Salad. Make sure everything is fresh to get that vibrant flavor!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: I love using rotisserie chicken for that juicy, tender bite. It makes things super easy!
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: The crispy bacon adds that satisfying crunch we all crave. You can even use turkey bacon if you want a lighter option!
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped: This gives the salad a nice crunch and freshness. Don’t skimp on the chopping; you want bite-sized pieces!
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Sweet and juicy, these little gems add a pop of color and flavor. I prefer the ones that are perfectly ripe!
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing: Creamy and rich, ranch is my go-to for this salad. You can use homemade or store-bought, whatever you like best!
- Salt and pepper to taste: A little seasoning goes a long way! Just sprinkle some in to enhance all those fabulous flavors.
How to Prepare BLT Chicken Salad
Making this BLT Chicken Salad is a breeze! It’s all about combining those fresh ingredients to create a light and satisfying dish. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious salad ready in no time.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, grab a large mixing bowl and throw in your shredded chicken. If you’re using rotisserie chicken, just pull it apart with your fingers—so easy!
- Next, add the crumbled bacon. Trust me, the more bacon, the better! Mix it all together gently to keep that lovely crunch.
- Now, toss in the chopped romaine lettuce and the halved cherry tomatoes. I like to fold these in rather than stir too vigorously, so everything stays crisp.
- Time for the star of the show—drizzle in the ranch dressing. Don’t be shy! Mix it until all the ingredients are nicely coated. You want every bite to be packed with flavor.
- Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Give it one last gentle toss, and voila! Your salad is ready to serve. You can dig in right away or let it chill in the fridge for a bit to meld those flavors even more.
Nutritional Information for BLT Chicken Salad
Now, let’s talk numbers! This BLT Chicken Salad is not just delicious; it’s also a smart choice for a meal. Each serving, which is about 1 cup, typically contains around 300 calories. You’ll also get 20 grams of fat, with 5 grams being saturated fat. The salad packs a punch with 25 grams of protein, making it a satisfying option. It has about 10 grams of carbohydrates and 2 grams of fiber, along with 2 grams of sugar. Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary a bit based on the specific ingredients you use. So, enjoy every bite guilt-free! Learn more about healthy salad options.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: You can whip this salad up in just 25 minutes—perfect for busy days when you need a tasty meal fast!
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and the satisfying crunch of bacon, this salad is a guilt-free indulgence.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch dressing creates a flavor explosion that’s sure to please everyone at the table.
- Versatile: You can enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens. It’s like a meal that keeps on giving!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a picnic with friends, this salad is always a hit. Everyone loves a good BLT twist!
Tips for Success
To make sure your BLT Chicken Salad turns out perfectly every time, here are a few handy tips! First, always use fresh ingredients—crisp romaine and ripe tomatoes make all the difference in flavor and texture. When mixing, be gentle with those greens; you want to keep them crunchy and vibrant, so fold rather than stir vigorously. If you’re making this salad ahead of time, wait to add the bacon until just before serving to keep it extra crispy. And don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning; a little extra salt or pepper can really elevate the flavors!
Variations of BLT Chicken Salad
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are plenty of ways to jazz up your BLT Chicken Salad! For a creamy twist, try adding some diced avocado—it pairs perfectly with the ranch dressing. You can also switch up the dressing; blue cheese or a tangy vinaigrette can give it a whole new flavor profile. Don’t forget about adding other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. And if you want a touch of sweetness, toss in some diced apples or dried cranberries. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving your BLT Chicken Salad, the options are endless! You can keep it simple and serve it in a bowl on its own, letting those vibrant colors shine. For a fun twist, try it in a wrap—just scoop the salad onto a tortilla, roll it up tight, and you’ve got a delicious handheld meal. It’s perfect for lunches on the go!
If you’re looking to impress at a gathering, serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens for a beautiful presentation. The fresh greens add extra crunch and a pop of color, making it a standout dish. You can also accompany it with some crusty bread or crackers on the side for that satisfying crunch. No matter how you serve it, this salad is sure to be a hit!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your BLT Chicken Salad is super easy! Just place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. I recommend giving it a gentle stir before serving again to mix everything up and refresh those flavors. If you want to make it ahead of time, consider keeping the bacon separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain its crunch. As for reheating, this salad is best enjoyed cold, so no need to heat it up! Just grab a fork and dig in straight from the fridge!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad: 5 Flavorful Steps to Heaven
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A refreshing and hearty salad featuring chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add ranch dressing and mix until evenly coated.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes
- Feel free to add avocado or cheese for extra flavor.
- Can be served on a bed of greens or in a wrap.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: BLT Chicken Salad, chicken salad, healthy salad