BLT Chicken Salad

$- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup crispy lettuce, chopped - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped In this salad, I use cooked chicken as the main protein. You can shred or dice it. Romaine lettuce adds a nice crunch. I love adding cherry tomatoes for a burst of flavor. Crunchy lettuce gives extra texture. Diced cucumber cools the salad, while red onion adds a slight bite. Crispy turkey bacon brings in that classic BLT flavor. - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish For the dressing, I mix mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for creaminess. Lemon juice brightens the flavors. Garlic powder adds depth. I always taste and adjust the salt and pepper, so it’s just right. Finally, I sprinkle fresh chives on top for a pop of color and flavor. You can find the full recipe at the end of the article. To start, gather your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced - 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup crispy lettuce, chopped - 1/2 cup cucumber, diced - 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped Once you have everything in the bowl, toss gently to mix all ingredients. This helps each bite to be full of flavor. Next, let’s make the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together: - 1/2 cup mayonnaise - 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste Mix until smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a rich taste to our salad. Now it's time to bring it all together. Pour the dressing over the salad mixture. Toss until coated. Make sure every piece of chicken and veggie has dressing. This will make the salad taste amazing. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend. If you want, you can garnish with fresh chives before serving. For the full recipe, check the details above. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful BLT Chicken Salad! For your BLT Chicken Salad, you can use shredded or diced chicken. Shredded chicken gives a softer texture. Diced chicken adds more bite. Both work well, so choose what you like best. Cook the chicken by roasting, grilling, or boiling. Roasting or grilling often brings out the best flavors. Use leftover chicken to make your prep easier. Letting the salad sit for at least ten minutes makes a big difference. This time allows the flavors to blend better. Adjusting the seasoning is key too. After mixing, taste the salad. If it needs more salt or pepper, add it slowly. A little goes a long way, so mix well after each addition. Serve your salad in a big bowl for sharing. For a fun twist, use individual bowls. Pair the salad with crusty bread or fresh rolls. You can also serve it with a side of fruit. This balance makes for a great meal. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in your BLT Chicken Salad. Try using different types of cooked chicken like grilled, roasted, or even smoked. Each type brings a new flavor. If you're looking for a meatless option, tofu or beans are great substitutes. Tofu absorbs flavors well, while beans add fiber and protein. To add more crunch, think about using other veggies. Carrots, bell peppers, or radishes can give your salad a nice bite. You can also use nuts or seeds like almonds, walnuts, or sunflower seeds. These options add flavor and texture. They also boost the salad's nutrition. You can switch up the dressing too. A vinaigrette-style dressing made with olive oil and vinegar is light and zesty. If you want a creamy option, try yogurt or avocado-based dressings. These alternatives keep the salad fresh while adding a unique taste. For the full recipe, check out the details above! To store leftovers, place the salad in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge. Use it within three days for the best taste. After that, the ingredients may lose their freshness. You can freeze some components of the salad but not the whole dish. Freeze the cooked chicken and bacon in separate bags. Avoid freezing lettuce and dressing, as they do not thaw well. When ready to eat, thaw chicken and bacon overnight in the fridge. To reheat chicken, use a microwave or stovetop. Warm it gently to keep its juicy texture. Avoid reheating the salad as a whole. Instead, mix in fresh ingredients like lettuce or tomatoes before serving. This keeps everything crisp and tasty. BLT Chicken Salad lasts about three to four days in the fridge. To keep it fresh, store it in an airtight container. The freshness can change based on the chicken's quality and how well you seal the container. If you notice any odd smells or changes in color, it's best to toss it. Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. I recommend preparing the salad base without the dressing. You can mix the chicken, lettuce, and veggies and store them in the fridge. Just add the dressing right before serving to keep everything crisp. This way, you save time and enjoy fresh taste. The best chicken for this salad is cooked and shredded or diced chicken breast. It has a mild flavor that blends well with other ingredients. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease and flavor. Just remember to remove the skin and bones before using it in the salad. Yes, this recipe is very easy to customize. You can swap out the chicken for turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Feel free to add your favorite veggies, like bell peppers or corn. You can also mix in different dressings to match your taste. Enjoy making it your own! This blog post covered key ingredients and steps to make a tasty BLT Chicken Salad. You learned how to mix fresh greens, seasoned chicken, and a creamy dressing. We also discussed tips for enhancing flavor and storage methods to keep your salad fresh. You can easily swap proteins or add crunch to fit your taste. In summary, this salad is adaptable and simple, perfect for any meal. Enjoy creating your own version!$

Discover the ultimate fresh and flavorful delight with this irresistible BLT Chicken Salad! Packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant veggies, it's perfect for any meal. Follow my easy step-by-step guide to whip up this delicious dish that will impress your family and friends. Click through for the full recipe and tips on making the most of this tasty salad, plus creative variations to suit your taste!

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Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup crispy lettuce, chopped

1/2 cup cucumber, diced

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped (or regular bacon if preferred)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

2 tablespoons Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped romaine, crispy lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and chopped turkey bacon. Toss gently to mix.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.

Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss until all ingredients are well coated. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes in the refrigerator for the flavors to meld.

Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped chives on top for an added burst of color and flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4