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To make a tasty BLT chicken salad, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, lightly shredded - 4 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled into small pieces - 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of sweetness - 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces - 1 cup creamy mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a zesty kick - 1 teaspoon garlic powder to enhance flavors - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in flavor and texture. The chicken provides protein. Bacon adds crunch. Cherry tomatoes give sweetness. Romaine lettuce adds freshness. Mayonnaise creates creaminess. Dijon mustard adds zest. Garlic powder boosts flavor. Salt and pepper enhance everything. Chives add a fresh touch as a garnish. You can customize your BLT chicken salad with some optional add-ins. Try adding: - 1 avocado, diced for added creaminess - A sprinkle of cheese for extra richness - Some sliced cucumbers for a refreshing crunch - Chopped green onions for an extra oniony kick These extra ingredients let you play with flavors and textures. Each adds a unique twist to the dish, making it more exciting. Start by gathering all your ingredients for the BLT Chicken Salad. You will need cooked chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Make sure your chicken is shredded and your bacon is crispy. This recipe is simple and quick, making it perfect for a busy day. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes. Use a spatula to mix them well. This blend gives you a great start. Next, add the chopped romaine lettuce. If you want, toss in diced avocado for creaminess. Gently fold the ingredients together. You want them mixed but not mushy! In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until the mix is smooth and creamy. This dressing adds a nice zesty kick to your salad. Once ready, drizzle it over the chicken mix. Stir gently to coat each piece well. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Cover the bowl and let it chill for about 30 minutes. This helps the flavors come together nicely. For the final touch, garnish with fresh chives before you serve. Enjoy your BLT Chicken Salad! For the complete recipe, check out the Full Recipe. For the best chicken in your BLT Chicken Salad, use fresh, high-quality chicken breast. Cooking it on the grill adds a nice smoky taste. You can also poach the chicken for a juicy texture. Simply simmer it in salted water until fully cooked. Let the chicken cool before shredding it lightly. Shredded chicken blends well with other ingredients and soaks up flavors. Crispy bacon makes this salad delicious. Start with thick-cut bacon. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat. Watch it closely and flip it often. The bacon should sizzle loudly as it cooks. Once golden and crispy, place it on paper towels. This helps absorb excess grease. Crumble it into small pieces for easy mixing in the salad. Making this salad in advance is a great idea. Prepare the chicken and bacon a day before serving. Store them in the fridge. You can also mix the dressing ahead of time. Keep it separate until you're ready to serve. This way, all flavors blend nicely. Letting the salad chill for at least 30 minutes helps the tastes meld. For the best results, follow the full recipe. {{image_4}} You can switch up the dressing to keep things fun. Try ranch dressing for a creamy twist. A vinaigrette adds a tangy kick. You can mix olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for a fresh taste. Greek yogurt also works well if you want a lighter option. Each dressing changes the flavor, so choose what you love. Feel free to add more veggies to your salad. Cucumbers add crunch and freshness. Bell peppers bring sweetness and color. You can also toss in some radishes for a spicy bite. Carrots are great for extra crunch. Adding these veggies boosts nutrition and flavor, making your salad even better. If you want to mix up the protein, there are plenty of options. Grilled shrimp offers a tasty seafood twist. Turkey works well if you prefer a leaner meat. You can even use chickpeas for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its own flavor and texture, giving you many choices. To store leftover BLT chicken salad, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it tightly to keep out air. You can also cover the bowl with plastic wrap if needed. This helps keep the salad fresh and tasty. The salad will stay good for about three days in the fridge. After three days, the flavors may change. If you see any signs of spoilage, like bad smells or changes in color, it's best to toss it out. To enjoy the salad at its best, try to eat it within two days. If you want to reheat the salad, think twice! It’s best served cold. Heating can make the bacon soggy and change the crispness of the veggies. If you prefer warm chicken, you can heat just the chicken separately. Add it to the salad right before serving for a nice touch. For a quick and tasty meal, check the Full Recipe for more tips! Yes, you can use leftover chicken. In fact, it's a great way to save time. Shredded rotisserie chicken works well too. Just make sure it's cooked and cooled before you add it to the salad. It will keep the salad fresh and tasty. Using leftovers also cuts down on food waste. I love serving this salad chilled. It makes a great main dish or side. You can use bowls or a large platter. Garnish it with fresh chives for color and flavor. Serve it with crusty bread or on a bed of greens. You can even stuff it into a sandwich or wrap for an easy meal. To make this recipe healthier, you can swap the mayo for Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess with less fat. You can also add more veggies like cucumber or bell peppers for crunch. Opt for turkey bacon instead of pork bacon for fewer calories. If you want to cut carbs, skip the bread and serve it in lettuce wraps. For the full recipe, check the details above. From choosing the right ingredients to storage tips, you have the tools to make a great BLT Chicken Salad. Blend the salad components with fresh dressing for a tasty dish. Remember, you can customize it with extra veggies or proteins for your liking. Follow these tips to ensure the best flavor. Enjoy making this dish again and again, whether for lunch or a family dinner. Keep this recipe handy for a quick and fulfilling meal option.

BLT Chicken Salad

Discover the ultimate BLT Chicken Salad Delight that's both refreshing and satisfying! Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy dressing, this salad is perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's a delicious way to enjoy a meal that's light yet filling. Click through to explore the full recipe and create this mouthwatering dish in just 40 minutes!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups cooked chicken breast, lightly shredded

4 slices of crispy bacon, crumbled into small pieces

2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved for a burst of sweetness

1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped into bite-sized pieces

1 cup creamy mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard for a zesty kick

1 teaspoon garlic powder to enhance flavors

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish)

Optional: 1 avocado, diced for added creaminess

Instructions
 

In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the lightly shredded chicken breast, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes, ensuring the ingredients are evenly distributed.

    In a separate smaller bowl, prepare the dressing by whisking together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper until smooth and creamy.

      Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture, gently folding the ingredients together until everything is thoroughly coated in the creamy goodness.

        Add the chopped romaine lettuce and diced avocado (if using) to the chicken mixture, and carefully toss everything together, taking care not to break the avocado pieces.

          Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired to enhance the flavor.

            Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.

              When ready to serve, spoon the chilled salad into individual bowls or a serving platter, garnishing with finely chopped fresh chives on top for a pop of color and flavor.

                - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4