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To make a great BLT Chicken Salad, gather these fresh ingredients: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, crumbled - 1 large ripe tomato, diced - 1 creamy avocado, diced - 1 cup crunchy romaine lettuce, chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh chives, finely chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient brings its own special taste. The cooked chicken offers protein and heartiness. Turkey bacon gives a crispy, smoky note. Tomatoes add a juicy burst, while avocado lends creaminess. Romaine lettuce provides crunch, and red onion gives a slight bite. The ranch dressing, mixed with lemon juice, ties all the flavors together. Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. A ripe avocado and a firm tomato make a big difference. If you want to make it lighter, you can swap the ranch dressing for a yogurt-based option. This salad is not only tasty but also colorful and fun to eat! {{ingredient_image_2}} - In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, diced tomato, creamy diced avocado, crunchy chopped romaine lettuce, and finely diced red onion. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly. This step is key. You want to make sure every bite is full of flavor. - In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This adds a zesty brightness to the dressing. Bright flavors make the salad exciting. The lemon juice wakes up the ranch. - Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the chicken and vegetable combination in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until each ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. Coating everything well ensures that you get that rich flavor in every bite. - Season the salad with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed to enhance the flavors. This is where you can make it your own. Adjust the salt and pepper to match your taste. - Serve the salad immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives for a burst of color and flavor. For a chilled option, cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Serving it fresh keeps the salad crisp. If you chill it, the taste will deepen and blend nicely. - Choosing the right chicken: Use cooked chicken that is juicy and tender. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Shred it into bite-sized pieces for easy eating. - Cooking bacon to crispy perfection: Cook turkey bacon until it is crispy and golden. You can bake it in the oven or pan-fry it. This adds a nice crunch to your salad. - Mixing fresh ingredients: Always use fresh produce. Ripe tomatoes and creamy avocados make a big difference. Chop them just before mixing to keep them fresh and vibrant. - Alternative dressings to try: While ranch is tasty, you can explore other dressings. Try a tangy vinaigrette or a creamy avocado dressing for a twist. - Homemade dressing options: Making your own dressing is easy. Combine olive oil, vinegar, and herbs for a fresh taste. A splash of lemon juice brightens up any dressing. - Presentation tips for serving: Serve the salad in individual bowls. This adds an elegant touch. Top each bowl with a slice of fresh avocado or a lemon wedge for color. - Pairing ideas for a complete meal: Pair your salad with crusty bread or a light soup. This makes a satisfying meal. You can also serve it with chips for extra crunch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for the freshest chicken, ripe tomatoes, and perfectly ripe avocados to enhance the overall flavor of your salad. Crisp Bacon for Extra Crunch: Ensure your turkey bacon is crispy before adding it to the salad; this adds a delightful crunch that complements the other textures. Chill for Flavor: Allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld beautifully. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to experiment with different dressings like blue cheese or a light vinaigrette to give your salad a unique twist. {{image_4}} If you want to change things up, there are great options. You can switch the chicken for grilled tofu or chickpeas. Both add protein but keep it plant-based. For bacon, try crispy tempeh or smoked paprika. They give a nice flavor without meat. You can also add or swap veggies to your taste. Consider adding diced cucumber for crunch. You can also use bell peppers for a sweet twist. Fresh herbs like cilantro or basil can brighten the salad. If you're looking for low-carb or keto options, you can skip the ranch dressing. Instead, use a creamy avocado dressing or oil and vinegar. They keep it light and tasty. You can also replace romaine lettuce with spinach or kale for more nutrients. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan ranch dressings. They taste good and fit various diets. You can also mash avocados to create a creamy base. This gives you flavor without dairy. When you need to serve more, it's easy to adjust this recipe. Just double or triple the ingredients. Use 4 cups of chicken and 8 slices of bacon for a big crowd. Keep the other amounts the same for balance. If you want to modify ingredients, think about flavors. If you add more chicken, you might need extra dressing. Always taste and adjust to find the right mix. This way, everyone enjoys your BLT Chicken Salad! After making your BLT Chicken Salad, you can store leftovers easily. - Storing in the refrigerator: Place the salad in an airtight container. It will keep well for up to three days in the fridge. Just make sure to seal it tightly to keep it fresh. If you want to serve it again, give it a quick mix before enjoying. - Freezing options for chicken salad: Freezing is not the best choice for this salad because of the avocado and dressing. If you must freeze it, leave out the dressing and avocado. You can freeze the chicken and bacon mixture for up to two months. Thaw it in the fridge before adding fresh ingredients and dressing. Knowing how long your salad stays fresh helps prevent waste. - How long it stays fresh: Your BLT Chicken Salad stays fresh for about three days in the fridge. After that, the taste and texture may change. - Signs of spoilage to watch for: Look for a change in color or texture. If the salad smells off or the ingredients feel slimy, it is best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when deciding if food is safe to eat. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, you can! This salad tastes great if you make it a few hours before serving. Just keep it in the fridge. The flavors mix well and get better. However, add the avocado and dressing just before serving to keep them fresh. What types of chicken are best for this salad? Cooked chicken is best. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor. Shredded chicken works well, too. Just make sure it is cooked and cooled before mixing. How can I make this salad more filling? To make it more filling, add more chicken or bacon. You can also mix in beans or quinoa for extra protein. Chopped boiled eggs can add heartiness, too. This way, it becomes a complete meal. Calorie count per serving This salad has about 350 calories per serving. The chicken and bacon add protein while the veggies give fiber. Healthy ingredient variations You can make it healthier by using grilled chicken. Swap ranch dressing for Greek yogurt. Add more veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers for extra nutrients. These changes keep the flavors bright and fresh. How many servings does this recipe yield? This recipe makes about four servings. It’s perfect for a family meal or a small gathering. Adjusting for different appetites and occasions If you have big eaters, double the recipe. For smaller groups, you can cut it in half. This salad is great for lunch, picnics, or gatherings, making it versatile for any occasion. This blog post walked you through making a tasty chicken salad. We covered each ingredient, preparation steps, and helpful tips to make it perfect. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, you can swap ingredients to fit your needs. With a few adjustments, this recipe suits any gathering. Enjoy your salad and feel good knowing you’ve made a healthy choice!

BLT Chicken Salad Delight

A refreshing and flavorful chicken salad featuring crispy turkey bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy ranch dressing.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 4 slices crispy turkey bacon, crumbled
  • 1 large ripe tomato, diced
  • 1 creamy avocado, diced
  • 1 cup crunchy romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh chives, finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled turkey bacon, diced tomato, creamy diced avocado, crunchy chopped romaine lettuce, and finely diced red onion. Mix gently to combine all the ingredients evenly.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the ranch dressing and freshly squeezed lemon juice until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
  • Pour the ranch dressing mixture over the chicken and vegetable combination in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together until each ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy dressing.
  • Season the salad with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
  • Serve the salad immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh chives.

Notes

For a chilled option, refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving.
Keyword bacon, chicken, healthy, salad