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This Loaded BLT Chicken Salad shines with fresh, tasty components. Here’s what you need: - 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 4 slices of crispy turkey bacon, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ripe avocado, diced - 1/2 cup fresh romaine lettuce, chopped - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/4 cup mayonnaise - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard - 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish These ingredients mesh well to create a bright and satisfying dish. For extra flavor or texture, consider these add-ins: - Chopped hard-boiled eggs for added protein - Sliced green onions for a mild onion flavor - Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for a burst of freshness - Nuts or seeds for a crunch Feel free to mix and match these options to your taste. You can adjust ingredients based on your pantry or preferences: - Use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken for ease. - Swap turkey bacon for regular bacon if you prefer. - Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter dressing. - Any lettuce can substitute romaine for a different crunch. These substitutions help make the recipe fit your needs while keeping it delicious. {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, gather a large mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken and 4 slices of chopped crispy turkey bacon. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1 ripe diced avocado, and 1/2 cup of chopped fresh romaine lettuce. Include 1/4 cup of finely chopped red onion and 1 cup of diced cucumber. Use a spoon to fold everything together gently. This helps mix the flavors without mashing the avocado. Now, take a small bowl for the dressing. Whisk together 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard, and 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Add a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste it! If needed, adjust the seasoning by adding more salt or pepper. Drizzle the dressing over the salad base. Carefully toss everything to coat the chicken and veggies well. Take your time here. You want every piece to taste great. After that, sprinkle 1/2 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese on top. Toss again gently to mix the cheese throughout. Let your loaded salad sit for about 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and taste even better. When ready, serve the Loaded BLT Chicken Salad in bowls or on a platter. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a nice touch. Enjoy this colorful and tasty dish! To cook chicken for this salad, I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cook them in a pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. After cooking, let the chicken cool before shredding it. You can also grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Just season it with salt and pepper before cooking. Shredded chicken works best for mixing with other ingredients. For this Loaded BLT Chicken Salad, I love using turkey bacon. It’s crispy, tasty, and a healthier choice. You can also use regular bacon if you prefer. Cook the bacon until it's nice and crispy. After cooking, chop it into small pieces. This adds great texture and flavor to the salad. The crispy bits of bacon make every bite exciting. Timing is key for great flavors. After mixing the salad, let it rest for about 10 minutes. This wait allows the ingredients to blend well. The dressing soaks into the chicken and veggies, creating a delicious taste. Serve it right after resting for the best flavor. If you let it sit too long, the salad may become soggy. Enjoy the freshness and crunch! Pro Tips Choose Quality Ingredients: Use the freshest chicken, ripe avocados, and crispy bacon for the best flavor and texture in your salad. Customize Your Dressing: Feel free to add herbs like dill or chives to the dressing for an extra layer of flavor that complements the salad. Prep Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. Just combine everything with the dressing right before serving for maximum freshness. Experiment with Add-Ins: Consider adding ingredients like hard-boiled eggs or nuts for added protein and crunch, making your salad even more satisfying. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other meats. Grilled shrimp adds a nice twist. Try pulling some tender pork for a different flavor. If you want, you can use turkey or even ham. Each protein gives a unique taste to the salad. If you skip meat, there are tasty ways to enjoy this salad. You can replace chicken with chickpeas for a protein boost. Tofu works well when marinated and grilled. You can also add hard-boiled eggs for extra creaminess. These swaps keep the flavor high while being meat-free. Using seasonal ingredients makes this salad even better. In summer, juicy peaches or strawberries add sweetness. In fall, roasted butternut squash brings warmth. During winter, you can use hearty kale instead of romaine. These changes keep the salad fresh and exciting all year round. To store your Loaded BLT Chicken Salad, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly to keep out air. This helps keep the salad fresh for longer. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you know you won't finish it, store the dressing separately. This keeps the salad crisp. I recommend using glass or BPA-free plastic containers. These materials do not react with food. They also help keep flavors intact. Choose containers with tight-fitting lids. This way, your salad stays fresh and ready to eat whenever you are. You do not need to heat this salad. It tastes great cold. If you want to warm the chicken, do so gently in a microwave. Use a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. Make sure to not overheat, as this can dry out the chicken. Enjoy your salad at whatever temperature you prefer! Yes, you can make this salad ahead of time. It tastes even better after resting. Just mix all the ingredients and cover them. Store it in the fridge for up to a day. Keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve. This keeps the salad fresh and crisp. If you want an alternative to mayonnaise, try Greek yogurt. It adds creaminess and protein. You can also use avocado for a richer flavor. Another option is to mix sour cream with a bit of mustard. Each choice gives a unique twist to the salad. Absolutely! This salad is great for meal prep. You can divide it into containers for easy lunches. Keep the dressing in a small jar to add later. This helps keep the salad fresh. You can enjoy it throughout the week without losing flavor. We explored key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips for your salad. From cooking chicken and choosing bacon to finding the best storage methods, every part matters. Remember, you can customize with different proteins or seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the freedom to mix flavors and make it your own. With this guide, making a delicious salad becomes easy and fun. Try it yourself, and enjoy a tasty meal!

Loaded BLT Chicken Salad

A hearty and flavorful chicken salad loaded with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy 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, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 whole ripe avocado, diced
  • 0.5 cup fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 0.25 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup cucumber, diced
  • 0.5 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.25 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preparing your salad base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, chopped crispy turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, chopped romaine lettuce, finely chopped red onion, and diced cucumber. Use a spoon or spatula to gently fold the ingredients together, allowing for a thorough mix without mashing the avocado.
  • In a separate small bowl, prepare the dressing. Whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if desired.
  • Drizzle the prepared dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Carefully toss everything together until all the ingredients are well coated in the creamy dressing. Take your time to ensure every piece is melded with the flavor.
  • Once combined, sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar cheese over the salad and gently toss again to evenly distribute the cheese throughout the mixture.
  • Let the loaded salad rest for about 10 minutes. This resting period allows the flavors to meld harmoniously, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
  • When ready to serve, portion the Loaded BLT Chicken Salad into individual bowls or create an impressive spread on a large platter. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

Pair this salad with whole grain crackers or serve it in a hollowed-out avocado or tomato for an attractive and healthy presentation.
Keyword bacon, chicken, healthy, salad