BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on the classic chicken salad that combines the savory goodness of bacon, fresh vegetables, and tender chicken. This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, offering a satisfying blend of flavors without the carbs. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, preparing meal prep for the week, or simply craving something delicious, this salad fits the bill. With its fresh ingredients and creamy dressing, it stands out as a flavorful option that everyone will enjoy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep time, this salad is ready in no time.
- Low Carb Delight: Perfect for those following a low-carb diet while still enjoying hearty flavors.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, in a sandwich, or atop leafy greens for a nutritious meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or potlucks; it’s sure to impress guests with its rich taste.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days without losing flavor.
Tools and Preparation
To make your BLT Chicken Salad efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to gather before you start cooking.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows you to combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
- Whisk: This tool helps achieve a smooth and creamy dressing by blending all components thoroughly.
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 1 pound bacon (diced and cooked until crisp)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
- 1/2 small red onion (diced small)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used light)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Step 1: Combine Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and celery. Mix thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste your dressing and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Mix Dressing with Salad
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Stir well until all ingredients are coated evenly with the dressing.
Step 4: Serve or Store
Serve your BLT Chicken Salad immediately or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Remember that if this salad sits out for more than 2 hours at room temperature, any leftovers should be discarded for food safety.
Enjoy this tasty BLT Chicken Salad as a satisfying meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare!
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad
BLT Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. It can be served in various ways to suit your taste or occasion.
In a Wrap
- Use a large tortilla or lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative, and fill them with the salad for a fresh and portable meal.
On Toast
- Spread the salad on toasted bread or a bagel for a crunchy and satisfying lunch option.
As a Dip
- Serve the BLT Chicken Salad with crackers or vegetable sticks for an easy party appetizer that will impress your guests.
Over Greens
- Place the salad on a bed of mixed greens for a light and healthy meal. Drizzle with extra lemon juice for added zest.
Stuffed Avocado
- Halve an avocado and fill the center with the salad for an elegant presentation and creamy texture combination.
How to Perfect BLT Chicken Salad
To elevate your BLT Chicken Salad, consider these handy tips.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality produce enhances flavor. Choose ripe tomatoes and crisp bacon for the best taste.
Adjust Seasoning: Personalize the seasoning to your liking. Start with small amounts of salt and pepper, then add more as needed.
Chill Before Serving: Letting the salad chill in the refrigerator for an hour allows flavors to meld together beautifully.
Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add ingredients like avocado, cheese, or herbs to customize your salad further.
Best Side Dishes for BLT Chicken Salad
Pairing side dishes with your BLT Chicken Salad can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options:
Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast to the savory flavors of the salad.
Coleslaw: This crunchy side adds texture and balances the richness of bacon in your dish, making it perfect for summer gatherings.
Potato Chips: For a satisfying crunch, serve classic potato chips alongside your salad; they make a great pairing.
Cucumber Slices: Lightly salted cucumber slices provide a refreshing bite that complements the rich chicken salad perfectly.
Pickles: The tangy flavor of pickles adds zest and can cut through the creaminess of the mayonnaise in the salad.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn is sweet and pairs wonderfully, offering a delightful summer vibe to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BLT Chicken Salad, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Dry Chicken: Ensure your chicken is juicy and well-cooked. Dry chicken can ruin the salad’s texture. Consider using rotisserie chicken for added flavor.
- Overcooking Bacon: Crisp bacon enhances the salad, but overcooking can lead to a burnt taste. Cook until just crispy for the best results.
- Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season your mayonnaise mixture adequately can lead to blandness. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh tomatoes and celery for crunch and flavor. Wilted veggies will affect the overall taste of your salad.
- Not Storing Properly: Leaving the salad out too long can cause it to spoil. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge right away.
- Ignoring Customizations: This salad is versatile! Don’t hesitate to add your favorite ingredients like avocado or cheese for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
- It lasts for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing BLT Chicken Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the mayonnaise separating when thawed.
- If necessary, only freeze the chicken and bacon separately from the fresh veggies.
Reheating BLT Chicken Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warm; avoid overheating as it may change texture.
- Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring gently until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions that often come up regarding BLT Chicken Salad:
What does BLT stand for in BLT Chicken Salad?
BLT stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato. This salad combines these classic ingredients with chicken for a delicious twist.
Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this salad ahead of time! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy it within 3-5 days.
Is BLT Chicken Salad low carb?
Absolutely! With minimal carbohydrates from ingredients like chicken and veggies, this dish is perfect for low-carb diets.
Can I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?
Definitely! Feel free to add extras like avocado, cheese, or different herbs based on your preferences. This recipe is very versatile!
Final Thoughts
BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on traditional chicken salads that combines comfort food with fresh ingredients. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for meal prep or a light lunch. Plus, you can easily customize it with your favorite add-ins. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!
BLT Chicken Salad
BLT Chicken Salad is a deliciously refreshing take on traditional chicken salad that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant fresh vegetables. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this low-carb dish balances savory flavors and creamy textures without the added carbs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: None
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 1 pound bacon (cooked until crispy)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 small red onion (diced)
- 2 stalks celery (diced)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and celery.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well-coated.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 230g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
