– **Title**: BLT Chicken Salad
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
– 4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup celery, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 4 cups romaine lettuce or mixed greens
– Optional: avocado slices for garnish
– **Instructions**:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, celery, and red onion.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and mix until everything is well coated.
4. Serve the chicken salad over a bed of romaine lettuce or mixed greens.
5. If desired, garnish with avocado slices for extra flavor.
6. Enjoy as a refreshing and hearty lunch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked, shredded chicken is essential for this salad. I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you’re short on time, leftover chicken works well too!
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a lovely crunch. If you want a healthier option, turkey bacon can be a great substitute. Just make sure it’s cooked well for that crispiness.
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little gems burst with flavor. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, you can use regular tomatoes diced small. Ripe ones will add the best taste.
Avocado: This adds creaminess to your salad. For a replacement, you can use Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just remember the flavor will change a bit!
Mayonnaise: It’s the base of the dressing. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try Greek yogurt or a vegan mayonnaise. Both work well and still give a creamy texture.
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Is Well Mixed?
Mixing ingredients properly ensures that every bite delivers flavor. Begin by combining all main ingredients in a large bowl. Use a gentle hand to mix, so you don’t squish the avocado too much. Here’s how:
- Start with the shredded chicken, bacon, tomatoes, avocado, and green onions. Give them a light toss with a spatula or wooden spoon.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently again, until everything is evenly coated. Taste to adjust seasoning and enjoy!
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Tortilla chips or crackers
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare, and there’s no cooking involved! Just mix the ingredients, make the dressing, and serve. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, diced cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, and chopped green onions. Give everything a light stir to mix the ingredients together.
2. Make the Dressing:
In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until it’s well combined and smooth. This dressing is what brings all the flavors together!
3. Combine Everything:
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture. Gently toss everything to coat the ingredients evenly with the dressing. Be careful not to mash the avocado; you want to keep it chunky and delicious!
4. Taste and Adjust:
Take a small taste of the salad and see if you’d like to add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice for a little extra kick. Adjust to your liking for the perfect flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the BLT Chicken Salad with tortilla chips or crackers for a fun and tasty experience. You can also enjoy it on its own for a lighter meal. Enjoy every bite of this hearty and flavorful salad!
Can I Use Leftover Cooked Chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly for this recipe. Just shred or dice it before adding it to the salad. This is a great way to use up any chicken you have from a previous meal!
What Can I Substitute for Mayonnaise?
If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise or want a lighter option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute! It adds creaminess and a slight tang. You can also try a mixture of sour cream and mustard for a similar effect.
How to Store Leftover Salad?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep tortilla chips or crackers separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain their crunch. Just give it a good stir before serving again!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! You can include other veggies like diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even corn for added flavor and crunch. Just keep the ratios in mind so the salad remains creamy!
