Imagine a salad that's not just a boring health dish, but a flavor explosion that'll make your taste buds dance! This BLT Chicken Salad is the ultimate quick and delicious meal that combines the crispy perfection of bacon, tender shredded chicken, and fresh, vibrant vegetables. Whether you're looking for a lightning-fast lunch or a crowd-pleasing dinner option, this recipe is about to become your new go-to favorite that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: If not already cooked, season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill, bake, or pan-fry until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool for 5 minutes, then shred the chicken using two forks.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crisp and golden brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Rinse cherry tomatoes and cut them in half.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Add the dressing: Pour the mayonnaise mixture over the salad ingredients and gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately: Transfer the salad to serving plates or a large serving bowl. Garnish with additional cracked black pepper if desired.
Tips
- Chicken Prep Perfection: For maximum flavor, use leftover grilled or roasted chicken, or quickly cook chicken breasts seasoned with herbs for extra taste.
- Bacon Brilliance: For extra crispy bacon, try baking it in the oven at 400°F for more uniform crispness and less mess.
- Dressing Hack: For a tangier dressing, add a touch of Dijon mustard or swap some mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
- Make It Your Own: Customize by adding diced avocado, red onions, or switching up the herbs for different flavor profiles.
- Meal Prep Magic: This salad can be prepped ahead - just keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent soggy lettuce.
- Temperature Tip: Serve slightly chilled for the most refreshing experience, especially during warm summer days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 85mg
