Savory BLT Chicken Salad
I still remember the first time I had a chicken salad that completely blew my mind. It was during a family picnic, and my aunt served a dish that combined everything I loved—bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes—with tender chicken all tucked away in a creamy dressing. As I took my first bite, I felt like I was tasting summer on my plate. This Savory BLT Chicken Salad brings together the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the hearty goodness of chicken for a dish that’s perfect for any occasion. You can whip it up in no time, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings or a cozy night in. Let’s dive into why this recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen!
Why make this recipe?
Why should you give this Savory BLT Chicken Salad a try? For starters, it’s a flavor-packed meal that combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh crunchy lettuce with shredded chicken. Each bite offers a delightful harmony of tastes and textures. Plus, I love how quick and easy it is to prepare! With minimal cooking—mostly just shredding and mixing—you’ll have a satisfying dish on the table in about 15 minutes.
Budget-conscious cooks will appreciate that this recipe uses simple ingredients, many of which you may already have on hand. It’s also a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken, ensuring nothing goes to waste. Kids adore it too! The combination of bacon and creamy dressing makes even picky eaters go back for seconds. Trust me; this dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
How to make Savory BLT Chicken Salad
Making this Savory BLT Chicken Salad is a breeze. The total prep time is around 15 minutes, making it an ideal recipe for busy weeknights or impromptu lunches. You won’t need any special equipment, just a couple of bowls and a spoon for mixing. Plus, the simplicity of this recipe means you’ll spend less time worrying about measurements and more time enjoying your meal. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-step directions:
Let’s jump into making this delightful salad! Start by gathering your ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and the chopped lettuce.
In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing is what elevates the entire dish, so make sure it’s well combined. Now, pour the dressing over your chicken mixture and gently toss everything together until well coated. You can serve the salad immediately, or if you prefer a chilled option, pop it in the refrigerator for a bit while you prepare your side dishes.
How to serve Savory BLT Chicken Salad?
Serving this Savory BLT Chicken Salad is just as fun as making it! I love to dish it up in a big bowl, allowing everyone to serve themselves. You can also serve it on a bed of mixed greens for a light lunch or piled on a crusty piece of bread for a delightful sandwich. Pair it with some crispy potato chips or a crunchy veggie platter for a complete meal. If you want to add a little extra flair, sprinkling some freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil on top adds a beautiful touch.
How to store Savory BLT Chicken Salad?
If you find yourself with leftovers—though I doubt you will—they store well in the fridge. Make sure to transfer the salad into an airtight container, where it can stay fresh for about 3 days. If you’re thinking ahead, you can prepare the dressing and store it separately from the chicken mixture, keeping everything fresh and crunchy. Though I recommend enjoying it right away, if you want to freeze it, make sure you do so without the dressing, as it may not hold up well; freeze the chicken salad mix on its own for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and mix in the dressing just before serving.
Tips for perfect Savory BLT Chicken Salad
To ensure your Savory BLT Chicken Salad turns out fantastic every time, here are some practical tips:
Use leftover chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and adds even more flavor. If you have plain cooked chicken on hand, just season it lightly with salt and pepper for extra taste.
Cook bacon perfectly: Crumble crispy bacon for that extra crunch. Cook it in the oven or on the stovetop until it’s nice and crispy, then break it into pieces.
Balance your flavors: Taste the dressing as you mix it. You want the creaminess of the mayo and the tanginess of the Dijon mustard to shine through, so adjust the salt and pepper to your liking.
Chill for better flavor: If you have time, let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Experiment with additions: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies or fresh herbs to create a unique spin on the classic recipe!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to mix things up, here are a few variations you can try:
Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped celery or cucumbers for an extra crunch. They add a refreshing texture and taste.
Make it healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It gives a creamy consistency while cutting down on the calories.
Vegetarian twist: Swap the chicken for chickpeas or make it a hearty salad by adding grilled zucchini or eggplant—perfect for those following a vegetarian diet!
FAQs about Savory BLT Chicken Salad
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Absolutely! If you’re looking for a healthier option, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for mayonnaise. You can also use avocado for a creamy and nutritious twist.
How do I make it dairy-free?
To make this salad dairy-free, simply stick with the mayonnaise or yogurt substitute options, and check that the added ingredients are dairy-free. This keeps the flavors intact while accommodating dietary preferences.
What if I don’t like Dijon mustard?
No worries! You can easily leave out the Dijon mustard or swap it for your favorite mustard variety, like yellow or whole grain. You could even get creative with flavors by adding a dash of hot sauce for a little kick!
There you have it! This Savory BLT Chicken Salad is simple, delicious, and versatile. Whether you stick with the classic ingredients or explore the variations, you’re sure to create a dish that everyone will love. It brings together comfort and freshness, making it a go-to recipe for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
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Savory BLT Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful blend of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce combined with tender shredded chicken in a creamy dressing.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped lettuce.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss until well coated.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a bit before serving.
Notes
For the best flavor, chill the salad for at least 30 minutes. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: chicken salad, BLT, summer salad, quick meal, easy recipe