If you’re looking for the perfect meal prep idea, you’ve got to make this BLT Chicken Salad. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with fresh diced tomatoes, crispy Turkey Bacon, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a delicious dressing. It’s not only high in protein but also versatile enough for lunches, snacks, or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
- Flavorful Combination: The blend of chicken, turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables creates a satisfying taste that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy Option: Packed with protein and healthy fats from avocado, it’s a nutritious choice for any meal.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite veggies or swap ingredients based on what you have on hand.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Prepare it ahead of time for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather your tools. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl allows ample space to combine all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
- Whisk: Using a whisk ensures that dressing ingredients blend smoothly, creating a creamy consistency.
- Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and preparing ingredients.
Ingredients
To create this flavorful BLT Chicken Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Chicken Salad
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 8 strips Turkey Bacon (chopped (center cut))
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or you can skip and use all mayonnaise)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 avocado (diced)
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
Start by making the dressing in a large mixing bowl.
– Add the mayo and Greek yogurt.
– Whisk in the ranch seasoning and freshly cracked pepper until well combined.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
Add the main components to your mixing bowl.
– Toss in the shredded chicken, chopped Turkey Bacon, and diced green onions.
– Mix well to ensure that everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 3: Incorporate Vegetables
Now it’s time to add some freshness.
– Gently fold in the halved grape tomatoes.
– Taste your mixture and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Step 4: Add Avocado Before Serving
When you’re ready to serve:
– Gently toss in diced avocado into your desired portion of chicken salad or leave them in a single layer on top for presentation.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Store your finished salad:
– Place it into an airtight container.
– Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld together.
Enjoy this delightful BLT Chicken Salad as a meal prep staple or a refreshing lunch option!
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad
Serving BLT Chicken Salad can be a delightful experience. You can enjoy it in various ways that enhance its flavor and presentation.
As a Sandwich
- Use toasted whole grain bread for a hearty option, or wrap it in a tortilla for a lighter choice.
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the chicken salad over fresh mixed greens or spinach for a refreshing and healthy meal.
In Lettuce Wraps
- For a low-carb option, scoop the salad into large lettuce leaves for easy-to-eat wraps.
With Crackers
- Pair it with whole grain crackers for a crunchy texture and as an easy snack option.
Stuffed Avocado
- Hollow out an avocado half and fill it with the BLT Chicken Salad for an elegant presentation.
How to Perfect BLT Chicken Salad
To achieve the best version of your BLT Chicken Salad, consider these helpful tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh tomatoes and ripe avocados elevate the taste and texture of your salad.
- Adjust Seasonings: Always taste before serving; you may want to add more pepper or ranch seasoning based on your preference.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing the salad to chill in the fridge for at least an hour enhances the flavors.
- Experiment with Add-Ins: Feel free to add other ingredients like bell peppers or olives for extra crunch and flavor.
- Choose Quality Turkey Bacon: Opt for high-quality turkey bacon to ensure maximum crispiness and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for BLT Chicken Salad
Pairing side dishes with your BLT Chicken Salad can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Sweet Potato Fries: Baked sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the savory chicken salad.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and complements the creamy texture of the salad.
- Cucumber Salad: A light cucumber salad provides freshness and is very easy to prepare.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and balances the flavors of the chicken salad.
- Pita Chips: Crunchy pita chips are perfect for dipping into your chicken salad or enjoying on their own.
- Vegetable Sticks: Carrots, celery, and bell peppers make great dippers alongside your creamy dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your BLT Chicken Salad, it’s easy to make some common errors. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Using Too Much Dressing: Adding excessive dressing can overwhelm the salad. Aim for a balanced flavor by starting with less and adding more if necessary.
- Neglecting Fresh Ingredients: Not using fresh ingredients can lead to a dull taste. Always choose ripe tomatoes and fresh herbs for the best flavor.
- Skipping the Chill Time: Serving the salad immediately may not allow flavors to meld. Refrigerate for at least an hour for a more flavorful dish.
- Overcooking Turkey Bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon too long can make it tough. Cook just until crispy, and then chop it into pieces.
- Forgetting to Adjust Seasonings: Ignoring seasoning adjustments can result in blandness. Always taste and tweak seasonings before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing BLT Chicken Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the creamy ingredients.
- If you must freeze, omit avocado and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating BLT Chicken Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat in a skillet, stirring gently until heated throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making BLT Chicken Salad:
What is BLT Chicken Salad?
BLT Chicken Salad combines tender chicken, tomatoes, Turkey Bacon, and creamy dressing. It’s a delicious twist on the classic BLT sandwich.
Can I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add different vegetables or swap out proteins based on personal preference.
How do I make it vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version of BLT Chicken Salad, use chickpeas or tofu instead of chicken and skip the Turkey Bacon.
How long does this salad last?
When stored properly in an airtight container, it lasts about 3 days in the refrigerator.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite ingredients or adjusting flavors to suit your tastes. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe as part of your meal prep or as a quick lunch option!
BLT Chicken Salad
Experience the fresh flavors of this BLT Chicken Salad, a delightful twist on the classic dish. Combining tender shredded chicken with crispy turkey bacon, ripe tomatoes, and creamy avocado, this salad is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of taste and nutrition. Perfect for meal prep, this protein-packed salad is versatile enough for lunches, snacks, or casual gatherings. With its quick 25-minute preparation time, you can enjoy a healthy option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Customize it with your favorite veggies and savor the satisfying textures in every bite. Whether served in a sandwich or on a bed of greens, this BLT Chicken Salad is sure to become your go-to recipe.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
- 8 strips chopped turkey bacon
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Add shredded chicken, chopped turkey bacon, and diced green onions into the dressing. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
- Gently fold in halved grape tomatoes and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Just before serving, incorporate diced avocado or layer it atop for presentation.
- Chill in an airtight container for at least an hour before enjoying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 330
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 100mg