If you’re looking for a delicious and nutritious meal prep idea, you’ve got to try this BLT Chicken Salad. This dish combines tender shredded chicken with fresh tomatoes, crispy Turkey Bacon, and creamy avocado, all smothered in a flavorful dressing. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a snack, making it incredibly versatile for any occasion. Plus, it’s packed with protein to keep you energized throughout the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this salad comes together in no time.
- High in Protein: Loaded with rotisserie chicken and Turkey Bacon, it supports your fitness goals.
- Flavorful and Fresh: The combination of ingredients creates a delightful mix of flavors and textures.
- Versatile Meal Prep: Easily customizable for different diets or preferences—add or substitute ingredients as you like.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Enjoy it as a light lunch at work or serve it at gatherings; it’s always a hit!
Tools and Preparation
Preparing this BLT Chicken Salad requires just a few essential tools that make the process smooth and efficient.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Airtight container
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl is crucial for combining all ingredients easily without mess.
- Whisk: This tool ensures your dressing is well-mixed for an even flavor throughout the salad.
- Cutting board & Knife: Essential for chopping ingredients quickly and safely.
Ingredients
For the Salad Base
- 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
For Freshness
- 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- 1 avocado (diced)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Step 1: Make the Dressing
Start by making the dressing in a large mixing bowl. Add in the mayo and Greek yogurt then whisk in the ranch seasoning and freshly cracked pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken, chopped Turkey Bacon, and diced green onions into the bowl. Mix well until everything is evenly combined. Then add in the halved grape tomatoes and mix again gently to incorporate them without mashing.
Step 3: Adjust Seasonings
Once all ingredients are mixed together, taste your salad. If necessary, adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
Step 4: Add Avocado Before Serving
Just before serving, fold in the diced avocado carefully to prevent mushiness. Alternatively, you can place them on top for presentation.
Step 5: Chill Before Serving
Transfer the salad into an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad
This delicious BLT Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served in various ways to suit your meal needs. Whether you’re enjoying it for lunch, dinner, or a snack, here are some great serving suggestions.
In a Wrap
- Use a whole grain or spinach wrap to create a healthy and portable meal. Just spread the BLT Chicken Salad inside, roll it up, and enjoy!
On a Bed of Greens
- Serve the salad over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for added freshness and crunch. Drizzle with extra dressing if desired.
With Crackers
- Pair the salad with whole grain or gluten-free crackers for a delightful snack. This combo adds texture and flavor.
In Lettuce Cups
- For a low-carb option, spoon the salad into crisp lettuce leaves. This makes for a fun and refreshing way to enjoy your chicken salad.
How to Perfect BLT Chicken Salad
To ensure your BLT Chicken Salad is always delightful, consider these helpful tips.
- Use rotisserie chicken: This saves time and adds rich flavor without much effort.
- Choose quality bacon: Opt for center-cut Turkey Bacon for less fat and more crispiness.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Customizing the seasoning ensures that the flavors are just right for you.
- Add fresh herbs: Incorporating fresh basil or cilantro can elevate the flavor profile significantly.
- Chill before serving: Allowing the salad to sit in the fridge enhances the flavors as they meld together.
- Top with avocado last: To keep the avocado from browning, add it just before serving.
Best Side Dishes for BLT Chicken Salad
Pairing your BLT Chicken Salad with the right side dishes can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.
- Sweet Potato Fries: These crispy fries add sweetness and a satisfying crunch that complements the salad perfectly.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast and adds extra veggies to your plate.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits offers a sweet finish to your meal while providing additional nutrients.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob is an easy side that pairs well with any summer dish.
- Potato Chips: Classic potato chips add crunch and saltiness; opt for baked versions for a healthier choice.
- Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with vegetables serves as a nutritious side that boosts protein intake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making BLT Chicken Salad, there are a few common pitfalls to watch out for. Here’s how to avoid them:
- Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season the dressing can lead to bland flavors. Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving.
- Overcooking the bacon: Cooking Turkey Bacon too long can make it tough. Cook just until crispy for the best texture.
- Adding avocado too early: If you add avocado too soon, it may brown and affect the salad’s appearance. Only mix it in just before serving.
- Not using rotisserie chicken: Using dry or tough chicken can ruin the salad’s texture. Opt for tender rotisserie chicken for the best results.
- Ignoring storage guidelines: Improper storage can lead to spoilage. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container.
- It will keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Ensure the salad is cooled down before sealing to avoid condensation.
Freezing BLT Chicken Salad
- Freezing is not recommended due to the ingredients’ textures, especially avocado and Greek yogurt.
- If you must freeze, omit avocado beforehand and store in a freezer-safe container.
- Consume within 1 month for best quality when thawed.
Reheating BLT Chicken Salad
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10 minutes. This method is great if you want to crisp your bacon again.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds on medium power until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make ingredients mushy.
- Stovetop: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally. This method helps maintain texture without drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BLT Chicken Salad?
BLT Chicken Salad combines shredded chicken with Turkey Bacon, tomatoes, and creamy dressing. It’s a delicious twist on classic salads that adds protein and flavor.
Can I substitute regular bacon?
Yes! You can use regular bacon if you prefer its flavor over Turkey Bacon; just be mindful of additional fat and calories.
How can I customize my BLT Chicken Salad?
You can add ingredients like lettuce, cheese, or different vegetables. Experiment with dressings like ranch or vinaigrette for varied flavors.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This BLT Chicken Salad stores well in the fridge, making it a perfect choice for meal prep lunches or snacks throughout the week.
How do I keep my avocado from browning?
To prevent browning, add diced avocado right before serving or toss it with lemon juice before mixing into the salad.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Chicken Salad is not only easy to make but also versatile and nutritious. With its fresh ingredients and high protein content, it’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or dressings! Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!
BLT Chicken Salad
Introducing the BLT Chicken Salad, a delightful and nutritious twist on a classic favorite! This vibrant dish features tender shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy Turkey Bacon, and fresh grape tomatoes, all brought together with a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Each bite is bursting with flavor and packed with protein, making it an excellent choice for lunch, dinner, or even as a snack.
- Total Time: 24 minute
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
- 8 strips Turkey Bacon (chopped)
- 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)
- 1 avocado (diced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (finely chopped)
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning, and pepper; whisk until smooth.
- Add shredded chicken, chopped Turkey Bacon, and green onions; mix well.
- Gently fold in halved grape tomatoes.
- Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Just before serving, carefully fold in diced avocado.
- Chill in the fridge for at least one hour before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: N/A
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. Adjust the dressing ingredients according to your taste preferences. For added crunch and nutrition, consider including fresh herbs like basil or cilantro.
