Delicious BLT Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

Catch the aroma of crispy chicken mingling with fresh lettuce and juicy tomatoes as you dive into this BLT Chicken Salad. Each bite offers a delightful crunch that dances on your palate, making it an instant favorite. This salad doesn’t just satisfy hunger; it brings joy, laughter, and maybe even a few happy tears to the table. For more inspiration, check out this one-pot chicken meals recipe.

Remember those hot summer days when picnics felt like mini-holidays? This salad is the perfect companion for any outdoor gathering or casual lunch at home. It’s a dish that not only fills your belly but also warms your heart with memories of good times shared with friends and family.

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts depending on how many people you’re feeding; they provide the heartiness this salad needs.
• Fresh Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, romaine adds crunch and nutrients; make sure it’s washed and dried thoroughly.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, cherry tomatoes elevate the salad’s flavor; halved for a burst of freshness in every bite.
• Avocado: Creamy avocado lends richness while complementing the other ingredients beautifully; choose ripe ones that give slightly when pressed.
• Turkey Bacon or Chicken Bacon: For that classic “B” flavor without the pork; crisp it up before adding to achieve the perfect texture.
• Mayonnaise: A creamy base for the dressing; opt for full-fat or light depending on your preference.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors; avoid bottled versions for maximum zing.

For seasoning:

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors in the salad; season to taste before serving.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat. Season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C). Once done, let them rest before slicing.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

While the chicken cools down, cook your turkey bacon (or chicken bacon) in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

Grab that fresh romaine lettuce and chop it into bite-sized pieces. Halve those cherry tomatoes and slice up your avocado. You want everything ready to mix together seamlessly.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and freshly squeezed lemon juice until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste—this dressing is where all the magic happens!

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced avocado, crumbled bacon, and sliced chicken. Drizzle over your creamy dressing and toss gently until everything is well coated.

Step 6: Serve It Up!

Transfer your beautiful creation onto plates or into bowls. You can garnish with extra avocado slices or even some additional crumbled bacon if you’re feeling fancy!

This BLT Chicken Salad is not just food; it’s an experience that brings people together around the table. Enjoy this colorful dish during barbecues, lunch with friends, or simply as a quick dinner after a long day!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the chicken in your flavorful mix. While it soaks up all that goodness, chop your veggies and prep any add-ins. Once you’re ready, sear the chicken to lock in moisture, then toss everything together for a quick and delicious meal.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the veggies based on your preference or what’s in season. For an extra kick, try adding some spicy mustard or fresh herbs like basil or cilantro. You can even throw in some nuts for crunch!

Storing & Reheating

Store your leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, do so gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.

I once made this BLT Chicken Salad for a picnic, and my friends devoured it within minutes. They still ask me to bring it every time we get together! It’s those little moments that make cooking so rewarding.

FAQs:

What is a BLT Chicken Salad?

A BLT Chicken Salad combines the classic flavors of a traditional BLT sandwich with the wholesome goodness of chicken. This recipe includes tender chicken breast, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and a flavorful dressing. protein-packed chicken salad option By replacing bacon with grilled chicken, this salad offers a healthier option, while still delivering that satisfying crunch and taste. Enjoy it as a light lunch or dinner.

How do I make the dressing for BLT Chicken Salad?

To create a delicious dressing for your BLT Chicken Salad, mix together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. For added flavor, consider incorporating garlic powder or fresh herbs like dill or parsley. chicken rice bowl for hearty meals Adjust the ingredients to your liking until you achieve a creamy consistency that complements the salad’s fresh ingredients. street corn chicken bowl for flavor.

Can I add other ingredients to my BLT Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize your BLT Chicken Salad by adding ingredients such as avocado for creaminess or cucumbers for extra crunch. You can also include cheese like feta or mozzarella for added flavor. Experimenting with different vegetables and toppings allows you to create a unique version that suits your taste preferences.

Is BLT Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, BLT Chicken Salad is perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the chicken and chop the vegetables in advance. Store the components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine everything with your dressing for a quick and nutritious meal throughout the week.

Conclusion for BLT Chicken Salad:

In summary, the BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that satisfies any appetite. By using grilled chicken instead of bacon, this recipe remains healthy yet delicious. You can customize it with various ingredients while ensuring it stays fresh through effective meal prep techniques. fresh salad with strawberries and feta Whether enjoyed as lunch or dinner, this salad offers convenience and nourishment all in one bowl.

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BLT Chicken Salad

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BLT Chicken Salad is a vibrant and satisfying dish that perfectly marries grilled chicken with crisp romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy turkey bacon. Tossed in a tangy mayonnaise dressing with a hint of lemon juice, this refreshing salad is ideal for summer picnics or quick weeknight dinners. Each bite delivers delightful flavors and textures that will leave you craving more.

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 6 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 ripe avocado, sliced
• 4 slices turkey bacon or chicken bacon
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. 1. Cook the Chicken: Preheat grill or stovetop pan over medium heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Let rest before slicing.
2. 2. Prepare the Bacon: Cook turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble.
3. 3. Chop Veggies: Dice romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, and slice avocado.
4. 4. Make Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
5. 5. Combine: In a large bowl, mix lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, crumbled bacon, and sliced chicken. Drizzle dressing over top and toss gently.
6. 6. Serve: Plate the salad and garnish with additional avocado or bacon if desired.

• Author: Adriana
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 38g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

Keywords: - For added flavor, marinate the chicken before grilling. - Feel free to swap veggies based on seasonal availability. - This salad makes great leftovers; store in an airtight container for up to three days.