Description
Crisp lettuce embraces succulent BLT chicken salad, blending classic sandwich flavors into a refreshing meal. Bacon, juicy chicken, and zesty dressing create a delightful ensemble you’ll crave for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 3 cups (about 450 grams) cooked chicken
- 1 pound (454 grams) bacon
Vegetables:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 small red onion
- 2 stalks celery
Seasoning and Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by poaching in seasoned water until internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 15 minutes. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces after cooking.
- Render bacon in a skillet over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes until crisp and golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess fat, ensuring maximum crunchiness.
- Prepare vegetable components by finely dicing red onion, halving cherry tomatoes, and chopping celery into uniform, small pieces for balanced flavor distribution.
- Create dressing by whisking mayonnaise with lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for optimal flavor profile.
- Combine shredded chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and celery in a large mixing bowl. Gently fold dressing throughout ingredients, ensuring even coating.
- For enhanced flavor development, refrigerate salad for 30 minutes before serving. Alternatively, serve immediately if eager to enjoy the fresh, vibrant combination of ingredients.
Notes
- Enhance chicken flavor by poaching with aromatic herbs like thyme or rosemary for deeper taste complexity.
- Select thick-cut bacon for superior crunch and richer smoky profile, ensuring even cooking at medium-low heat.
- Customize dressing by adding Greek yogurt for tangier, lighter version or swapping mayo with avocado for healthier alternative.
- Prep ingredients ahead and store separately to maintain crisp textures, preventing soggy salad when mixing components just before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg