Description
This BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish combining crispy bacon, tender chicken breast, fresh romaine lettuce, and juicy cherry tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy homemade dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, it balances savory flavors with a hint of tanginess and is easy to prepare in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bacon
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (about 2 large breasts)
- 6 slices bacon
Salad
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- to taste salt
- to taste pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove them from the skillet and place on paper towels to cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- Cook the chicken: If using raw chicken breast, season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken in the same skillet over medium heat until fully cooked and browned, about 6-8 minutes per side. Alternatively, grill the chicken if preferred. Once cooked, let it cool slightly then dice into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Combine the salad: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced chicken, and crumbled bacon. Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Serve: Divide the salad into individual bowls or plates and enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
- Optional additions: For extra flavor, you can add sliced avocado or shredded cheese to the salad before serving.
- Meal Prep Tip: If preparing the salad ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast to save time or cook fresh as instructed.
- Grilling the chicken can add a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Adjust salt and pepper in the dressing to taste.
- Adding avocado or shredded cheese can enhance the texture and taste.
- For meal prep, store the salad and dressing separately in airtight containers.
