Description
Mouthwatering BLT chicken salad delivers classic sandwich flavors in a light, refreshing bowl. Crisp bacon, juicy chicken, and zesty dressing make this salad a perfect summer meal you’ll devour in minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts boiled and shredded
- 6 slices bacon about 1/2 cup (118 ml), cooked and crumbled
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 cup (236 ml) cherry tomatoes halved
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) sharp white cheddar freshly grated
- 1/3 cup (79 ml) red onion finely diced
Dressing and Seasonings:
- 1/2 cup (118 ml) 0% Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chives chopped small
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pinch kosher salt to season
- few turns cracked black pepper to season
- few turns cracked black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons water to thin dressing, adjust accordingly
Instructions
- Poach chicken breasts in simmering water at medium heat for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let cool briefly before shredding into delicate, bite-sized pieces using two forks.
- While chicken cooks, prepare supporting ingredients. Halve cherry tomatoes to release natural sweetness. Crisp bacon in skillet until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and crumble into rustic fragments. Grate cheddar cheese and mince red onion into fine, uniform pieces.
- Craft the dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a compact bowl. Incorporate water gradually to achieve desired consistency, creating a silky, vibrant sauce.
- Merge ingredients in spacious mixing bowl. Combine shredded chicken, tomato halves, bacon crumbles, cheese, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Generously drizzle dressing over mixture, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating and flavor distribution.
- Transfer salad to serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional chives for visual appeal. Versatile presentation allows enjoyment as standalone dish, atop fresh greens, inside sandwich, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Relish the harmonious blend of textures and robust flavors.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F, keeping it juicy and tender without becoming dry.
- Pat bacon dry with paper towels before crumbling to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy salad texture.
- Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or mayonnaise for different dietary preferences, keeping the creamy consistency intact.
- Replace traditional dressing with a lighter vinaigrette or use Greek yogurt as a base for a protein-packed, low-calorie alternative that maintains rich flavor profiles.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg