Description
A refreshing and hearty BLT Chicken Salad combining tender diced chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh tomato, and mixed greens tossed in a creamy mayo-ranch dressing with a hint of balsamic vinegar. Perfect for a quick, protein-packed lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein & Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing & Toppings
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients: cooked chicken breast, crumbled bacon, diced tomato, mixed salad greens, thinly sliced red onion, shredded cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and salt.
- Make Dressing Base: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise and ranch dressing, stirring them together until fully mixed.
- Add Olive Oil and Vinegar: Stir in olive oil and balsamic vinegar until the liquids are well incorporated with the mayo and ranch dressing.
- Season Dressing: Add black pepper and salt to the dressing, mixing thoroughly for even seasoning.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Dice cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add Bacon: Crumble cooked bacon slices into small pieces and add them to the chicken in the bowl.
- Add Tomato: Dice the tomato and add it to the bowl with chicken and bacon.
- Add Onion: Thinly slice red onion and add to the bowl with other ingredients.
- Add Salad Greens: Add mixed salad greens on top of the chicken, bacon, tomato, and onion in the large bowl.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad.
- Toss Salad: Gently toss all ingredients together using tongs or a large spoon to mix everything evenly and coat with dressing.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust seasoning with extra salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately or refrigerate for up to an hour for a chilled option.
- Enjoy: Enjoy your delicious BLT Chicken Salad!
Notes
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 hour before serving.
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best flavor and texture.
- Feel free to substitute ranch dressing with a low-fat version for a lighter salad.
- Adding avocado or cucumber slices can add extra creaminess and crunch.
- For a dairy-free option, omit cheddar cheese and choose dairy-free mayonnaise and ranch dressing.
