BLT Chicken Salad

Welcome to SousVideRecipe.com! I’m Jasmine, a home cook who fell in love with sous vide the moment I realized it could turn everyday meals into restaurant-quality dishes with perfect consistency. My goal is to make sous vide cooking approachable and fun for real home kitchens — no complicated steps, just flavorful, reliable recipes anyone can master. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, I’m here to inspire you to enjoy cooking and create unforgettable meals one perfectly cooked bite at a time.

The BLT Chicken Salad has become a favorite in my home not just for its wonderful flavors, but also for its versatility. I remember the first time I combined all these delicious ingredients. The crispy bacon mingled with tender chicken, and the creamy dressing brought it all together beautifully. Each bite burst with freshness from the green onions and grape tomatoes, while the diced avocado added that perfect touch of creaminess.

While I enjoyed making this salad on busy weeknights, its appeal extends to gatherings and picnics as well. Friends and family always rave about the flavors, and I appreciate that it comes together in a matter of minutes. With just a handful of ingredients, I craft a dish that delights everyone at the table. Today, let’s dive into the world of BLT Chicken Salad and discover how to whip up this fantastic meal.

BLT Chicken Salad Fundamentals

Preparation/setup

Creating the perfect BLT Chicken Salad starts with gathering your ingredients. You’ll need 4 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, which makes this dish both convenient and packed with flavor. Next, you’ll gather 8 strips of chopped center-cut bacon. This brings that classic BLT crunch and flavor we all love to the salad.

Don’t forget the fresh components! You’ll want 1/3 cup of diced green onions and 2/3 pint of halved grape tomatoes. The freshness of these veggies elevates the salad, making every forkful refreshing and enjoyable. A diced avocado adds a creamy texture, enhancing the overall experience of the dish.

Make sure you have 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt and 1/3 cup of mayonnaise on hand. These ingredients form the base of a tangy dressing that ties all the flavors together. Finishing it off is a tablespoon of ranch seasoning and half a teaspoon of cracked pepper, adding depth and seasoning that transforms this chicken salad into something special.

Ingredients

• 4 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
• 8 strips bacon (chopped, center cut)
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
• 1/3 cup green onions (diced)
• 2/3 pint grape tomatoes (halved or quartered)
• 1 avocado (diced)

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Whisk in ranch seasoning and pepper until well combined.
2. Add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and diced green onions to the bowl. Mix until fully incorporated.
3. Gently fold in halved grape tomatoes.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as preferred.
5. Right before serving, gently toss in diced avocado.
6. Chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving.

Crafting the Perfect BLT Chicken Salad

Technique

Using shredded rotisserie chicken simplifies the process greatly. It saves time and ensures that the chicken remains moist and flavorful. When choosing your chicken, look for one that is freshly prepared to enhance the overall taste of your salad.

Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, as this provides that satisfying crunch in each bite. Center-cut bacon offers a healthier option with less fat, making it an ideal choice for a salad.

Tips/tricks

An excellent way to ensure maximum flavor is to let the chicken salad chill for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. If you need to prepare it in advance, consider prepping the ingredients separately and combining them just before serving to maintain the freshness of the avocado.

If you want to elevate your salad even further, consider experimenting with your seasoning. Adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or a dash of hot sauce can create an exciting flavor boost.

Enhancing Your BLT Chicken Salad

Perfecting results

Achieving the ideal consistent flavor comes down to balancing the creamy elements with the crunchy ones. The Greek yogurt and mayonnaise add creaminess, while the bacon and green onions provide that satisfying texture. To maintain the balance, taste your mixture before adding extra salt or seasoning. You want each ingredient to shine without overpowering the others.

If you love texture, consider experimenting with additional crunchy ingredients like celery or bell peppers. These will add freshness and an extra layer of crunch to your chicken salad.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you experience any issues with the consistency of your chicken salad, simply adjust the ratio of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. If it feels too thick, a touch more mayonnaise can create that desirable creaminess. Conversely, if you want to lighten it a bit, add more yogurt.

For variation, substitute the bacon with alternatives like turkey bacon or smoked chicken for a different flavor profile. You can also customize the salad by incorporating seasonal vegetables like diced cucumbers or shredded carrots for added crunch and color.

Serving Your BLT Chicken Salad

Presentation

A beautifully presented salad not only enhances the visual appeal but also excites the palate. Serve your BLT Chicken Salad in a large, shallow bowl to allow for easy mixing and serving. Garnish with a sprinkle of additional diced green onions or a few halved grape tomatoes on top for a pop of color.

Consider pairing the salad with a fresh bed of mixed greens to create a fuller meal. This not only increases the volume but also pairs wonderfully with the creamy dressing.

Pairings/storage

This BLT Chicken Salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread or your favorite crackers. For a low-carb option, serve it in lettuce wraps for a tasty, fresh bite.

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains delicious for up to 3 days. Make sure to store it without the diced avocado, as it can brown quickly. Add the avocado fresh when serving to maintain its vibrant color and creamy texture.

Creating a delicious BLT Chicken Salad should excite anyone who enjoys vibrant flavors and effortless cooking. Balancing the components results in an unforgettable meal that delights the senses. By following along with each section, you’ll produce a winning dish perfect for lunch, picnics, or casual dinners, all while impressing family and friends along the way. Enjoy the ease of cooking with quality ingredients as you craft this satisfying recipe.

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