Description
A fresh and flavorful BLT Chicken Salad combining tender diced chicken breast, crispy bacon, crisp mixed greens, juicy tomatoes, and sharp cheddar cheese, all tossed in a creamy mayo and ranch dressing with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette twist. Perfect for a quick, satisfying, and healthy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salad Ingredients
- 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
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Dressing
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Gather Ingredients: Start by gathering all the ingredients including the cooked chicken, bacon, tomato, salad greens, red onion, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise, ranch dressing, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, and salt.
- Prepare Dressing Base: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ranch dressing, stirring until fully mixed for a creamy base.
- Incorporate Liquids: Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar to the mayo-ranch mixture, stirring well to blend the flavors smoothly.
- Season Dressing: Season the dressing with black pepper and salt, mixing thoroughly for even seasoning.
- Prepare Salad Ingredients: Dice the cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and place in a large bowl.
- Add Bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon slices into small pieces and add to the bowl with the chicken.
- Add Tomato: Dice the tomato and add it to the bowl with chicken and bacon.
- Add Onion: Thinly slice the red onion and add to the salad mixture.
- Add Greens: Place the mixed salad greens on top of the other ingredients in the large bowl.
- Add Dressing: Pour the prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients to coat them well.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the salad.
- Toss Salad: Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss all ingredients together ensuring even distribution of dressing and toppings.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and add additional salt or pepper if needed for preferred seasoning.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for the freshest taste or refrigerate for up to an hour to enjoy it chilled.
- Enjoy: Savor your delicious and satisfying BLT Chicken Salad!
Notes
- For a lighter dressing, reduce the mayonnaise or use low-fat mayo.
- Ensure the chicken and bacon are cooked and cooled before adding to the salad.
- Tomatoes can be substituted with grape or cherry tomatoes cut in halves for convenience.
- Add avocado slices for extra creaminess and nutrition.
- This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day.
- Adjust the seasoning and dressing amount to taste preference.
