Create a Flavor-Packed BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep

Meal prepping has become a game-changer for busy weekdays, and one dish that’s perfect for this purpose is the delectable BLT Chicken Salad. This creamy, crunchy, and flavor-packed salad combines the classic BLT flavors with juicy rotisserie chicken, making it a versatile option for quick lunches or satisfying dinners. Whether you’re looking to streamline your meal planning or simply crave a delicious chicken salad, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite.

Table of Contents

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

To create this mouthwatering BLT Chicken Salad, you’ll need a few simple, fresh ingredients:

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 8 pieces of center-cut bacon, chopped
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or replace with mayonnaise entirely)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 1/3 cup diced green onions
• 2/3 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
• 1 diced avocado

Main Ingredients

The star of this salad is the shredded rotisserie chicken, which provides a juicy and tender base. The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch, while the avocado offers a creamy contrast. These key ingredients, combined with the fresh tomatoes and green onions, create the classic BLT flavor profile.

Optional Ingredients and Substitutions

For a healthier twist, you can use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the dressing. This substitution cuts down on calories and fat while still maintaining a creamy texture. If you prefer a richer flavor, feel free to use mayonnaise entirely.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Bacon

Start by cooking the chopped bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain the bacon on paper towels and set it aside to cool.</

Making the Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, ranch seasoning mix, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.

Combining Ingredients

Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked bacon, green onions, cherry tomatoes, and diced avocado to the bowl with the dressing.

Mixing and Chilling

Gently toss all the ingredients together until they’re evenly coated in the dressing. For best flavor, refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions

The versatility of BLT Chicken Salad makes it a great option for various serving ideas. Enjoy it on its own as a satisfying main dish, or use it to create delicious lettuce wraps or sandwiches. It also pairs well with a simple green salad or a side of whole-grain crackers for a complete and nourishing meal.

Nutritional Benefits of BLT Chicken Salad

This BLT Chicken Salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrition. The chicken provides a generous amount of lean protein, while the avocado and tomatoes offer healthy fats and essential vitamins and minerals. The Greek yogurt in the dressing adds a boost of probiotics and calcium. By choosing lower-fat bacon or turkey bacon, you can further enhance the nutritional profile of this dish.

Meal Prep Tips

One of the best things about BLT Chicken Salad is that it’s perfect for meal prepping. You can make a large batch at the beginning of the week and enjoy it for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week. To keep the ingredients fresh, store the dressing separately from the salad components and toss them together just before serving. The salad can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

Variations of BLT Chicken Salad

While the classic BLT Chicken Salad is delicious as is, you can also experiment with different variations to suit your taste preferences. Try adding diced celery or shredded carrots for extra crunch, or swap the tomatoes for diced bell peppers. For a spicy twist, you can incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce. Additionally, you can use different types of dressings, such as a honey-Dijon vinaigrette or a creamy Italian-style dressing.

FAQs about BLT Chicken Salad

1. What ingredients are typically included in a BLT Chicken Salad?

A traditional BLT Chicken Salad includes cooked and diced chicken breast, crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Additional ingredients may include mayonnaise or a dressing of your choice, cheese, avocado, and various seasonings to enhance the flavor.

2. How can I make BLT Chicken Salad healthier?

To make a healthier version of BLT Chicken Salad, you can use grilled chicken instead of fried, opt for turkey bacon or a lower-fat alternative, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, and increase the amount of leafy greens and vegetables. You can also reduce the portion of bacon to lower the calorie count.

3. Can I prepare BLT Chicken Salad in advance?

Yes, you can prepare BLT Chicken Salad in advance. However, it’s best to store the dressing separately until you’re ready to serve to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. The salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

4. What are some good side dishes to serve with BLT Chicken Salad?

BLT Chicken Salad pairs well with various side dishes, such as whole-grain bread or rolls, fresh fruit, vegetable sticks with dip, or a light soup. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad for a more filling meal.

Conclusion

Preparing a batch of BLT Chicken Salad for meal prep is a smart and delicious way to streamline your weekday meals. With its creamy texture, crunchy bacon, and fresh flavors, this salad is sure to become a new lunchtime or dinnertime favorite. Whether you enjoy it on its own or in a variety of creative ways, the BLT Chicken Salad is a versatile and nourishing option that will have you looking forward to your next meal.

More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Classic Chicken Salad
• Hawaiian Chicken Salad
• Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Quesadilla Bake
• Loaded Bacon Ranch Chicken Skillet

Craving even more magical meals? Browse Amelia’s Pinterest boards for quick dinners, cozy bakes, and tons of flavorful inspiration.

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