There’s something special about a well-made salad. It’s light yet satisfying, simple yet packed with flavor. One of the best salads for beginners is a chicken-based BLT-style salad, replacing traditional bacon with crispy beef or extra seasoned chicken for a delicious and pork-free version.
Print
BLT Chicken Salad: A Beginner-Friendly Delight
Juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and sweet tomatoes come together in this BLT Chicken Salad! A simple, protein-packed dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and perfect for any meal! 🥗🍗🥓✨
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (or use grilled beef strips as an alternative)
- 1 pound beef, diced and cooked until crisp (or replace with additional seasoned chicken)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- ½ cup light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Protein
If you are starting with raw chicken or beef, cook it first.
- For Chicken: Poach chicken breasts by placing them in a pot of water and simmering for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. You can also grill or pan-fry them for added flavor. Once cooked, chop or shred the chicken.
- For Beef: Dice the beef into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
If using pre-cooked chicken, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and move on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop all vegetables to ensure they are fresh and ready to go.
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
- Finely dice the red onion.
- Dice celery into small pieces for a mild crunch.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chopped cooked chicken
- Crispy beef (or additional seasoned chicken)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Celery
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
The salad can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious taste.
Notes
How to Tell If Chicken Is Cooked Properly
If you are cooking chicken from scratch, ensure it is fully cooked by checking for these signs:
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- The meat should be white all the way through with no pink in the center.
- Juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Avoiding Overcooked Vegetables
Red onion and celery should be crisp and fresh. If you accidentally chop them too far in advance, store them in a bowl of ice water to keep them from getting too soft before mixing them into the salad.
Making the Salad Ahead of Time
If preparing in advance, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. However, for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving.
Adjusting the Seasoning
If you find the dressing too mild, try adding a bit more lemon juice for tanginess, an extra pinch of salt, or a dash of paprika for warmth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
This recipe is perfect for those who want a quick and easy meal that doesn’t require advanced cooking skills. It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy days when you need something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing makes this salad a go-to option for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
If you are new to cooking, this is a great recipe to start with because it requires only basic chopping and mixing. There is no complicated technique involved, and even if you make small mistakes, the salad will still turn out delicious. This guide will walk you through each step, offering helpful tips to make the process as smooth as possible.
Ingredients and Preparation
Before starting, it is always best to gather all the ingredients to make the preparation process easier. Below is the list of ingredients along with possible substitutions in case you need to adjust based on availability or preference.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (or use grilled beef strips as an alternative)
- 1 pound beef, diced and cooked until crisp (or replace with additional seasoned chicken)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, finely diced
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- ½ cup light mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions:
- Chicken Options: If you do not have cooked chicken on hand, rotisserie chicken works great. Alternatively, you can cook your own by poaching or grilling chicken breasts and then shredding or chopping them.
- Beef Option: If using beef instead of bacon, choose a cut that crisps well when diced and cooked. Ground beef cooked with seasonings can also work as a substitute.
- Mayonnaise Alternatives: For a lighter dressing, Greek yogurt can be used in place of mayonnaise. It provides a tangy flavor while keeping the salad creamy.
- Additional Vegetables: Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots for extra crunch and nutrition.
Having all the ingredients prepped before starting will help make the process more efficient and enjoyable.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Protein
If you are starting with raw chicken or beef, cook it first.
- For Chicken: Poach chicken breasts by placing them in a pot of water and simmering for about 15 minutes until fully cooked. You can also grill or pan-fry them for added flavor. Once cooked, chop or shred the chicken.
- For Beef: Dice the beef into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Drain any excess fat and set aside.
If using pre-cooked chicken, simply chop it into bite-sized pieces and move on to the next step.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop all vegetables to ensure they are fresh and ready to go.
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half.
- Finely dice the red onion.
- Dice celery into small pieces for a mild crunch.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, mix the following ingredients:
- Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Black pepper
Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chopped cooked chicken
- Crispy beef (or additional seasoned chicken)
- Cherry tomatoes
- Red onion
- Celery
Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything together until well coated.
Step 5: Serve or Chill
The salad can be served immediately, but for the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld together for a more delicious taste.
Beginner Tips and Notes
How to Tell If Chicken Is Cooked Properly
If you are cooking chicken from scratch, ensure it is fully cooked by checking for these signs:
- The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) when measured with a meat thermometer.
- The meat should be white all the way through with no pink in the center.
- Juices should run clear when you cut into the thickest part.
Avoiding Overcooked Vegetables
Red onion and celery should be crisp and fresh. If you accidentally chop them too far in advance, store them in a bowl of ice water to keep them from getting too soft before mixing them into the salad.
Making the Salad Ahead of Time
If preparing in advance, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. However, for the best texture, add the dressing just before serving.
Adjusting the Seasoning
If you find the dressing too mild, try adding a bit more lemon juice for tanginess, an extra pinch of salt, or a dash of paprika for warmth.
Serving Suggestions
This BLT Chicken Salad is versatile and can be served in multiple ways depending on your preference.
1. Classic Salad Style
Serve the salad on a plate or in a bowl, garnished with extra cherry tomatoes or fresh herbs like parsley for a fresh finish.
2. Sandwich or Wrap
Spoon the salad into a whole wheat wrap, pita bread, or sandwich for a heartier meal. Add lettuce for extra crunch.
3. Stuffed Avocado or Bell Peppers
For a low-carb option, scoop the salad into halved avocados or bell peppers for a creative and nutrient-packed meal.
4. With Crackers or Toast
Enjoy the salad with whole-grain crackers or toast for a light but satisfying snack.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- If making it ahead, store the dressing separately and mix it in just before serving for the best texture.
- Avoid freezing the salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing does not freeze well and may separate when thawed.
Engagement Features
Cooking should be enjoyable, and part of that enjoyment comes from sharing experiences with others. If you try this recipe, consider making small tweaks to suit your taste and let others know how it turned out.
If you are new to cooking, what part of the recipe did you find the easiest? Did you make any changes to the ingredients that worked well? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.
For those who want to experiment further, try different seasonings or add-ins like chopped cucumbers, roasted bell peppers, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
This BLT Chicken Salad is a fantastic recipe to start with because it is forgiving, adaptable, and always delicious. Whether served as a salad, sandwich, or wrap, it is a meal that is sure to become a favorite.