BLT chicken salad

BLT Chicken Salad with Honey Mustard Dressing

In this article, I invite you to discover a delicious and comforting BLT chicken salad recipe, a perfect dish for quick lunches or light dinners. The name BLT comes from the main ingredients: Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomatoes. This salad is not only full of flavors but also has a variety of textures, offering a delightful culinary experience. Let's venture into this simple yet elegant recipe that is sure to become a family favorite.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

For the salad:
- 1 chicken breast (approximately 300 g)
- 1 head of lettuce or 1 bag of mixed salad
- 2 medium tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 100 g bacon, cooked until crispy
- 100 g cheddar cheese (or another favorite cheese)
- Croutons (to add crunch)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste

For the Honey Mustard dressing:
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 3 teaspoons honey
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar, if preferred)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by preparing all the ingredients. Cut the chicken breast into thick slices, the tomatoes into thin slices, and the cucumber into rounds. If using a head of lettuce, separate the leaves and wash them well under cold water.

2. Cooking the chicken: In a non-stick skillet, add a little olive oil and heat over medium heat. Season the chicken breast with salt and pepper, then fry for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden and cooked through. A trick for perfect chicken is to not flip it too often; let it brown well on one side before turning it over.

3. Preparing the bacon: In the same skillet or another pan, fry the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove it to a paper towel to absorb excess fat.

4. Making the Honey Mustard dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, honey, rice vinegar, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well until you have a smooth mixture. This sweet and tangy dressing will add a wonderful flavor to your salad.

5. Assembling the salad: In a large bowl, add the lettuce leaves, tomatoes, cucumber, crispy bacon, and diced cheddar cheese. Place the fried chicken slices on top and sprinkle croutons to add extra texture.

6. Serving: Drizzle the Honey Mustard dressing over the salad, gently tossing to combine all the ingredients. You can adjust the amount of dressing according to your preference. Serve immediately to keep the croutons crunchy.

Helpful tips:

- Variations of ingredients: You can experiment with different types of cheese, such as feta or mozzarella, or add avocado for extra creaminess. You can also substitute bacon with turkey breast or fried tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Custom croutons: If you want to make homemade croutons, cut a slice of bread into cubes, toss them with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then bake at 180°C for 10-15 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serving: This salad pairs perfectly with fresh lemonade or iced tea. You can also add some nuts or seeds for an extra crunch.

Nutritional benefits:

This BLT chicken salad is an excellent option for a balanced meal, being high in protein due to the chicken and bacon, as well as fiber from the vegetables. The cheddar cheese adds calcium, while the honey mustard dressing provides a flavorful note without adding too many calories.

Estimated calories per serving: 450-500 kcal, depending on the amount of dressing and type of cheese used.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I prepare the salad in advance? – While the salad is best served immediately after assembly, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from getting soggy.

2. What other ingredients can I add? – You can add avocado, olives, or even fruits like apples or pears to bring a contrast of flavors.

3. Is this salad suitable for a picnic meal? – Absolutely! It is easy to transport and can be served at room temperature.

4. How can I make the salad healthier? – Reduce the amount of mayonnaise in the dressing or use a lighter alternative. You can also replace the bacon with a leaner option.

This BLT chicken salad with honey mustard dressing is not only an easy recipe to make but also a meal full of flavors and textures that will bring joy to your table. Experiment with the ingredients and find the perfect combination for your tastes. Enjoy!