BLT Chicken Salad (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (about one whole chicken)
02 - 8 strips center cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
03 - 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
04 - 1/3 cup green onions, diced (about 3-4 green onions)
05 - 1 ripe avocado, diced

→ Creamy Dressing

06 - 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use additional mayonnaise)
07 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
08 - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (dry mix)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

→ For Serving (Optional)

10 - Club crackers, Ritz crackers, or tortilla chips
11 - Cucumber rounds
12 - Romaine or butter lettuce leaves for wraps

# Instructions:

01 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Add the ranch seasoning and freshly cracked black pepper, then whisk again until all seasonings are evenly incorporated throughout the dressing. This creamy base is the foundation of flavor for your chicken salad.
02 - Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped crispy bacon, and diced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold these ingredients into the creamy mixture until everything is well coated. The warm, savory flavors of the chicken and bacon will begin to meld with the creamy dressing.
03 - Add the halved or quartered grape tomatoes to the mixture. Fold them in gently to avoid crushing them, as you want them to maintain their shape and fresh texture. The tomatoes add a bright pop of color and juicy freshness to balance the rich, creamy elements of the salad.
04 - Take a small taste of the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings if needed. You might want to add a little more ranch seasoning, black pepper, or even a pinch of salt depending on your preference. Remember that the flavors will develop further as the salad chills in the refrigerator.
05 - When you're ready to serve the chicken salad, gently fold in the diced avocado. You can either mix it into the entire batch if you're serving it all at once, or add it to individual portions if you're meal prepping. Adding the avocado just before serving prevents it from browning and maintains its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
06 - Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set up properly. If you're in a hurry, you can serve it immediately, but the flavor will be even better after chilling.
07 - Serve the BLT Chicken Salad with your choice of accompaniments - on club crackers, with tortilla chips, cucumber rounds, or as a filling for lettuce wraps or romaine boats. For a more substantial meal, it can also be enjoyed on toasted bread as a sandwich or stuffed into a pita pocket.

# Notes:

01 - This BLT Chicken Salad is high in protein (40g per serving) and perfect for meal prep, lasting 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
02 - Using a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates a creamy, tangy dressing with less fat than traditional all-mayonnaise versions.
03 - Rotisserie chicken is a convenient time-saver, but you can substitute with any cooked chicken you have on hand - grilled, poached, or even canned chicken works well.
04 - For the best flavor and texture contrast, make sure the bacon is cooked until crispy before adding it to the salad.