Elevate your salad game with this vibrant and hearty Italian BLT Chicken Salad! This recipe combines the bold flavors of smoky, crispy bacon, juicy grilled chicken seasoned to perfection, and sweet, tangy cherry tomatoes, all nestled on a bed of crisp romaine lettuce. Fresh basil leaves and shredded Parmesan cheese lend an authentic Italian flair, while crunchy croutons add the perfect texture. Drizzled with zesty Italian dressing, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing, making it an ideal choice for a light lunch or dinner. Ready in just 35 minutes, this easy-to-follow recipe will delight your taste buds with its fresh ingredients and balance of flavors. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight meals, this Italian-inspired twist on the classic BLT is sure to become a family favorite!
Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Brush the chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper on both sides.
Grill the chicken breasts for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
While the chicken cooks, in a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, about 7-8 minutes. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain, then crumble it into small pieces once cooled.
Wash and dry the romaine lettuce, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large salad bowl.
Cut the cherry tomatoes in half and add them to the salad bowl along with the crumbled bacon, fresh basil leaves, shredded Parmesan cheese, and croutons.
Add the grilled chicken slices to the salad bowl and drizzle the Italian dressing over the top. Toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.
Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve the Italian BLT Chicken Salad immediately as a light lunch or dinner. Enjoy!
Calories |
1598 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 87.9 g | 113% | |
| Saturated Fat | 25.0 g | 125% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 17.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 376 mg | 125% | |
| Sodium | 4668 mg | 203% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 50.8 g | 18% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.9 g | 21% | |
| Total Sugars | 19.4 g | ||
| Protein | 147.3 g | 295% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 608 mg | 47% | |
| Iron | 6.4 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1059 mg | 23% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.