Imagine a salad so irresistible that it transforms your ordinary lunch into a gourmet experience. The Chicken BLT Salad with Creamy Avocado Horned Melon Dressing is not just a meal—it's a culinary adventure that combines classic American flavors with an unexpected tropical twist. Packed with protein, bursting with fresh ingredients, and crowned with a dressing that will make your taste buds dance, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 avocado
- 1/2 horned melon
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken by dicing pre-cooked chicken into bite-sized, uniform pieces. If using raw chicken, season with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Drain on paper towels, then crumble into small pieces once cooled.
- Wash and chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Ensure lettuce is thoroughly dried to prevent dressing from becoming watery.
- Halve cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically, removing any excess seeds if desired.
- For the dressing, cut avocado in half, remove pit, and scoop flesh into a blender. Slice horned melon and add its pulp and seeds to the blender.
- Add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- In a large salad bowl, layer chopped romaine lettuce as the base. Top with diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.
- Drizzle creamy avocado horned melon dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently to ensure even coating.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional cracked black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Chicken Prep Matters: Always ensure your chicken is at room temperature before dicing to maintain moisture and even seasoning.
- Bacon Crispness is Key: Pat bacon dry after cooking to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy salad.
- Lettuce Technique: Use a salad spinner or pat lettuce dry with paper towels to prevent watery dressing.
- Dressing Consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little water or extra lemon juice to achieve the perfect drizzling texture.
- Temperature Timing: Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent wilting.
- Customization Hack: Feel free to add extra protein like hard-boiled eggs or swap bacon for turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 35g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 95mg
