Are you craving a mouthwatering dish that combines the perfect blend of savory flavors and creamy textures? Look no further than this irresistible Turkey Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad! Imagine tender shredded chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables, all brought together with a tangy ranch dressing that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a satisfying meal prep option, this recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 strips turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by shredding the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Ensure the chicken is cooled to room temperature.
- Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden brown. Remove from pan and let cool on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
- Dice the celery into small, uniform pieces, creating a consistent texture for the salad. Slice the green onions thinly, including both white and green parts.
- Crumble the cooled turkey bacon into small, crunchy fragments using your hands or a knife.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, diced celery, and sliced green onions.
- Pour the ranch dressing over the mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Gently fold the ingredients together to distribute the dressing thoroughly.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste, mixing well to incorporate the seasonings.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving.
- Serve chilled on a bed of lettuce, in a sandwich, or with crackers as desired.
Tips
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly grilled chicken for the best flavor and texture.
- For extra crunch, toast the bacon until it's extra crispy and breaks into small, delightful pieces.
- Let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt-based ranch dressing or a homemade low-fat ranch.
- Add some additional crunch by mixing in chopped almonds or sunflower seeds.
- For meal prep, store the salad in an airtight container and consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
- Experiment with different herbs like fresh dill or chives to customize the flavor profile.
- Serve on a bed of mixed greens, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling for versatile meal options.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 85mg
