Okay, friends, let’s talk salad! But not just ANY salad. I’m talking about my Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad. Seriously, this isn’t your boring, same-old-thing salad. It’s bursting with zesty lemon flavor, smoky grilled chicken, and that classic BLT crunch we all crave. And guess what? It’s actually pretty darn healthy! You know, I’ve been making this Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad for years – tweaking it here and there until it’s absolutely perfect. Trust me, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. It’s just *that* good!
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
Okay, picture this: you’re craving something light, but also, like, REALLY satisfying, right? That’s where this salad comes in!
- It’s ready in a flash! Seriously, quick prep is my middle name (okay, not really, but you get it!).
- The flavor? BOOM! That lemon just wakes everything up.
- Fresh ingredients are my jam, and this salad is packed with ’em!
- It’s actually good for you! We’re talkin’ healthy-ish, which is my kinda healthy.
- And the best part? You can totally make it your own. Add whatever veggies you’re feelin’!
Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad Ingredients
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need for this Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad, and trust me, quality ingredients make ALL the difference!
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each – you want ’em juicy!)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested (go for a nice, plump one!)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin, because we’re fancy like that!)
- Salt and pepper to taste (duh!)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (center-cut if you’re watching the waistline!)
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (I like a spring mix, but do *you*!)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (the sweeter, the better, I say!)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light or regular, whatever floats your boat!)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed, please! Bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it!)
- 6 slices toasted bread, cut into croutons (store-bought is fine, but homemade? *Chef’s kiss*)
Equipment You’ll Need
Okay, before we dive in, let’s make sure we’ve got all our tools ready! You’ll need a grill (or a grill pan if you’re stuck inside!), a couple of mixing bowls, a whisk, a good knife, a cutting board, and your trusty measuring cups and spoons. That’s it! Easy peasy!
How to Make Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad: Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We’re about to make some magic happen. Follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on the best Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad EVER in no time!
Marinating the Chicken for Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
First things first, let’s get that chicken marinating! Pop those chicken breasts in a bowl and pour over the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix, making sure everything’s coated. Now, cover it up and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. The longer, the better, honestly! That lemon juice not only adds flavor, but it also helps tenderize the chicken. Win-win!
Grilling the Chicken for Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
Okay, time to fire up that grill! Make sure it’s nice and hot before you throw the chicken on. We’re aiming for medium-high heat here. Grill each side for about 6-8 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. I *always* use a meat thermometer – trust me, it’s a lifesaver! Once it’s cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy!
Preparing the Fresh Lemon Dressing for Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
While the chicken’s resting, let’s whip up that dressing! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. That’s it! Super simple, right? If you’re feeling adventurous, you could even add a little garlic powder or Dijon mustard!
Assembling Your Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Grab a big bowl and toss together your salad greens, halved cherry tomatoes, cooked and crumbled bacon, and those crunchy croutons. Top it all off with the sliced grilled chicken, and then drizzle that amazing lemon dressing all over. Serve immediately, and prepare to be amazed! Seriously, this Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad is the BOMB!
Tips for the Best Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
Want to take your Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years!
- Whatever you do, DON’T overcook the chicken! Dry chicken is a salad killer.
- Seriously, splurge on good ingredients. Fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce – you get the idea!
- Toast those croutons! A little extra crunch makes all the difference.
- And hey, don’t be afraid to tweak the dressing! More lemon? Go for it! Less mayo? You do you!
Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad Variations
Okay, so you’ve made the basic Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad, and you’re obsessed (duh!). But what if you wanna mix things up? Girl, I got you! Here are a few fun twists to keep things interesting:
- Avocado, baby! Seriously, a few slices of creamy avocado take this salad to a whole new level.
- Get herby! Try adding some chopped dill or parsley for a little extra zing.
- Turkey bacon? Sure, why not! It’s a lighter option if you’re feeling virtuous.
- Grilled corn? OMG, YES! Adds a touch of sweetness that’s just divine.
- And cheese! Feta? Blue cheese? Go wild!
Frequently Asked Questions about Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
Got questions about my Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few things I get asked all the time:
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Absolutely! Chicken thighs are super flavorful, just make sure they’re cooked through!
- Can I make this salad ahead of time? You *can*, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The lettuce can get soggy. Better to prep the ingredients separately and assemble right before serving.
- What kind of lettuce is best for this salad? Honestly, whatever you like! I usually go for a spring mix, but romaine or even butter lettuce works great.
- Can I use store-bought dressing? Sure, but homemade is SO much better! Seriously, it takes like two seconds. But if you’re in a pinch, go for a lemon vinaigrette.
- How long does the dressing last? If you make the lemon dressing ahead, it’ll keep in the fridge for about 3 days. Just give it a good shake before using!
Nutritional Information for Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad
Okay, quick disclaimer, friends! The nutritional information for this Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad can vary *a lot* depending on the exact ingredients you use (like, different brands of mayo, bacon, etc.). So, I can’t give you super precise numbers. Just keep that in mind, okay?
Enjoyed This Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken Blt Salad Recipe?
So, did you love my Fresh Lemon Grilled Chicken BLT Salad as much as I do?! I really hope so! If you made it, please, PLEASE leave a comment below and tell me what you thought! Did you add avocado? Did you try turkey bacon? Also, don’t forget to rate the recipe! And hey, if you snapped a pic, share it on social media! I wanna see your creations!
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Disgustingly Good Fresh Lemon Chicken BLT Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Carb
Description
Enjoy a fresh and flavorful grilled chicken BLT salad with a zesty lemon twist.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed salad greens
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 6 slices toasted bread, cut into croutons
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper for 30 minutes.
- Grill chicken until cooked through. Let rest, then slice.
- Whisk together mayonnaise and lemon juice for dressing.
- Combine salad greens, tomatoes, bacon, and croutons in a bowl.
- Top with grilled chicken and drizzle with dressing.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust lemon juice to your taste.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess.
- Use your favorite type of lettuce.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salad
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg