Zesty Chicken BLT Taco Salad Delight
This vibrant and hearty Zesty Chicken BLT Taco Salad Delight brings together the best of both worlds in a refreshing summer dish! Featuring juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and an array of fresh vegetables, this salad is tossed in a tantalizing salsa and French dressing blend. With its layers of romaine or iceberg lettuce, flavorful toppings, and crunchy tortilla chips, this meal is perfect for hot summer nights when you want something delicious yet light. Serve it up as a satisfying main course, and enjoy the burst of flavors in every bite!
8
Servings
281
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chunky salsa
1/2 cup (None)
French dressing
1/2 cup (None)
bacon
8 slices (Cut into 1/2 inch pieces)
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (Cut into 1/2 inch slices)
romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce
6 cups (Torn into bite-sized pieces)
yellow bell pepper
1 medium (Coarsely chopped)
large tomatoes
2 (Coarsely chopped)
avocado
1 medium (Sliced into thin wedges)
shredded colby-monterey jack cheese
1 1/2 cups (None)
sour cream
1/4 cup (Optional)
small tortilla chips
1 cup (I used the small round Doritos)
Instructions
1
In a small mixing bowl, combine the chunky salsa and French dressing. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld.
2
In a large non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon pieces until they are crispy. Remove the bacon and let it drain on paper towels, leaving 1 tablespoon of the drippings in the skillet.
3
In the same skillet, add the sliced chicken breasts and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until they're fully cooked through and no longer pink. Once cooked, remove from heat and let them cool slightly. For a quicker chill, place the chicken in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
4
In a spacious salad bowl, start layering the ingredients: begin with a bed of torn romaine or iceberg lettuce, followed by the sliced chicken, crispy bacon, chopped yellow bell pepper, and tomatoes.
5
Drizzle the chilled salsa and French dressing mixture evenly over the layered salad, giving it a gentle toss to combine.
6
You can serve this salad immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
7
Just before serving, add the shredded colby-monterey jack cheese, avocado slices, a dollop of sour cream (if desired), and sprinkle with crunchy tortilla chips for added texture.
8
Tip: To save prep time, consider using pre-cooked chicken strips. To keep the avocado from browning, brush its surface with lemon juice if you're not serving it right away.
Nutrition Information
18g
Fat
16g
Carbs
16g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Chicken BLT Taco Salad Delight?
This is a vibrant and hearty summer dish featuring juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables tossed in a salsa and French dressing blend.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What ingredients are used for the dressing?
The dressing is made by combining 1/2 cup of chunky salsa and 1/2 cup of French dressing.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cut 8 slices of bacon into 1/2 inch pieces and cook them in a skillet until they are crispy.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken breast halves should be cooked for 4 to 6 minutes until they are fully cooked and no longer pink.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken strips to save preparation time.
What type of lettuce is recommended?
You can use 6 cups of either torn romaine or iceberg lettuce for the base of the salad.
What kind of cheese is added to the salad?
The recipe calls for 1 1/2 cups of shredded colby-monterey jack cheese.
How do I prevent the avocado from browning?
Brush the surface of the avocado slices with lemon juice if you are not serving the salad immediately.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 281 calories.
How much fat is in each serving?
There are 18 grams of fat in each serving.
What is the protein content of this salad?
Each serving provides 16 grams of protein.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 16 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fiber does the salad provide?
The salad provides 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
What specific vegetables are included?
The salad includes yellow bell pepper, large tomatoes, and avocado slices.
Is the dressing served warm or chilled?
The dressing should be mixed and refrigerated before being drizzled over the salad.
How should the salad be layered?
Start with a bed of lettuce, then layer the chicken, bacon, yellow bell pepper, and tomatoes.
Can the salad be prepared in advance?
Yes, the salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
When should the tortilla chips be added?
Add the tortilla chips just before serving to maintain their crunchy texture.
Is sour cream required for this recipe?
No, 1/4 cup of sour cream is an optional topping.
What kind of tortilla chips are used?
The recipe suggests 1 cup of small tortilla chips, such as small round Doritos.
How should the chicken be sliced for the salad?
The chicken breast halves should be cut into 1/2 inch slices.
Do I need oil to cook the chicken?
The chicken is cooked in 1 tablespoon of the drippings left over from the bacon.
What color of bell pepper is specified?
The recipe specifies using one medium yellow bell pepper.
How are the tomatoes prepared?
Use two large tomatoes and coarsely chop them before adding to the salad.
Should the chicken be hot when mixed in?
The chicken should be cooled slightly or chilled in the refrigerator for 30 minutes after cooking.
What are the primary flavor tags for this recipe?
Key tags include salad, chicken salad, taco salad, summer meal, and refreshing.
Is this recipe suitable for a main course?
Yes, it is designed as a satisfying main course salad.
How much salsa is needed?
You will need 1/2 cup of chunky salsa.
How much French dressing is used?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of French dressing.