Indulge in the rich flavors of this chopped chicken blue cheese salad, where savory and salty notes meld together in a satisfying symphony. With restaurant-quality taste and a mere 10 minutes to prepare, it’s a culinary delight that will leave you wanting more. The harmonious union of blue cheese and chicken is elevated by a creamy dressing, reminiscent of a traditional wedge salad but presented in a fresh, chopped format.
Why You’ll Love It
Indulge in a delightful medley of flavors and textures with this effortless salad, featuring tender rotisserie chicken, crisp iceberg lettuce, succulent Roma tomatoes, savory bacon, and pungent bleu cheese crumbles. The harmony of these components creates a truly satisfying experience. With prep time clocking in at just 10 minutes – thanks to the convenience of pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and straightforward ingredients – this salad is ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. Moreover, it’s an excellent choice for meal prep, as you can store the dressing separately. This versatile creation excels as a light lunch, hearty dinner, or side dish at your next social event or potluck, where it can be easily paired with other chopped salads. Feel free to put your own spin on this recipe by modifying the proportions of each ingredient or substituting them altogether.
How to Make a Chopped Salad
To get started, head to the printable recipe card for more detailed instructions along with weights and measurements. First, prep your lettuce by chopping it and then washing it thoroughly. Make sure to dry it completely before moving on to the next step. Next, combine all the ingredients – lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, bacon, red onion, cucumber, blue cheese, and ranch dressing – in a large bowl. Toss everything together until each component is evenly coated with the creamy dressing. To finish, transfer the salad to a platter or large salad bowl, add a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor, and top it off with some chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Substitutions and Variations
When it comes to this delectable chopped salad recipe, the star of the show is cooked chicken – whether you’re using rotisserie chicken or leftovers from oven-roasted or grilled breast and thighs. For an added layer of flavor, try substituting the usual iceberg lettuce with romaine for a slightly more robust taste and satisfying crunch. On the tomato front, swap out larger Roma varieties for bite-sized grape or cherry tomatoes – just be sure to remove their seeds before chopping. To elevate this salad to new heights, stir in your favorite mix-ins like red bell peppers, celery, apples, and other ingredients that bring you joy. And don’t forget to add some satisfying texture with chopped nuts like walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
How To Store
When it comes to storing leftover salad, an airtight container is essential. Keep it refrigerated for 1-2 days, as anything longer will result in wilted and soggy greens. The key is to wait until serving time before tossing in the dressing. As for freezing, I would advise against it, as this particular salad doesn’t lend itself well to preservation.
Top Tips
To save time, this salad can be prepared in just 10 minutes – assuming you don’t need to cook the bacon beforehand. If you’re short on time, you can easily substitute with fully-cooked bacon found at most grocery stores. To ensure a crisp texture and prevent sogginess, it’s essential to thoroughly dry the lettuce before assembly. A large, clean towel or salad spinner will help achieve this goal. Next, enhance the flavor by adding a ranch seasoning packet – this will take the taste to new heights. Additionally, a light sprinkle of garlic powder can also elevate the overall experience. Finally, be sure to taste and season the chicken if needed before incorporating it into the salad.
Chopped Chicken Blue Cheese Salad FAQs
To give this salad a vegetarian spin, consider substituting cooked diced tempeh or smoked tofu for the bacon and chicken. Alternatively, adding roasted chickpeas or crunchy croutons can add welcome texture. If you’re looking to prepare the salad in advance, it’s best to assemble everything just before serving to maintain that fresh crunch. However, you can prep individual ingredients ahead of time by chopping lettuce, tomatoes, and onions, then storing them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cooked chicken and bacon can also be prepared and stored in the fridge until ready to use. Feel free to get creative with your dressing choices too! While ranch or blue cheese dressing are great options, you can easily substitute these with other flavors like balsamic vinaigrette, honey mustard with Greek yogurt, or a tangy lemon juice-based vinaigrette made with extra-virgin olive oil.
Chopped Chicken Blue Cheese Salad Recipe
Chopped Chicken Blue Cheese Salad
With its perfect balance of crunchy and creamy elements, this mouthwatering chopped chicken blue cheese salad is sure to become a new favorite. The combination of textures and flavors is nothing short of addictive, making it the ideal dish for a quick yet satisfying meal. Prepare to be impressed with just 10 minutes of prep time and a total cooking time of 10 minutes – perfect for a busy evening or weekend lunch. This recipe serves four, so feel free to adjust as needed.
Instructions
To prepare the salad, start by washing the lettuce under cold running water, then pat it dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Next, combine the lettuce in a large bowl with cooked chicken, sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, thinly sliced red onion, refreshing cucumber, crumbly bleu cheese, and tangy ranch dressing. Season to taste with salt and pepper, ensuring each component is balanced. Toss the mixture gently until everything is well coated in the dressing. Finally, transfer the salad to a large platter or bowl and top it off with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Make this salad in no time! Depending on whether you need to cook the bacon beforehand, it can take as little as 10 minutes to prepare. If you’re short on time, pick up pre-cooked bacon at your local grocery store. To ensure a crunchy and fresh salad, make sure to thoroughly dry the lettuce. A large, clean towel or salad spinner will do the trick. Then, take your seasoning game to the next level by adding a ranch seasoning packet and a pinch of garlic powder. Don’t forget to taste and season the chicken before incorporating it into the mix – a quick check can make all the difference in the final flavor.