Paleo Warm Chicken BLT Salad
Try this Paleo Warm Chicken BLT Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Paleo Warm Chicken BLT Salad recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- dressing:
- 1/4 cup green onions thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1 bag mixed baby greens (i sometimes add some chopped ro or 1-2 head red leaf or green leaf, chopped
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 sweet bell pepper chopped
- 4 slices center cut bacon chopped (my favorite is trader joe's applewood smoked, nitrate -free, it's the most meaty i've found)
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs chopped small
- 3 tablespoons allowed mayonnaise
- Carbohydrate 77.5710676115463 g
- Cholesterol 94.120416775 mg
- Fat 8.080251013758 g
- Fiber 0.867888578443368 g
- Protein 22.9798392831666 g
- Saturated Fat 1.62738290854909 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (276g)
- Sodium 143.718686946842 mg
- Sugar 76.7031790331029 g
- Trans Fat 0.96166464717698 g
- Calories 472 calories
Step-by-step
- Whisk together dressing ingredients, set aside.
- Cook chopped bacon over medium heat until crispy, remove from heat to paper towels.
- Discard all but 1 tablespoon bacon grease, and saute the chicken, increasing the heat to medium-high.
- You want the chicken to be browned.
- When cooked through, pour all the contents over the salad and vegetables and toss with the dressing (to taste).
My Favorite Paleo Chicken Salad: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy, delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Between school pick-ups, work deadlines, and the never-ending cycle of laundry, whipping up something elaborate often falls by the wayside. That's why I've become a huge fan of quick, satisfying recipes that don't compromise on flavor or nutrition. This Paleo Warm Chicken BLT Salad is my absolute go-to for weeknight dinners – it’s ready in under 30 minutes, packed with protein and healthy fats, and tastes absolutely divine.
The beauty of this salad lies in its simplicity. It’s not fussy, it doesn’t require a mountain of ingredients, and it’s incredibly adaptable to whatever I have on hand. Sometimes I swap out the cherry tomatoes for whatever’s in season – juicy heirloom tomatoes in the summer, or roasted butternut squash in the fall. The mixed greens are also flexible; I often use a combination of spinach, romaine, and arugula for a more robust flavor profile. But the core components—crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and a tangy Dijon vinaigrette—remain constant, providing a delicious balance of textures and tastes.
The Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this recipe. They're more flavorful and stay juicy even after cooking. Chopping the chicken into small pieces ensures it cooks quickly and evenly. I usually season it simply with salt and pepper, letting the smoky bacon and vibrant vinaigrette take center stage. The quick sauté gives the chicken a nice sear, adding another layer of deliciousness.
The Bacon: Crispy bacon is the star of this show! The smoky flavor perfectly complements the chicken and the fresh greens. I’m a big fan of Trader Joe’s applewood smoked, nitrate-free bacon – it's meaty and provides the ideal level of saltiness. Be sure to cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy; this is key to achieving that satisfying crunch.
The Dressing: This simple Dijon vinaigrette is the perfect finishing touch. It's quick to whisk together and provides a tangy, bright counterpoint to the richness of the bacon and chicken. The olive oil adds a healthy dose of fats, while the white wine vinegar brightens up the flavors. A touch of thyme adds subtle warmth and complexity.
The Assembly: The best part about this salad is how easy it is to assemble. Simply toss the mixed greens with the chopped vegetables (I often add a sweet bell pepper for extra color and sweetness), then top with the cooked chicken and crispy bacon. Drizzle generously with the Dijon vinaigrette and toss gently to combine. It’s that simple!
Beyond the Dinner Table: This Paleo Warm Chicken BLT Salad is not just a weeknight dinner hero; it’s incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic lunch, a satisfying post-workout meal, or even a light and healthy supper. The leftovers are equally delicious, making it a great choice for meal prepping. I often make a double batch on Sundays, ensuring I have a quick and nutritious meal ready for the week ahead. This salad is also great for potlucks or picnics – it travels well and requires no reheating.
This recipe is a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that fuels your body and pleases your palate. So, the next time you're short on time but craving something flavorful and nutritious, give this Paleo Warm Chicken BLT Salad a try. You won't be disappointed!
Variations & Tips:
- Add some crunch: Toasted nuts or seeds like pecans, walnuts, or sunflower seeds would be a fantastic addition.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
- Make it a meal prep staple: Prepare the chicken, bacon, and dressing ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble the salad just before serving.
- Customize your veggies: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preferences and what's in season. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts would be delicious additions.
- Add avocado: For an extra dose of healthy fats and creaminess, add sliced avocado just before serving.
