Description
The Seven Layer Salad with Chicken is a colorful, crunchy, and satisfying layered salad that combines tender chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and fresh vegetables with a creamy plant-based dressing. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this salad offers a delightful blend of textures and flavors, balanced with nutritious, wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed
- 6 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
Vegetables and Greens
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, washed and chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup plant-based mayonnaise (natural)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon natural gelling agent-based dressing
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup sharp plant-based cheddar cheese (plant-based)
- Optional garnishes: freshly cracked black pepper, chopped fresh herbs (chives or parsley), toasted sunflower seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the chicken breast thoroughly, then shred or cube it into bite-sized pieces. In a skillet, cook the smoked turkey bacon until crispy, then crumble it into small bits. Set both aside to cool before assembling.
- Chop the Fresh Ingredients: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce into manageable pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion to prepare all the fresh layers. Keeping veggies crisp is key for vibrant texture.
- Make the Dressing: In a mixing bowl, whisk together plant-based mayonnaise (natural), apple cider vinegar, a touch of the natural gelling agent-based dressing, and seasoning to taste. This creamy dressing will bring the salad layers together beautifully without overpowering the freshness.
- Layer the Salad: In a clear glass bowl or trifle dish, start by laying down the romaine lettuce as the first layer. Next, evenly spread the chopped cucumber, followed by the crumbled smoked turkey bacon, then shredded chicken. Continue with the cherry tomatoes, red onion, and finally, sprinkle the sharp plant-based cheddar cheese (plant-based) on top for a colorful finish.
- Add Dressing and Chill: Pour or spoon the dressing over the top layer gently, allowing some to drip through the layers for a natural infusion of flavor. Cover the salad and chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. Chilling lets the flavors meld and the textures remain wonderfully crisp.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken breast for the best flavor and texture.
- Chill all ingredients before assembling to keep the salad crisp and refreshing.
- Layer ingredients gently to avoid crushing softer textures and ensure appealing rows.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent-based dressing to achieve your preferred dressing consistency.
- Prepare ingredients a day ahead and assemble just before serving for maximum freshness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Assembly
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
Keywords: seven layer salad, layered salad, chicken salad, plant-based dressing, smoked turkey bacon, healthy salad, crunchy salad
