Description
The Seven Layer Salad with Chicken is a fresh, colorful, and satisfying dish featuring layers of crisp vegetables, tender cooked chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. This easy-to-make salad brings vibrant textures and balanced flavors, making it perfect for casual lunches, potlucks, or elegant gatherings. Chilled to meld flavors, it offers a protein-packed, visually appealing, and healthy meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Vegetables
- 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup red onions, thinly sliced
Dressing
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 1/4 tsp natural gelling agent
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Finishing
- 1/3 cup shredded plant-based cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook diced chicken breast in a skillet until tender and juicy, seasoning with salt and black pepper. In another pan, crisp the smoked turkey bacon until crunchy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the Vegetables: Wash and prep all vegetables by chopping the romaine lettuce, halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing cucumber and red bell pepper, and thinly slicing the red onions to maintain distinct textures.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, combine natural mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the natural gelling agent to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that will spread evenly over the layers.
- Layer the Salad: Using a clear glass bowl or serving dish, start with a base layer of chopped romaine lettuce, followed by a layer of cooked chicken. Next add cherry tomatoes, then cucumbers, followed by red onions, red bell pepper, and smoked turkey bacon. Spread the creamy dressing evenly on top, and finish by sprinkling shredded plant-based cheese over the salad.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the textures to set. Serve chilled for best taste and presentation.
Notes
- Use the freshest vegetables possible to maximize crunch and flavor.
- Press down each layer gently to create distinct, even layers visible from the side.
- Apply a light spread of dressing to enhance flavors without overwhelming the salad.
- Refrigerate before serving to blend flavors beautifully.
- Cook chicken and bacon ahead of time to save prep time on assembly day.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Layering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: seven layer salad, chicken salad, layered salad, healthy salad, plant-based cheese salad
