Description
This Seven Layer Salad with Chicken is a vibrant and colorful dish combining crisp textures and rich flavors. Featuring shredded cooked chicken breast, smoky turkey bacon, creamy plant-based cheese, and fresh vegetables bound with a light, natural gelling dressing, it is perfect for family meals, gatherings, or quick dinners. Each layer offers taste and nutrition with fresh herbs and a tangy dressing, creating a delicious and protein-packed salad ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Bacon
- 1 cup cooked, shredded chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
Fresh Vegetables
- 3 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup red onion, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup cooked green peas
Creamy Dressing
- 1/2 cup natural mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley or dill), finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon natural gelling agent
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese Layer
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Protein and Bacon: Cook and shred the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. Cook smoked turkey bacon until crisp, chop into small chunks, and set aside.
- Layer the Fresh Vegetables: Wash and dry the romaine lettuce well. Chop into bite-sized strips and place as the first layer in a large serving dish. Evenly distribute sliced cucumbers, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onions, and cooked green peas as the next layers in order.
- Mix the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, combine the natural mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and the natural gelling agent. Whisk the mixture until smooth and well combined.
- Add the Cheese and Protein Layers: Sprinkle the chopped plant-based cheese evenly over the vegetable layers. Then scatter the shredded chicken and crispy turkey bacon on top.
- Top with Dressing and Chill: Spread the dressing mixture gently but thoroughly over the top layer. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
- Prepare ingredients ahead by cooking and chopping chicken and bacon to save time when assembling.
- Ensure greens are dry to prevent a soggy salad.
- Layer ingredients evenly for balanced flavors and visual appeal.
- Chill the salad before serving to let the dressing set and meld the flavors.
- Use fresh herbs to elevate aroma and taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: seven layer salad, chicken salad, plant-based cheese, turkey bacon salad, colorful salad, quick dinner, protein salad, fresh vegetable salad
