Description
The Seven Layer Salad with Chicken is a fresh, vibrant, and hearty dish combining crisp vegetables, tender shredded chicken, smoky turkey bacon, and creamy plant-based cheese. Balanced with a tangy, light dressing made from plant-based Greek yogurt and natural ingredients, this colorful layered salad offers a rich protein boost and satisfying textures. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a healthy lunch, it is easy to prepare and customizable to suit various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Meat
- 1 ½ cups cooked shredded chicken breast
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, crisped and chopped
Vegetables
- 4 cups crisp romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup sweet corn kernels (cooked or canned, drained)
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Cheese
- ½ cup shredded plant-based cheese
Dressing
- ½ cup plant-based Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (natural)
- ¼ teaspoon natural gelling agent
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cook and shred the chicken breast. Crisp the smoked turkey bacon and chop into pieces. Chop the romaine lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion to have all vegetables ready for assembly.
- Make the Creamy Dressing: In a bowl, whisk together the plant-based Greek yogurt, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural), apple cider vinegar (natural), and natural gelling agent until the dressing is smooth and lightly thickened, providing a tangy and umami flavor.
- Layer the Salad: In a clear glass bowl or large serving dish, layer the ingredients starting with the romaine lettuce as the base. Add layers of cherry tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, red onion, shredded chicken, smoked turkey bacon, and shredded plant-based cheese. Spread the prepared dressing evenly over the top of the layered salad.
- Garnish and Chill: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley evenly over the salad for a fresh herbal note and vibrant color. Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh and crisp vegetables for the best texture and flavor.
- Layer ingredients carefully to maintain distinct visual layers and balanced taste in each bite.
- Chill the salad before serving to enhance flavor melding and texture.
- Shred chicken evenly to distribute protein throughout the salad without clumping.
- Adjust the amount of natural gelling agent to keep the dressing creamy yet pourable.
- For extra garnish, add fresh herbs like chives, a drizzle of olive oil, or freshly cracked black pepper.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; keep dressing separate for crisper vegetables.
- Freezing is not recommended to preserve texture and flavor.
- This salad is best enjoyed cold; warm chicken separately if preferred before adding to the salad.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: No-bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: seven layer salad, chicken salad, healthy salad, layered salad, plant-based cheese, smoked turkey bacon, creamy dressing, fresh vegetables
