Name: 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs cooked chicken breast; 6 oz cooked bacon, crumbled; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup ranch dressing; 1 cup chopped tomatoes; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 0.5 cup hard-boiled eggs, sliced

Okay, picture this: Is there If it’s a potluck, everyone’s going to bring their “A” game, and you need something that is not just good, but also fun. *gone* in minutes. What is my 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad? What are some of the best green salads you’ve ever had? What’s the best 7 layer dip? Chicken and a whole lot more. Think of it as a symphony of textures and flavors – creamy, crunchy, savory, and just the little bit bit. What is your favorite chicken bacon ranch salad recipe? What is gathering, too

What is a 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad?

What is this magical creation? What is a layered salad? It starts with a base of crisp lettuce, followed by layers of juicy chicken, crispy bacon (because, because, I’m lazy) and ends with some sour cream. ), sweet tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, creamy ranch dressing, and usually some green onions for a salad. Think of it as a deconstructed sandwich, or loaded baked potato in salad form. What is comfort food disguised as healthy? Is it easy to put together but looks amazing, which is a win in my book?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

What is the recipe for this 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad? What is a flavor bomb waiting to explode in your mouth? What I love about this recipe is its simplicity. What are some of the best ways to layer ingredients without cooking them. Is it easy to throw together a party when you’re short on time?

First, the flavor profile is amazing. The smoky bacon combined with the savory chicken, sweet tomatoes, and tangy ranch is just a match made in heaven. What is made in heaven? It’s a party in your mouth! I always use thick-cut bacon for extra flavor and that satisfying crunch. What makes a difference?

Plus, it’s incredibly cost-effective. Can you use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time? I sometimes buy a rotisserie chicken on Sunday and use it in this salad (and other things)! What is a good way to stretch your grocery budget? How do you adapt the ingredients based on what you have on hand or what’s on sale?

And finally, the versatility! Can you serve this salad as a main course, side dish, or even as an appetizer with tortilla chips? I’ve seen people put it in a wrap! What’s a good weeknight dinner? Compared to Caesar salad, which requires a bit more effort with the dressing and is more flavorful than that. What’s your take on this 7-layer chicken bacon ranch salad?

How do I make a 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad?

Quick Overview

Making this salad is as easy as 1, 2, 3… well, more like 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7! You simply layer the ingredients in a large bowl or trifle dish, starting with lettuce and ending with a generous drizzle of ranch dressing. The beauty of this recipe is that there’s no real cooking involved, aside from the bacon and chicken (unless you’re using pre-cooked). It’s quick, easy, and perfect for those days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the layered presentation is just gorgeous – it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach!

Ingredients

For the Base:
* 1 head of iceberg lettuce, shredded (crispness is key) (the lettuce will have a very soft texture
* 1 (15-ounce) can of kidney beans, rinsed and drained (adds a bit of heartiness) (see recipe)
* 1 cup of frozen corn, thawed (adds a touch of sweetness)

For the protein:
* 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is your friend here)
* 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled (the star of the show!

For the Toppings:
* 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved (sweet and juicy)
* 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (because cheese makes everything better).
* 12 cup thinly sliced green onions (for a bit of bite) * 1/4 cup fresh green onion (slice)
* 1 (16-ounce) bottle of ranch dressing (or your favorite homemade version)!

How do I get started

Step 1: Prep the Lettuce

Start by shredding your iceberg lettuce. I like to rinse it well and then spin it dry in a salad spinner to remove any excess water. How do you prevent salad from becoming soggy? Then, spread the lettuce evenly in the bottom of a large bowl or trifle dish. What is the recipe for Bacon Ranch Salad?

Step 2: Layer the Beans and Corn

Next, add a layer of rinsed and drained kidney beans, followed by thawed corn. What are some of the best ingredients for salad? Make sure to spread them evenly over the lettuce. I sometimes use black beans and corn for a bit of color and variety.

Step 3: Add the Chicken

Now it’s time for the chicken! Spread the shredded or diced chicken evenly over the corn and beans. I usually use leftover rotisserie chicken, but you can also use grilled or baked chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked and cooled before adding it to the salad.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Bacon

What is the best part? Sprinkle the cooked bacon over the chicken. What makes this salad so good? I always cook my bacon until it’s nice and crispy for maximum flavor and crunch.

Step 5: Add the Tomatoes and Cheese

Add a layer of halved grape tomatoes and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes. What are some of the best ingredients for salad? I love grape tomatoes because they’re sweet and flavorful, but you can also use cherry tomatoes as well. I use a grape tomato every day. Roma tomatoes or diced tomatoes. If you like a milder flavor, you could use ‘Colby Jack’ blend.

Step 6: Drizzle with Ranch Dressing

Now it’s time for the ranch dressing! Drizzle the ranch dressing evenly over the cheese and tomatoes. I like to use a good quality ranch dressing, but you can also make your own. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the ranch for dipping.

Step 7: Garnish with Green Onions

What should I garnish with green onions? What are some of the best ways to add color to a salad? I sometimes add a sprinkle of paprika for an extra touch of color.

Step 8: Chill and Serve

Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. How do you get the flavors to meld together? Can you make this salad ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours? Just be sure to add the ranch dressing right before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming mushy.

Serving Suggestions

What are some good side dishes to serve with the 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad? What are tortilla chips? What’s a great meal to make for potlucks? How do I make my own mini-salad?

What is the best way to serve it?

What is a good side dish to serve with chicken and bacon? What are some good ideas to round out your meal?

For a BBQ:Serve with grilled burgers, hot dogs, or ribs. The coolness of the salad is a great contrast to the smoky flavors of grill.

For a Picnic:Pack it with sandwiches, fruit salad, and chips. What is a perfect make-ahead dish for preparing supper in the summer?

As a light dinner:Serve with crusty bread or garlic toast. What are some good ways to soak up ranch dressing?

With a Twist: I have seen this served in individual cups as a unique appetizer too. Super cute and easy to eat standing up!

My family loves it alongside corn on the cob and watermelon in the summertime. What is the best, easiest meal you have ever had?

How do I make a 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad?

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make this 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad even better. Here are my top tips:

Lettuce Prep: Make sure your lettuce is thoroughly dried to prevent a soggy salad. I use a salad spinner, but you can also pat it dry with paper towels.

Bacon Perfection: Cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy for maximum flavor and crunch. I like to cook mine in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. It’s less messy than frying it on the stovetop. You can also save your bacon grease.

Ranch Dressing: Use a good quality ranch dressing, or make your own for an extra special touch. I have a great homemade ranch recipe that I’ll share soon!

Layering Order: The order of the layers is important! Start with the lettuce to create a barrier between the dressing and the other ingredients. This will help keep the salad from becoming soggy.

Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to substitute ingredients based on your preferences. You can use different types of beans, cheese, or vegetables. I’ve even added avocado for extra creaminess!

Make Ahead: You can make this salad ahead of time, but be sure to add the ranch dressing right before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. I usually assemble the salad and store it in the refrigerator, then add the dressing just before serving.

I actually made this once and realized I didn’t have any green onions! I used some finely diced red onion instead, and it was actually really good – a little bit stronger, but it worked perfectly. Don’t be afraid to improvise!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Here’s how to properly store your 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad and keep it tasting its best:

Room Temperature: This salad is best served cold, so I don’t recommend leaving it at room temperature for more than a couple of hours.

Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The lettuce may start to wilt after that, so it’s best to eat it as soon as possible.

Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the lettuce and dressing will not thaw well. The texture will be off, and it just won’t be as good.

Glaze Timing Advice: As I mentioned before, if you’re making this ahead of time, wait to add the ranch dressing until just before serving. This will help keep the lettuce from becoming soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just make sure your ranch dressing is gluten-free. Most store-bought brands are, but it’s always good to double-check. All the other ingredients in this salad are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

While iceberg lettuce is the traditional choice for this salad, you can certainly use other types of lettuce. Romaine lettuce or butter lettuce would also work well. Just keep in mind that they may not be as crisp as iceberg lettuce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, you can easily make this vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon. You can add extra beans or vegetables to make it more filling.

Can I use a different type of dressing?

Of course! While ranch dressing is the classic choice, you can use any dressing you like. Thousand Island dressing, blue cheese dressing, or even a simple vinaigrette would all be delicious.

How can I make this salad spicier?

If you like a little kick, try adding some diced jalapeños, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the salad. You can also use a spicy ranch dressing.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my go-to 7-Layer Chicken Bacon Ranch Salad recipe! It’s quick, easy, delicious, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re headed to a potluck, a barbecue, or just need a simple weeknight dinner, this salad is sure to be a hit. And the best part? It’s totally customizable, so you can adapt it to your own tastes and preferences. If you love easy, delicious recipes that are always a hit, you should definitely give this a try!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as my family and I do. If you try it, be sure to leave a comment and let me know how it turns out! I’d love to hear your variations and tips. Happy salad-making!