Bite into better chicken salad with our Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad recipe that features an ultra-satisfying dressing made with Lifeway Organic Whole Milk Plain Kefir. Our probiotic kefir makes a terrific base for chilled salads like chicken salad, pasta salad, fruit salad, and more since it’s thick and creamy like mayo, but much better for you since it’s packed with live probiotics and complete protein.
In this simple Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad, we blended our plain whole milk kefir with ranch-style herbs and seasonings before mixing it with cooked, chilled chicken and savory turkey bacon. Crunchy celery and red onions add a crispy, zesty bite, while a finish of fresh lemon brings everything together beautifully.
If you’re looking for an extra boost of natural protein, we suggest adding Lifeway Farmer Cheese into this salad’s base with our kefir or adding a couple dollops on top. Either way, we’re sure you’ll love this easy, meal-prep friendly recipe as much as we do, especially knowing it’s great for your gut because it’s made with Lifeway.
Check out the recipe below, then head to a store near you to shop for Lifeway Kefir and our other probiotic products. Want more recipe inspiration? We’ve got plenty of delicious options to choose from right here.
The Benefits of Cultured Dairy for Better Health:
Research continues to show the importance of eating healthy foods, including cultured dairy such as kefir, for optimal digestion and gut health, a strong immune system, and to support the microbiome. Fermented foods like kefir hold important value in this line of research due to the link between the gut-brain axis and overall health. Specifically, kefir has been shown to help diversify the microbiome, improve digestion, reduce inflammation, support healthier blood sugar levels, and improve satiety since the bioavailable protein it contains triggers the release of GLP-1.
Lifeway Kefir is packed with a variety of vital nutrients important for overall health, including bone and muscle health; these include vitamin D3, K, calcium, and vitamin B12. Along with our probiotic-rich kefir, Lifeway also offers artisan-made Farmer Cheese, a creamy, high-protein cheese made with live and active cultures to support healthy muscles and a healthy microbiome. Lifeway Farmer Cheese is easy to spread, free of gums and thickeners, and contains no added salt or sugar for optimal health benefits.
Prep Time: 30 minutes Servings: 4-6Ingredients
Kefir Ranch Dressing (Base):
- 1 cup Organic Whole Milk Plain Kefir
- juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp. dried dill
You Will Also Need:
- 3 cups shredded, cooked chicken (use rotisserie chicken if desired)
- 1/2 cup finely diced celery
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/4 cup finely diced carrots
- 1/2 cup turkey bacon, crumbled
Optional Toppings/For Serving:
- 1/2 cup Farmer Cheese
- black pepper
- gluten-free crackers of choice
- butter lettuce
Directions
- Make the Kefir Ranch Dressing for the base: In a small bowl, whisk together Lifeway Plain Kefir, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, dried parsley, and dried dilll until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, add shredded chicken, celery, red onion, carrots, and turkey bacon. Pour the Kefir Ranch Dressing over the top, and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 15–20 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld. It's even better the next day!
- Serve with gluten-free crackers over a bed of butter lettuce, and top with extra black pepper and a few dollops of Lifeway Farmer Cheese on top, if desired. You can also serve it on your favorite bread as a sandwich or with cut veggies as a lighter option.
