Nothing beats the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato brought together with tender chicken in this absolutely delightful BLT Chicken Salad Recipe. It’s a delicious twist on a timeless favorite, packing fresh, crispy, and creamy textures into one easy, satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for a hearty lunch or a light dinner, this salad delivers bold flavors while keeping things fresh and simple. Trust me, once you try this salad, it will quickly become one of your go-to recipes for any time you want something nourishing and ridiculously tasty.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that you probably already have on hand, making it super accessible and quick to pull together. Each element plays a special role, from the smoky bacon adding crunch to the juicy cherry tomatoes brightening every bite.
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced): The hearty protein base that makes this salad filling and satisfying.
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds irresistible smoky crunch that defines the BLT experience.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Bursts of sweetness and gorgeous color to keep things fresh.
- 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce (shredded): Offers crisp texture and a cool bite to balance the richness.
- ½ avocado (diced, optional): Creamy and silky, perfect for an extra touch of indulgence.
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced, optional): Provides a subtle sharpness that cuts through the richness.
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise: Creamy binder that ties all ingredients together with richness.
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tang and lightness to the dressing.
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard: Brings a gentle zesty kick to the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and awakens all the tastes.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential finishing touches to enhance every ingredient.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by tossing the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and diced avocado (if you’re using it) together in a large mixing bowl. This mix forms the heart of your salad, setting the stage for the fresh, smoky, and creamy flavors to come.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This dressing is the magic that binds the salad into one harmonious mouthful while adding subtle tang and creaminess.
Step 3: Toss It All Gently
Pour the dressing over your salad and gently toss everything to coat evenly. Be careful not to over-mix, especially if you added avocado; you want to keep the textures distinct and delicious.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve this salad right away for a fresh, crisp bite, or let it chill in the fridge for 10 to 15 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly. Either way, it’s ready to enjoy in just minutes.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, consider topping it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A little cracked black pepper on top right before serving adds a subtle kick that complements the smoky bacon perfectly.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a standalone meal, but pairing it with crusty whole-grain bread, crispy sweet potato fries, or even a simple cucumber salad can round out your meal beautifully. These sides add variety without overshadowing the star flavors of your BLT chicken creation.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun spin, serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb, hand-held treat or pile it onto toasted bread for the lightest of open-faced sandwiches. You can also wrap it in a large flour tortilla or gluten-free wrap for an easy lunch on the go that feels indulgent and fresh all at once.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover BLT Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To preserve the crispness of the lettuce, it’s best to keep the salad and dressing separate if possible, or add the lettuce fresh just before serving again.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the variety of fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomato. If you want to save time, freeze cooked chicken and bacon separately so you can whip up the salad quickly whenever you want.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating isn’t recommended. If you prefer warm chicken salad, gently reheat the chicken and bacon before mixing with the fresh veggies and dressing. Just be sure to serve it soon after for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds great flavor. Just shred or dice it and you’re good to go.
Is there a healthier version of this salad?
Yes, you can swap out mayonnaise entirely for Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing that’s still creamy and delicious, perfect for a health-conscious twist.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Definitely. Feel free to toss in cucumbers, bell peppers, or even corn for extra crunch, sweetness, and color. Just be mindful of balancing flavors.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you want to avoid bacon, smoked turkey bacon or tempeh bacon are great alternatives that still offer that savory, smoky flavor and satisfying texture.
How long does this salad stay fresh?
For maximum freshness, eat within 2 to 3 days when stored properly in the fridge, ideally keeping the lettuce separate until right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels both indulgent and wholesome at the same time. It’s easy enough for a quick weekday meal, yet special enough to impress friends and family. Once you experience the perfect combo of smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and tender chicken all tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad combines the savory flavors of crispy bacon and tender cooked chicken with fresh cherry tomatoes, lettuce, and optional avocado. Tossed in a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice, it’s a delicious low-carb, gluten-free option perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce (shredded)
- ½ avocado (diced, optional)
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, avocado, and red onion if using. Mix gently to combine all components evenly.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
- Toss the salad with dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until all the pieces are evenly coated in the dressing without crushing the delicate ingredients.
- Chill or serve immediately: For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes before serving. Alternatively, serve immediately on its own, in lettuce cups, over toasted bread, or wrapped in a tortilla for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute all mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the lettuce just before serving to keep it crisp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken and bacon)
- Category: Salad, Lunch
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
