Let’s take the classic BLT to the next level with a BLT Chicken Salad Recipe that’s pure comfort in a bowl. Imagine juicy chicken, smoky bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crisp lettuce tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing—each bite is a gorgeous medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for a speedy lunch, easy meal prep, or a show-stopping summer potluck, this irresistible salad proves that simple ingredients can create next-level deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This salad shines thanks to a handful of everyday heroes—each ingredient brings its own punch of flavor, satisfying bite, or pop of color. Gather these staples, and get ready to whip up a dish that’s as easy as it is unforgettable.
- Cooked chicken breast: Tender, protein-packed, and deliciously hearty—rotisserie chicken works great for convenience.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy and slightly sweet, these add vibrant color and a fresh, summery taste.
- Bacon: Salty, smoky, and irresistibly crisp—cook until just browned for the very best crunch.
- Romaine or butter lettuce: Chopped into bite-sized pieces, adding cool, crisp texture to every forkful.
- Red onion: Finely diced for a gentle sharpness and gorgeous purple color.
- Mayonnaise: The silky base of the dressing—choose a good brand for a luscious, creamy finish.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Brings a subtle tang and lightens up the creamy dressing beautifully.
- Dijon mustard: Sneaks in a little zip and character—don’t skip it!
- Lemon juice: Lifts the dressing with bright acidity, balancing out the rich flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning that ties everything together—taste and adjust to your liking.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by gathering your cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and diced red onion. In a large mixing bowl, combine these ingredients evenly—the warm bacon mingling with juicy chicken and cold, crunchy lettuce is a sure sign of deliciousness to come.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Zesty Dressing
In a separate, smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and unified, tasting as you go and adjusting for your preferred level of brightness or saltiness.
Step 3: Dress and Toss
Pour the dreamy dressing over your salad base and toss everything gently to coat. You want every bite of the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe to have a perfect balance of creamy, crunchy, and savory layers.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Pop the bowl in the fridge for at least 15 to 30 minutes to let the flavors develop and meld. This brief chilling time brings everything together, making the salad even more irresistible by the time it hits your table.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your salad with extra crumbled bacon, a sprig of fresh parsley, or even a few slices of ripe avocado if you’re feeling extra fancy. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper just before serving adds a lovely aroma and finishing touch.
Side Dishes
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe shines alongside a slice of crusty bread, a handful of kettle-style chips, or a fresh fruit salad for a balanced lunch. If you’re going low carb, serve with a side of sliced cucumbers or crunchy bell peppers.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing, handheld appetizer, or stuff into lightly toasted croissants for an elevated lunch. Layer scoops over baby greens for an entrée salad, or use as a hearty filling for wraps—there’s really no wrong way to enjoy it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BLT Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay wonderfully fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it a great grab-and-go option for busy lunches.
Freezing
It’s best to enjoy this salad fresh—the creamy dressing and crisp veggies don’t stand up well to freezing and thawing. For make-ahead meal prep, you can cook and freeze the chicken separately and assemble the salad when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Reheating
This salad is served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t necessary. If using leftover chicken that’s been frozen, let it thaw fully and come to room temperature before mixing with the rest of the ingredients for the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds wonderful flavor and makes this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe even quicker to prepare. Just shred or dice and you’re ready to go.
What are some healthier swaps for bacon?
Try using turkey bacon for a lighter option, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs for a lean protein boost and similar savory kick.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Swap the Greek yogurt for a non-dairy substitute like coconut yogurt or an extra spoonful of mayo, and double-check your other ingredients for hidden dairy.
How do I keep the lettuce crisp?
Only add the dressing right before you’re ready to eat, or keep the lettuce separate until serving. This keeps the greens crisp and fresh even when meal prepping.
Can I make this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! Prep all the components up to a day in advance, but for the very best texture, wait to toss everything together with the dressing until just before serving.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a modern twist on classic flavors, the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe delivers total satisfaction in every bite. Quick to whip up and endlessly versatile, this salad is bound to earn a starring spot at your table—give it a try and let those BLT cravings work their magic!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Main Course
- Method: No-Cook (except for bacon)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender chicken and a creamy dressing. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or in sandwiches.
Ingredients
Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup romaine or butter lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, chopped lettuce, and red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill for 15–30 minutes before serving for best flavor. Serve on its own, in lettuce wraps, or in sandwiches.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Substitute turkey bacon for a lighter version or avocado for added creaminess.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or shredded cheese for extra protein.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
