A BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich. Packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, this salad is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for any time of the day. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a healthy dinner, or a side dish for your gathering, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with flavor: Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and seasoned chicken make every bite satisfying.
- Easy to prepare: Quick and straightforward, this salad comes together in minutes.
- Versatile: Serve it as a main course, side dish, or even stuffed into a wrap.
- Customizable: Adapt it to your dietary needs with easy ingredient swaps.
- Perfect for meal prep: Make it ahead and enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
- Bacon strips
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens
- Cherry tomatoes
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Cook the chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked. Let it cool and dice into bite-sized pieces. Alternatively, shred rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Crisp the bacon: Fry bacon strips until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Crumble into small pieces.
- Prepare the vegetables: Wash and chop the romaine lettuce or mixed greens and halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Drizzle with dressing and toss gently to coat.
- Serve and enjoy: Plate the salad immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Low-carb option: Replace the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with avocado for a creamy, keto-friendly dressing.
- Vegetarian version: Swap the chicken and bacon with roasted chickpeas or smoked tofu.
- Spicy kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to the dressing.
- Additional toppings: Include shredded cheese, sliced avocado, or croutons for extra flavor and texture.
- Different greens: Use spinach, arugula, or kale for variety.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the dressing in a separate container.
- Reheating: Reheat cooked chicken and bacon in the microwave for 20-30 seconds if serving warm. Assemble fresh with lettuce and dressing for the best taste.
FAQs
How can I make this salad dairy-free?
You can use a dairy-free yogurt or avocado-based dressing instead of Greek yogurt.
Can I use store-bought dressing?
Yes, a ranch or Caesar dressing pairs well if you’re short on time.
Can I prepare this salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! Store the components separately and combine them just before serving.
What type of chicken works best?
Grilled, baked, or rotisserie chicken all work well.
How can I make this salad more filling?
Add hard-boiled eggs, avocado, or quinoa for extra protein and fiber.
Is this salad gluten-free?
Yes, as long as the bacon and dressing are gluten-free.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a great alternative for a lighter option.
How do I prevent the lettuce from wilting?
Store the lettuce separately and add it to the salad right before serving.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for salads?
Bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes on a lined sheet for evenly crispy bacon.
Can I freeze this salad?
It’s not recommended to freeze as the lettuce and tomatoes will lose their texture.
Conclusion
BLT Chicken Salad is a perfect balance of classic flavors and modern convenience. It’s quick, versatile, and customizable, making it an excellent choice for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a main dish or a side, this salad will become a go-to favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it today and savor the perfect blend of freshness and indulgence!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender chicken and fresh veggies, all tossed in a creamy dressing. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a light summer meal, it’s easy to make and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients
- For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 avocado, diced
- For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
Cook and shred or chop the chicken. Chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Cook the bacon until crispy and crumble it. Dice the avocado. - Make the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste. - Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, red onion, and cheddar cheese (if using). Toss gently to combine. - Add the Dressing:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated. - Serve:
Top with diced avocado right before serving to keep it fresh. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
- Substitutions: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve with toasted bread, pita chips, or enjoy it as is.
- To save time, use rotisserie chicken or precooked bacon.
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