BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a salad that’s bursting with classic comfort flavors yet easy to whip up in no time, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is your new go-to. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it combines fresh ingredients like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and perfectly cooked chicken, all tossed together with crispy bacon and a tangy dressing. Each bite delivers a delightful balance of textures and tastes that feels both familiar and exciting. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick plate to impress, this salad covers all the bases with minimal fuss and maximum flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Classic flavors made fresh: It captures the familiar BLT taste in a salad format that’s vibrant and satisfying.
• Super quick prep: Ready in about 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy days.
• Flexible and filling: Packed with protein and veggies, it’s a balanced meal that keeps you energized.
• Perfect for any occasion: Works great for a light lunch, hearty dinner, or even meal prep.
• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to foodies will enjoy the familiar combination of ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe uses simple but essential ingredients, each playing a key role in creating a salad that’s fresh, crunchy, and full of flavor. These components bring a great mix of texture and color, making every bite both delicious and visually appealing.

• Cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or diced chicken for a hearty protein base.
• Crisp bacon strips: Adds smoky crunch that makes this salad shine.
• Romaine or mixed greens: Provides a fresh, crisp foundation that’s nutritious and vibrant.
• Ripe tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they brighten up the dish with freshness.
• Avocado (optional): Adds creaminess and healthy fats for extra richness.
• Red onion slices: For a little sharpness and color contrast.
• Mayonnaise-based dressing: The creamy element that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
• Fresh lemon juice or vinegar: Adds acidity to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.

Variations for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

The beauty of this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is how adaptable it is. You can easily tweak ingredients to suit different dietary needs or personal tastes while keeping all the flavors you love intact. Feel free to experiment with the following ideas to make it your own.

• Swap chicken for turkey: Use leftover roasted turkey for a slightly different protein option.
• Try a Greek twist: Add feta cheese and olives for a Mediterranean flair.
• Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken and bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas.
• Use avocado dressing: Blend avocado with herbs for a creamy, dairy-free alternative.
• Add crunch with nuts: Toasted almonds or walnuts bring an extra texture pop.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook and Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking chicken breast using your preferred method—grilled, baked, or pan-seared—then let it cool before slicing or shredding into bite-sized pieces. This warm, juicy protein sets the stage for your salad’s heartiness.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Cook bacon strips in a skillet until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble or chop into smaller pieces. That perfect crunch adds a smoky punch every salad needs.

Step 3: Prep the Vegetables

Wash and dry your greens thoroughly to avoid sogginess. Chop ripe tomatoes into chunks, slice red onions thinly, and dice avocado if using, all ready to build layers of fresh texture and vibrant color.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

Whisk together mayonnaise, a splash of lemon juice or vinegar, salt, and pepper to create a creamy dressing that brings all the ingredients together with tangy smoothness.

Step 5: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the greens, chicken, tomatoes, onions, and bacon pieces. Toss gently to mix, then drizzle dressing evenly over the top and give it one last gentle toss before serving.

Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

• Use room temperature chicken: It blends better into the salad and keeps the greens vibrant.
• Pat bacon dry: Remove excess grease to keep the salad from becoming oily.
• Dress lightly: Add the dressing gradually to avoid overdressing and sogginess.
• Chill before serving: Letting your salad sit for 10 minutes helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Customize texture: Swap romaine for kale or spinach to change up the mouthfeel.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Top your salad with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and an extra fresh note that enhances the overall flavor profile.

Side Dishes

Pair with a warm crusty bread or garlic toast to soak up any extra dressing, or accompany with a light soup for a more rounded meal experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a hollowed-out tomato or avocado half for an eye-catching presentation, or deconstruct the elements on a platter for a fun, interactive meal-sharing option.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days to enjoy later without losing freshness or texture.

Freezing

It’s best not to freeze this salad due to the fresh ingredients and dressing, which can separate or become watery after thawing.

Reheating

If you prefer warm chicken in your salad, gently reheat the chicken separately before adding it back to the chilled salad to maintain the integrity of the greens and other fresh ingredients.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut that makes assembling this salad even faster without compromising taste.

What kind of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon tends to hold up well for this salad, delivering a perfect balance of crispiness and chewiness.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, but keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the greens from wilting.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Definitely; simply swap out any dairy-based dressing components for mayo or a vinaigrette without dairy ingredients.

How spicy is the salad?

This salad is naturally mild, but you can add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing if you want some heat.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy the beloved flavors of a BLT sandwich with a fresh, healthy twist. It’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and always delivers satisfying flavor and texture in every bite. Give it a try today—you might just find your new favorite salad!

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