Easy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe for Zesty Lunch Delights

Sinking your teeth into a mouthwatering BLT chicken salad that combines classic sandwich flavors in a refreshing new way.

Crisp bacon pieces dance alongside tender chicken chunks, creating a delightful texture explosion.

Juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce add vibrant colors and garden-fresh crunch to every bite.

Summer picnics and quick lunches suddenly become more exciting with this protein-packed dish.

Creamy dressing weaves through the ingredients, binding everything into a perfect harmony of tastes.

Memories of backyard barbecues and casual dining will flood your mind as you mix these delectable components.

You’ll want to make this recipe again and again – trust me, it’s that good.

How To Toss Together BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Sizzle and Crumble Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Lay bacon strips flat and cook until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small, delightful pieces.

Step 2: Prep Chicken and Veggies

• Ripe cherry tomatoes
• Crisp romaine lettuce
• Zesty green onions

Step 3: Whisk Up the Magic Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Tangy Dijon mustard
• Fresh lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they transform into a smooth, velvety sauce.

Step 4: Toss Everything Together

• Shredded chicken
• Crumbled bacon
• Chopped cherry tomatoes
• Romaine lettuce
• Green onions

Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

• Nestled between soft sandwich bread
• Wrapped in a tortilla
• Spread over a bed of fresh greens

Optional: Top with sliced avocado or sprinkle some shredded cheese for extra excitement.

Tips To Keep BLT Chicken Salad Crisp And Tasty

• Crisp Bacon Magic: Bake bacon in the oven for extra crunchiness and less mess, ensuring perfectly crisp pieces for your salad.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap grilled chicken with rotisserie chicken or turkey for a quick and easy protein alternative that saves cooking time.
• Dressing Customization: Lighten the mayo-based dressing by mixing in Greek yogurt or using a lighter version for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
• Make-Ahead Strategy: Prepare ingredients separately and store in airtight containers to keep everything fresh and crisp until ready to assemble the salad.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the bread and serve the salad on a bed of mixed greens or in lettuce wraps for a carb-conscious meal that's equally delicious.

How To Store BLT Chicken Salad The Right Way

• Refrigerate: Store the BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the salad chilled to maintain its freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Separate Dressing: If possible, store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. Mix the dressing just before serving for the best texture and taste.
• Reheat Carefully: Gently warm the chicken portion in the microwave for 30-45 seconds on medium power. Avoid overheating to prevent the chicken from becoming dry or tough.
• Fresh Additions: Before serving leftovers, refresh the salad by adding crisp lettuce and a sprinkle of fresh bacon crumbles to restore the original crunch and flavor.

Great Pairings For BLT Chicken Salad

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the salad's tangy dressing and cuts through the bacon's richness.
• Serve with Crusty Sourdough Bread: The bread's slightly sour flavor and crunchy texture perfectly balance the creamy chicken salad and provide a delightful contrast.
• Refresh with Cucumber Mint Spritzer: A light, refreshing drink that cleanses the palate and adds a cool, herbaceous note to the savory BLT chicken salad.
• Add Crunchy Kettle Chips: Salty, crispy potato chips provide a satisfying textural contrast and enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

Different Ways To Serve BLT Chicken Salad

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Salad: Replace Dijon mustard with hot sauce, add diced bell peppers, corn kernels, and swap green onions for cilantro. Sprinkle chili powder and cumin into the dressing for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Salad: Switch mayonnaise for Greek yogurt, incorporate diced cucumber, kalamata olives, and fresh herbs like oregano and parsley. Add crumbled feta cheese for extra flavor.
• Low-Carb Chicken Salad Lettuce Cups: Eliminate bread and serve the salad inside crisp lettuce leaves. Include diced celery for extra crunch and mix in sliced almonds for additional protein and texture.
• Ranch-Style Chicken Salad: Use ranch seasoning in the dressing instead of Dijon mustard. Mix in diced pickles and add a sprinkle of dried dill. Serve with crackers or inside a whole wheat wrap.

Why BLT Chicken Salad Is Crunchy, Creamy, And Satisfying

• Burst with Classic Flavor Combo: This salad brilliantly transforms the beloved BLT sandwich into a protein-packed dish that delivers familiar, mouthwatering bacon, lettuce, and tomato tastes in every refreshing bite.
• Whip Up in a Flash: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together in mere minutes with simple ingredients and minimal cooking, making it an incredibly convenient meal solution for hungry families.
• Customize with Endless Possibilities: Create your own twist by adding extra toppings like avocado, cheese, or switching up the protein, ensuring the salad never becomes boring and always matches your current craving.
• No-Fuss, Maximum Satisfaction: With straightforward preparation steps and minimal dishes to clean, this chicken salad offers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, ideal for home cooks seeking delicious yet stress-free meals.

Ingredients Needed For BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Lean protein that forms the main body of the salad, best when cooked and shredded or diced.
• Bacon: Crispy and flavorful meat that adds a smoky crunch to the salad, ideally thick-cut and well-cooked.

• Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy component that brings brightness and acidity to the salad, cherry tomatoes recommended.
• Lettuce: Crisp and fresh base that provides texture and a light green backdrop, romaine works best.
• Green Onions: Adds a mild onion flavor and provides a subtle sharp note to the overall dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad together, choose full-fat for better flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy and slightly spicy undertone to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, acidic balance to the rich ingredients.
• Garlic Powder: Offers a subtle garlic flavor without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salad.

BLT Chicken Salad FAQs

• What makes this BLT Chicken Salad different from a regular chicken salad?

This version combines classic BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato) flavors with chicken, creating a more exciting and flavorful twist on traditional chicken salad. The crispy bacon and fresh vegetables add extra texture and taste.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option that works perfectly in this salad. Just shred or dice the pre-cooked chicken and mix it in with the other ingredients.

• Is this salad considered a healthy meal option?

Yes, it can be! The recipe is protein-rich from the chicken and provides vegetables from the lettuce and tomatoes. Just be mindful of the mayonnaise, which adds calories. You can use Greek yogurt as a lighter alternative if you want to reduce calories.

• How long can I keep this chicken salad in the refrigerator?

The BLT Chicken Salad will stay fresh for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep the lettuce crisp and drain any excess moisture to maintain the best texture.

Blt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving a mouthwatering blend of classic BLT flavors, this BLT chicken salad elevates sandwich ingredients into a refreshing main course. Crisp bacon, juicy chicken, and zesty dressing create a perfect summer meal that satisfies your lunch or dinner cravings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (480 ml) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Fresh Produce:

• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (60 g) romaine lettuce, chopped
• ¼ cup (25 g) green onions, sliced
• ½ avocado, diced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ cup (30 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor

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Instructions

1. Transform crisp bacon into delicate crumbles by cooking until golden and perfectly crunchy, allowing the fat to render completely and create a rich, savory texture.
2. Slice or dice the pre-cooked chicken into uniform pieces, ensuring each morsel is tender and flavorful for an even distribution throughout the salad.
3. Carefully chop fresh tomatoes into bite-sized segments, removing seeds to prevent excess moisture from diluting the salad’s consistency.
4. Tear crisp romaine lettuce into delicate pieces, maintaining their vibrant green color and providing a refreshing crunch to the overall mixture.
5. Mince green onions into fine, delicate rings, releasing their subtle, sharp flavor that will complement the other ingredients.
6. Craft a harmonious dressing by whisking mayonnaise with Dijon mustard, creating a creamy base that will bind the ingredients together with tangy sophistication.
7. Incorporate fresh lemon juice to brighten the dressing, balancing the richness of the bacon and mayonnaise with a zesty, citrusy note.
8. Season the dressing with garlic powder, salt, and pepper, ensuring each element is carefully measured to enhance the overall flavor profile.
9. Gently combine the chicken, bacon crumbles, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions in a spacious mixing bowl, allowing each ingredient to mingle naturally.
10. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad, using a gentle folding technique to coat every ingredient without crushing the delicate components.
11. For serving, present the salad nestled in a soft wrap, between slices of toasted bread, or atop a bed of fresh greens for a versatile and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Crisp up the bacon in a skillet for maximum flavor, ensuring it’s not too oily or burnt.
• Pat the chicken dry before shredding to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
• Chop ingredients uniformly for a balanced bite and professional presentation.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving hack that adds extra tenderness.
• Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-packed dressing option.
• Toast bread or wraps briefly to add a delightful crunch when serving the salad.
• Store dressing separately from salad ingredients to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Experiment with different lettuce varieties like butter lettuce or mixed greens for unique texture.
• Prep ingredients ahead of time for a speedy meal during busy weekdays.
• Add extra crunch with toasted sunflower seeds or sliced almonds for nutritional boost.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg