Easy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Classic Flavors

Crafting a mouthwatering blt chicken salad recipe brings summer memories flooding back.

Crisp bacon crackles against tender chicken in this ultimate lunch delight.

Juicy tomatoes and crunchy lettuce dance together, creating a perfect harmony of flavors.

Wild greens add unexpected texture that keeps every bite interesting.

Mediterranean-inspired seasoning gives this classic combination a surprising twist you’ll adore.

Protein-packed and refreshingly light, this salad becomes an instant favorite for quick meals.

Each forkful promises a delicious adventure waiting to be savored.

Ingredients for a Fresh BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken: A lean protein that forms the main body of the salad, best when pre-cooked and cooled.
• Bacon: Adds a smoky and crispy element, classic for its rich flavor and crunch.

• Tomatoes: Provides juicy sweetness and bright color to the salad.
• Lettuce: Romaine adds crisp texture and fresh green base, essential for classic BLT flavor.
• Green Onions: Brings a mild onion flavor and fresh green accent to the dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad together, rich and smooth.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and subtle spice to the dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidity to balance the creamy dressing.

• Garlic Powder: Adds background savory note without raw garlic intensity.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Black Pepper: Provides mild heat and aromatic depth to the seasoning.

How to Put Together BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Crisp Up The Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat. Cook bacon until it turns golden brown and becomes wonderfully crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let it cool. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small, delightful pieces.

Step 2: Prep Your Protein And Produce

• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Green onions

Step 3: Whip Together The Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Dijon mustard
• Lemon juice
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk all ingredients until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Build Your Delicious Salad

• Shredded chicken
• Crumbled bacon
• Cherry tomatoes
• Romaine lettuce
• Green onions

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

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

• Sandwiches
• Wraps
• On a bed of fresh greens

Optional: Garnish with avocado or shredded cheese for extra flavor.

Pro Tips for a Flavorful Salad

• Boost Bacon Flavor: Bake bacon in the oven for more even, crispier results with less mess and easier cleanup.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with rotisserie, grilled, or leftover turkey for a quick and versatile meal adaptation.
• Lighten the Dressing: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and light mayo to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
• Make It Ahead: Prepare ingredients separately and store in airtight containers, combining just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and crunch.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Serve the salad in lettuce wraps or over a bed of mixed greens for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional sandwiches.

Storage and Reheating Details

• Store leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Separate the dressing from the salad ingredients to prevent sogginess.
• Do not freeze this salad, as the lettuce and tomatoes will lose their texture and become watery when thawed.
• Enjoy the salad cold for the best taste and texture. If you prefer slightly warm chicken, gently warm the chicken separately before mixing with other ingredients.
• Add fresh lettuce and crispy bacon just before serving to maintain crunch and prevent wilting.

What Complements BLT Chicken Salad

• Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complement the salad's tangy and fresh flavors, cutting through the richness of bacon and mayonnaise.
• The slightly sour, chewy texture of sourdough provides an excellent base for the salad, absorbing the creamy dressing while adding a delightful crunch.
• A refreshing, light beverage that cleanses the palate between bites, enhancing the salad's zesty and savory components.
• A cool, light starter that balances the salad's richness and adds a refreshing element to the meal.

Ways to Customize This Chicken Salad

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace bread or wraps with large lettuce leaves, using butter lettuce or iceberg for a crisp, carb-free alternative that keeps the classic BLT flavor profile.
• Vegan Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh, use plant-based bacon bits, and swap mayonnaise for vegan cashew mayo to create a completely plant-based version.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add crumbled feta cheese, diced cucumber, and replace Dijon mustard with Greek yogurt in the dressing for a Mediterranean-style chicken salad that maintains the original recipe's core elements.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Incorporate diced jalapeños, replace green onions with cilantro, add a dash of chili powder to the dressing, and include some black beans for a zesty southwestern spin on the classic BLT chicken salad.

FAQs for BLT Chicken Salad Fans

• Can I use different types of chicken for this salad?

You can use rotisserie, grilled, or leftover roasted chicken. Any cooked chicken works well, so choose what’s convenient and tasty for you.

• Is there a healthier alternative to mayonnaise for the dressing?

Try Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and light mayonnaise. These options reduce calories while maintaining a creamy texture.

• How can I make this salad more protein-rich?

Add extra protein by including hard-boiled eggs, chopped almonds, or chickpeas. These ingredients boost nutrition and make the salad more filling.

• What can I do if I don't have Dijon mustard?

Regular yellow mustard or whole grain mustard work as substitutes. Each will slightly change the dressing’s flavor, but still taste delicious.

Why Everyone Loves This BLT Chicken Salad

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this BLT Chicken Salad takes less than 20 minutes to prepare, making it an ideal go-to meal for time-pressed home cooks.
• Enjoy this salad multiple ways- stuff into sandwiches, wrap in tortillas, pile on crisp greens, or eat straight from the bowl for maximum flexibility.
• Classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato ingredients paired with tender chicken create a familiar, irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love this dish.
• Requires minimal cooking skills and basic kitchen tools, allowing even beginner cooks to confidently create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without stress or complicated techniques.

Blt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Savor mouthwatering BLT chicken salad – a delightful fusion of crispy bacon, tender chicken, and fresh greens. Creamy dressing and zesty flavors make this salad a perfect lunch or light dinner that satisfies you completely.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

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

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 cup (150 grams) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (60 grams) romaine lettuce, chopped
• ¼ cup (40 grams) green onions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)

Dressing and Seasonings:

• ½ cup (120 milliliters) 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

Optional Additions:

• ½ avocado, diced
• ¼ cup (30 grams) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)

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Instructions

1. Crisp the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and thoroughly cooked, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool completely.
2. Crumble the cooled bacon into small, bite-sized fragments using your fingers or a knife.
3. Shred or cube the pre-cooked chicken into uniform pieces to ensure consistent texture throughout the salad.
4. Dice fresh cherry tomatoes into quarter-inch pieces, maintaining a balanced size for even distribution.
5. Chop romaine lettuce into bite-sized ribbons, ensuring no large, unwieldy pieces remain.
6. Slice green onions thinly, focusing on the tender green portions for a mild, fresh flavor.
7. Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper in a small mixing bowl until the dressing becomes smooth and well-integrated.
8. Combine shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped lettuce, and sliced green onions in a large mixing bowl.
9. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss using folding motions to ensure even coating without crushing the delicate components.
10. For serving, arrange the salad in sandwiches, wrap in tortillas, or present atop a bed of mixed greens for added freshness and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap bacon for turkey bacon or tempeh to create a lighter, leaner protein option that reduces overall fat content.
• Customize the salad for gluten-free diets by using lettuce wraps instead of bread or serving over mixed greens.
• Mix Greek yogurt with mayonnaise to lower calorie count while maintaining creamy texture and adding extra protein boost.
• Experiment with different herb combinations like fresh dill or basil to elevate the dressing’s flavor profile and add unexpected freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg