Name: BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped; 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half; 1/2 small red onion, diced; 2 stalks celery, diced; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

The BLT Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying dish that combines the best elements of a traditional BLT sandwich with the hearty addition of chicken. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner and is ideal for anyone looking for a lighter version of the classic sandwich. With the perfect blend of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, this salad brings all the delicious flavors together in one bowl. This recipe is not only easy to make but also customizable to suit your taste preferences, making it a versatile option for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a gathering, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a hearty salad, the BLT Chicken Salad is sure to please. The smoky bacon and creamy mayonnaise dressing add richness, while the fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and celery keep the dish light and crisp. Plus, you can make it in no time, and it can be served immediately or chilled to let the flavors meld for a more developed taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This salad comes together in a matter of minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want a quick, satisfying meal.

2. Hearty and Filling

Packed with chicken and bacon, this salad is more filling than a typical salad, providing you with a balanced meal that will keep you satisfied.

3. Perfect for Meal Prep

This salad holds up well in the fridge, making it an excellent choice for meal prep. It’s easy to store and enjoy throughout the week.

4. Customizable to Your Taste

Whether you want to add more veggies, adjust the seasonings, or swap out ingredients, this recipe is versatile and easy to personalize.

5. Great for Any Occasion

This salad is suitable for a light lunch, a side dish at a BBQ, or even as a main course for a summer dinner. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Cooked chicken, chopped
Bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
Cherry tomatoes, cut in half
Red onion, diced small
Celery, diced
Mayonnaise (light)
Lemon juice
Salt
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Black pepper

Variations

Add Avocado: For extra creaminess, toss in some avocado for a richer, more luxurious texture.
Use Greek Yogurt: Swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist and a lower-calorie version.
Add More Veggies: Include cucumber, bell peppers, or lettuce to give the salad a refreshing crunch.
Make it Spicy: Add a little kick with some chopped jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
Swap Bacon for Turkey Bacon: If you prefer a lighter option, swap regular bacon with turkey bacon for a lower-fat alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Chop the cooked chicken and cook the bacon until crispy. Cut the cherry tomatoes in half, dice the red onion, and chop the celery into small pieces.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well-blended.

Step 3: Combine the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery.

Step 4: Add the Dressing

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together until well coated.

Step 5: Serve

Serve immediately or refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: For convenience, you can use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It saves time and adds extra flavor.
Crispy Bacon is Key: Make sure the bacon is crispy to get the perfect crunch. Bacon that’s not crispy can become soggy once mixed with the dressing.
Adjust the Seasoning: Taste the salad after mixing the dressing in and adjust the salt, pepper, and garlic powder as needed to suit your preferences.
Chill Before Serving: If you have the time, chill the salad for an hour before serving. This helps the flavors meld together for a more cohesive taste.

How to Serve

On a Bed of Greens: Serve this salad over a bed of lettuce or mixed greens for added freshness.
In a Sandwich: Use the salad as a filling for a sandwich or wrap for a more filling meal.
As a Side: Pair it with grilled chicken, a fresh fruit salad, or even a side of roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep for up to 2-3 days, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.

Freezing

This salad is not suitable for freezing because the mayo and vegetables do not freeze well. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad; it’s best served cold. Just remove from the fridge and enjoy!

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option for convenience and flavor. Just shred the chicken and use it in the recipe.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

3. Can I use a different type of dressing?

Yes, you can substitute the mayonnaise-based dressing with a vinaigrette or a yogurt-based dressing if you prefer.

4. Can I add other veggies to the salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some avocado to make it more colorful and nutritious.

5. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?

Yes, turkey bacon works well as a lower-fat alternative to regular bacon.

6. How can I make this salad spicier?

You can add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to give the salad some heat.

7. Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?

It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe. If you need to cook chicken, simply poach or grill it before shredding it for the salad.

8. Can I use regular mayo instead of light mayo?

Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayo if you prefer a richer flavor.

9. How can I make this salad lower in calories?

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo, turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, and adjust the amount of dressing used for a lighter version of the salad.

10. Can I serve this salad on a bed of lettuce?

Yes, serving this salad on a bed of mixed greens or lettuce adds a fresh and crunchy element to the dish.

Conclusion

The BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious and hearty twist on the classic BLT sandwich. Packed with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing, this dish is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, dinner, or meal prep, and can be customized to fit your taste. Whether you’re serving it immediately or letting the flavors meld in the fridge, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.