BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that combines fresh, savory flavors with a satisfying crunch, look no further than this easy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe brings together juicy chicken, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce in one delicious bowl. It’s a colorful, flavorful, and nutritious meal that’s as simple to prepare as it is enjoyable to eat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Refreshing and Flavorful: Combines the classic BLT taste with tender chicken for a satisfying twist.
• Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weekdays or spontaneous meals.
• Versatile Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh produce you likely already have on hand.
• Light Yet Filling: Offers a great balance of protein and veggies to keep you energized.
• Customizable: Simple to tweak with your favorite dressings or extras for personalized flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is surprisingly simple but packed with ingredients that bring texture and vibrant color to your plate. Each component plays a crucial role — juicy chicken adds substance, while bacon and fresh veggies bring flavor and crunch.

• Cooked chicken breast: Use grilled or pan-seared chicken for juicy, tender bites.
• Bacon strips: Fully cooked and crisped for that irresistible smoky crunch.
• Fresh lettuce: Crisp romaine or butter leaf lettuce adds a refreshing base.
• Ripe tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes provide a burst of sweetness and acidity.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced to lend mild sharpness and crunch.
• Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy dressing that ties the flavors together.
• Lemon juice: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the entire salad.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.

Variations for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

One of the best parts about this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Feel free to adjust ingredients or add extras to match your dietary needs or personal preferences!

• Avocado addition: Toss in sliced avocado for creamy texture and healthy fats.
• Swap chicken for turkey: Use turkey breast if you want a leaner option or different flavor.
• Spicy kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
• Different dressing: Replace mayonnaise with ranch or balsamic vinaigrette for variety.
• Vegetarian version: Skip chicken and bacon, add grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas instead.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by cooking the chicken breast if it’s not pre-cooked. Season lightly with salt and pepper and grill, bake, or pan-sear until fully cooked and juicy. Allow it to rest briefly before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

While the chicken cooks, crisp up your bacon in a pan or oven. Once done, place it on paper towels to drain excess grease and break into small crumbles or pieces.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

Wash and dry the lettuce thoroughly, then tear it into manageable pieces. Slice the tomatoes and red onion thinly for the perfect balance of freshness and bite.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise with fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create a light, tangy dressing that complements all the salad’s ingredients.

Step 5: Toss and Combine

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onion. Pour the dressing over and toss everything together until evenly coated.

Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh, crisp vegetables make all the difference in texture and flavor.
• Don’t over-dress: Add dressing gradually to avoid a soggy salad.
• Rest the chicken: Let cooked chicken rest before cutting to retain its juices.
• Chill before serving: A quick chill enhances flavors and gives the salad a refreshing touch.
• Double the bacon: For extra crunch and smoky goodness, add a little more bacon than usual.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

To take your BLT Chicken Salad Recipe up a notch, add garnishes like fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh aroma. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a few shavings of Parmesan cheese also adds flair.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs perfectly with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even a side of roasted sweet potatoes. For a light meal, enjoy it with a crisp glass of iced tea or sparkling water with lemon.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in individual mason jars or layered bowls for an Instagram-worthy presentation. Alternatively, use large lettuce leaves as wraps to make handheld salad bites that are fun and portable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover BLT Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to preserve crispness.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh and does not freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and dressing. However, you can freeze cooked chicken and bacon separately ahead of time.

Reheating

Reheat chicken separately in a microwave or pan before adding it back to the salad components. Avoid reheating the full salad with dressing to maintain freshness and texture.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Leftover cooked chicken works perfectly and can save prep time while delivering the same delicious flavor.

What type of bacon is best for the salad?

Thick-cut bacon tends to offer the best texture and flavor, but regular bacon strips work well too once crisped.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate until ready to eat to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise or substitute with avocado for creaminess, and ensure no cheese is added as a garnish.

Can I add other vegetables to the salad?

Definitely! Cucumber slices, bell peppers, or even corn kernels are tasty additions that add more color and crunch.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy all the classic BLT flavors in a fresh, healthy, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding yourself or sharing with friends, it’s a swift, delightful dish that’s bound to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try today and savor every bite!

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