BLT Chicken Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—with the heartiness of shredded chicken. This versatile salad is perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even meal prep. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and loaded with protein and crunch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in minutes, especially if you use pre-cooked chicken.
- Wholesome and Satisfying: Packed with protein and fresh ingredients.
- Versatile: Serve it as a salad, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling.
- Keto-Friendly: Naturally low-carb, making it ideal for keto or paleo diets.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or family meals.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- Crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
- Mayonnaise
- Greek yogurt (optional, for a lighter option)
- Dijon mustard
- Lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: avocado slices, shredded cheese, or red onion
Directions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to combine.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
Variations
- Avocado BLT Salad: Add diced avocado for creaminess.
- Low-Carb Wraps: Serve the salad in lettuce leaves for a handheld option.
- Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or crumbled blue cheese on top.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Herbed Delight: Mix in fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: This salad is best enjoyed cold. If adding warm chicken or bacon, reheat those separately before mixing.
FAQs
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful option.
2. How can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the Greek yogurt and use all mayonnaise or a dairy-free alternative.
3. Can I prepare this salad in advance?
Yes, but add the lettuce and dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
4. What’s the best bacon to use?
Thick-cut bacon provides the most flavor and crunch, but any bacon works well.
5. Can I use turkey bacon?
Absolutely, turkey bacon is a great lower-fat alternative.
6. Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, warm chicken and bacon can be used, but the lettuce may wilt slightly.
7. What’s the best lettuce for this recipe?
Romaine lettuce or a mix of greens works best for texture and flavor.
8. Can I make this salad keto-friendly?
It already is! Just ensure the dressing and any optional add-ins are keto-compliant.
9. What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
Try mashed avocado, plain Greek yogurt, or a light vinaigrette for a mayo-free option.
10. Can I add other veggies?
Yes, cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots make excellent additions.
Conclusion
BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful, protein-packed dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Whether served as a stand-alone salad, wrapped in lettuce, or piled onto bread, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. With minimal prep and endless customization options, it’s the perfect go-to for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy the classic BLT flavors in a fresh, new way!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Salad, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—with tender chicken in a creamy dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served on a bed of greens for a low-carb option!
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Additions:
- 1/2 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or cayenne for extra flavor
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces.
- Shred or dice the cooked chicken and chop the tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine the Salad:
- In a large bowl, add the chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and green onions.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Serve:
- Serve the BLT Chicken Salad in sandwiches, wraps, or on a bed of greens. Garnish with additional toppings like avocado or shredded cheese if desired.
Notes
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine with the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh.
- This recipe works great with rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken.
- For a keto-friendly version, replace the tomatoes with sun-dried tomatoes and use lettuce wraps for serving.