Spread the love

BLT Chicken Salad – A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious, protein-packed dish that brings together the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender chicken and a creamy dressing. It’s perfect for quick lunches, summer picnics, meal prep, and light dinners.

This recipe combines crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and seasoned chicken with a flavorful dressing. You can serve it on lettuce wraps, sandwiches, croissants, or as a dip with crackers. It’s a low-carb, high-protein, and totally satisfying meal that you can customize to fit your preferences.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making BLT Chicken Salad, including key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, creative variations, and FAQs.

Why You Will Love This BLT Chicken Salad

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
Full of Flavor: Smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies make it a hit.
Versatile: Serve as a salad, sandwich, wrap, or dip.
Meal-Prep Friendly: Make ahead for a hassle-free lunch or dinner.
Customizable: Adjust the ingredients to fit your dietary needs.

Key Ingredients and Their Roles

1. Chicken

The heart of this dish! Use grilled, roasted, or rotisserie chicken for the best texture and flavor. Shredded or chopped, both work great.

2. Bacon

Crispy bacon adds saltiness and crunch, making this salad irresistible. Use thick-cut bacon for more flavor.

3. Lettuce

Romaine or iceberg lettuce adds freshness and crunch. You can also use spinach or arugula for variety.

4. Tomatoes

Cherry or grape tomatoes work best because they are sweet, juicy, and bite-sized. Regular diced tomatoes also work well.

5. Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise creates a creamy, rich dressing that binds everything together. For a healthier option, use Greek yogurt.

6. Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt)

Adding a little sour cream or Greek yogurt lightens the dressing while keeping it creamy.

7. Dijon Mustard

A touch of Dijon mustard adds depth and tangy flavor to balance the richness.

8. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice brightens up the dressing and keeps the flavors fresh.

9. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder

These simple seasonings enhance the flavor of the salad without overpowering it.

10. Salt and Black Pepper

Seasoning is key! Salt brings out the flavors, while black pepper adds a little kick.

11. Chives or Green Onions (Optional)

For a fresh, slightly oniony flavor that complements the dressing.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients

For the BLT Chicken Salad:

2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or shredded
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 ½ cups chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
¼ cup chives or green onions, finely chopped (optional)

For the Dressing:

½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
¼ cup sour cream or extra Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the bacon until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat.
If using grilled or roasted chicken, chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and lettuce.
Pour the dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

Let the salad chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
Serve cold for the best taste and texture.

Expert Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad

Use freshly cooked bacon for the best crispy texture.
Don’t overdress the salad—start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
If making ahead, add the lettuce right before serving to keep it fresh.
For extra crunch, add diced celery or sliced radishes.

Presentation Tips

Serve in lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
Spoon onto buttery croissants for a delicious sandwich.
Plate over mixed greens for a fresh salad bowl.
Garnish with extra bacon and fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Creative Twists

1. Spicy BLT Chicken Salad

Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

2. Avocado BLT Chicken Salad

Mix in diced avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.

3. Ranch BLT Chicken Salad

Swap the dressing for ranch dressing for a different but delicious flavor.

4. BLT Pasta Chicken Salad

Add cooked pasta like rotini or penne for a heartier meal.

Pro Tip for Customization

Make it even healthier by swapping half the mayo for Greek yogurt, using turkey bacon, and adding extra fresh veggies like bell peppers or cucumbers.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add the lettuce right before serving to keep it fresh.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. If the salad gets dry, mix in a little extra dressing before serving.

3. Can I freeze BLT Chicken Salad?

No, freezing is not recommended because the mayonnaise-based dressing and lettuce won’t hold up well.

4. Can I make this salad keto-friendly?

Yes! Use lettuce wraps or serve it on a bed of greens instead of bread.

5. What other proteins can I use?

You can substitute turkey, shredded pork, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.

Conclusion

BLT Chicken Salad is a quick, easy, and flavorful meal that combines the best of a classic BLT sandwich with protein-packed chicken. It’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner, and you can customize it to fit your dietary needs.

Try it today and enjoy a fresh, creamy, and satisfying meal that will become a staple in your kitchen!