BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re searching for a fresh, vibrant meal that’s both satisfying and easy to whip up, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining crisp, smoky bacon with juicy chicken and garden-fresh veggies, this salad bursts with flavor and texture in every bite. Whether you’re making lunch for yourself or feeding a crowd, this dish delivers a perfect balance of protein, crunch, and zest that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy days or last-minute meals.
• Flavor-Packed: Every ingredient adds a delicious punch, creating a harmonious blend of smoky, fresh, and tangy flavors.
• Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, vitamins, and fiber from fresh produce, fueling you the right way.
• Versatile: Easily customized to fit your dietary preferences and ingredient availability.
• Perfect for Any Meal: Great for lunch, dinner, or as a hearty snack that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color, so gathering fresh, quality components makes all the difference.

• Cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or diced chicken for tender, protein-packed bites.
• Crispy bacon strips: Adds a smoky crunch that’s essential to the BLT theme.
• Fresh romaine lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing base for the salad.
• Juicy cherry tomatoes: Bursts of sweetness and vibrant color brighten the dish.
• Avocado slices: Bring creamy texture and healthy fats to balance the crisp elements.
• Red onion: Adds a mild sharpness and a bit of crunch.
• Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt: Creates the creamy dressing binding everything together.
• Lemon juice or vinegar: Adds a hint of tang to elevate the flavors.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.

Variations for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to tweak according to what you have on hand or your personal tastes. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Swap out chicken: Try grilled turkey or tofu for a different protein profile.
• Diverse greens: Use spinach, kale, or mixed greens for a different texture and nutrient boost.
• Dressing twists: Add a dash of hot sauce, mustard, or honey for unique flavor notes.
• Extra crunch: Toss in toasted nuts or seeds to elevate the crunch factor.
• Low-carb option: Skip the avocado or substitute with cucumber slices to reduce calories but keep freshness.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the chicken and bacon

Start by cooking your chicken breast until tender, then shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Crisp up the bacon strips in a pan until golden and crunchy, then chop them into smaller bits to spread evenly across the salad.

Step 2: Chop fresh veggies

Wash and dry your romaine lettuce thoroughly, then chop it into manageable pieces. Halve cherry tomatoes for bursts of juicy sweetness, thinly slice red onion for just the right punch, and slice avocado for a creamy element.

Step 3: Make the dressing

Combine mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with lemon juice or vinegar, then season with salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended, adjusting acidity and seasoning to your taste preference.

Step 4: Toss everything together

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and avocado. Drizzle your dressing over the top, then gently toss to evenly coat each ingredient without mashing the avocado.

Step 5: Serve immediately

Transfer the salad to serving plates or bowls, and enjoy this fresh, flavorful meal at once to capture the best textures and tastes.

Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

• Use warm chicken: Adding slightly warm chicken encourages the dressing to blend flavors better.
• Pat dry ingredients: Dry your vegetables well to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Cook bacon evenly: Avoid burnt edges by cooking bacon over medium heat for balanced crispiness.
• Customize dressing: Experiment with herbs like dill or parsley for freshness.
• Serve promptly: This salad is best enjoyed fresh to keep the crisp textures intact.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Top your BLT Chicken Salad Recipe with freshly chopped chives, a sprinkle of cracked black pepper, or a few crispy bacon crumbs to add an extra pop of flavor and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair this salad with warm garlic bread, a bowl of soup, or roasted potatoes to round out your meal while keeping the focus on the main salad’s vibrant taste.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salad in a hollowed-out avocado or inside crisp lettuce cups to create a fun and impressive presentation perfect for gatherings or light lunches.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salad components separately in airtight containers—store dressing and bacon apart from fresh veggies to maintain their crispness and prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the freshness of vegetables and creamy dressing, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerate leftovers for short periods.

Reheating

If you prefer warm chicken salad, reheat just the chicken before assembling the salad to avoid wilting your greens or avocado.

FAQs

Can I make this salad vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the bacon and chicken, and consider adding chickpeas, grilled tofu, or tempeh for protein.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?

Yes, Greek yogurt adds creaminess and tang with fewer calories, making it a healthier option and still perfectly complementing the flavors.

How long can I store the salad in the fridge?

When stored properly, this salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days, especially if you keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Rotisserie chicken is a convenient and flavorful shortcut that works beautifully in this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe.

What are good alternatives to romaine lettuce?

Spinach, mixed greens, or kale can all provide a delicious, nutrient-dense base while changing the texture and flavor slightly.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings together simplicity and bold flavors in one unforgettable dish. Whether you’re new to salad-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe invites you to enjoy fresh ingredients in a quick and wholesome way. So grab your favorite ingredients and dive in—your next favorite meal is just a few easy steps away!

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