BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Looking for a fresh and satisfying meal that’s packed with protein, flavor, and a mix of crunchy textures?

Look no further than this BLT Chicken Salad! Combining the classic elements of a BLT sandwich—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—with tender chicken and a light, flavorful dressing, this salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a simple, delicious dinner. Whether you’re serving it as a main dish or a side, this BLT Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make and customize.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder.
2. Cook the Chicken: Grill the chicken on medium-high heat for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through. Alternatively, you can pan-sear the chicken with a little olive oil.
3. Rest and Slice: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

1. Crisp the Bacon: Cook your bacon in a skillet over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large salad bowl, add the chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and avocado if using.
2. Add the Chicken and Bacon: Top the salad with the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

1. Mix the Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt and pepper.
2. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thinner dressing, add a little water or more lemon juice.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

1. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss everything together to combine.
2. Serve Immediately: Serve the BLT Chicken Salad immediately for the best flavor and texture. Enjoy it as is or with a side of crusty bread.

Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad

• Use Fresh Ingredients: The fresher your ingredients, the better the salad will taste. Crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and high-quality bacon make a big difference.
• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry. Keep an eye on it while grilling or searing to maintain a juicy texture.
• Make it Low-Carb: Skip the croutons or bread and serve the salad on its own for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal.
• Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the dressing to your taste. Add a pinch of sugar or honey for sweetness, or swap Greek yogurt for sour cream if you prefer.

Variations of BLT Chicken Salad

Keto BLT Chicken Salad:

• To make this salad keto-friendly, skip the tomatoes and avocado (if carbs are a concern) and replace the dressing with a simple olive oil and vinegar combination.

BLT Chicken Salad with Ranch Dressing:

• Swap the homemade dressing for ranch if you’re looking for a shortcut. Ranch dressing pairs beautifully with the bacon and chicken for a more familiar flavor.

Spicy BLT Chicken Salad:

• Add some heat by mixing a teaspoon of hot sauce or sriracha into the dressing. You can also top the salad with pickled jalapeños for an extra kick.

BLT Chicken Pasta Salad:

• For a heartier option, add cooked and cooled pasta (like rotini or penne) to turn this salad into a BLT Chicken Pasta Salad. It’s great for picnics or potlucks!

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 400-500
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fat: 25-30g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15g (without bread or croutons)
• Fiber: 5-7g (with avocado)

How to Store and Reheat

Storing Leftovers:

• Store the salad and dressing separately in the refrigerator. The salad can last up to 2 days, but it’s best consumed fresh.

Reheating Chicken:

• If you plan on having leftovers, store the chicken separately and reheat it in the microwave or oven before adding it to the salad.

Conclusion

BLT Chicken Salad is a quick, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich, but in salad form. With crispy bacon, juicy chicken, fresh lettuce, and a creamy homemade dressing, this dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. It’s easy to customize and comes together in no time, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers.

FAQs

1. Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, but it’s best to toss the salad with the dressing just before serving.
2. What can I use instead of mayonnaise? You can substitute mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier dressing.
3. How do I keep my bacon crispy in the salad? Add the bacon right before serving to maintain its crispy texture. Storing it separately from the salad helps too.
4. Can I use leftover chicken? Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this salad.
5. What’s the best type of lettuce for this salad? Romaine or mixed greens work best for their crunchy texture, but you can use iceberg lettuce if you prefer.

Yield: 4

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Print

Looking for a fresh and satisfying meal that’s packed with protein, flavor, and a mix of crunchy textures? Look no further than this BLT Chicken Salad! Combining the classic elements of a BLT sandwich—bacon, lettuce, and tomato—with tender chicken and a light, flavorful dressing, this salad is perfect for a healthy lunch or a simple, delicious dinner. Whether you're serving it as a main dish or a side, this BLT Chicken Salad is a crowd-pleaser that's easy to make and customize.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced (optional)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon:
   Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and drain on a paper towel, then crumble.
   
2. Prepare the Salad Base:
   In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, avocado (if using), cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
   
3. Make the Dressing:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
   
4. Assemble the Salad:
   Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
   
5. Serve:
   Serve the BLT Chicken Salad chilled or at room temperature, either as a standalone dish or inside a sandwich, wrap, or lettuce cups.

Notes

Chicken Options: You can use grilled, poached, or rotisserie chicken for convenience.

Bacon Tip: For an extra crunch, try using thick-cut bacon or cooking it in the oven.

Dressing Variations: Feel free to use a ranch dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette for a different flavor twist.

Storage: This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days, but it’s best eaten fresh.