If you’re craving something fresh, satisfying, and packed with flavor, then this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is here to become your new go-to favorite. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all tossed in a tangy, smooth dressing, it brings together all the best parts of a classic BLT with an irresistible twist. Whether you’re making a quick lunch or a light dinner, this salad hits all the right notes with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe comes straight from its simple, fresh ingredients, each bringing a unique texture and burst of flavor to the bowl. With just a handful of staples, you can easily whip up a colorful and nutrient-packed meal.
- Cooked chicken breast diced: Provides lean protein and a tender, hearty base for the salad.
- Crispy cooked bacon crumbled: Adds a smoky crunch that contrasts beautifully with softer ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes halved: Brings juicy sweetness and vibrant color to brighten the dish.
- Chopped romaine or mixed lettuce: Offers a refreshing, crisp foundation that complements every bite.
- Diced avocado: Adds creaminess and healthy fats, enriching the salad’s texture.
- Red onion (optional): Gives a slight sharpness and a pop of purple for visual appeal.
- Mayonnaise: Creates richness and helps bind ingredients in the dressing.
- Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing with tang and a creamy consistency.
- Lemon juice: Balances the richness with fresh acidity and brightness.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a punch of flavor and a subtle kick to the dressing.
- Garlic powder: Provides gentle savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients. Dice the cooked chicken breast to bite-sized pieces, crumble your crispy bacon, halve those sweet cherry tomatoes, chop the lettuce into manageable pieces, and dice the avocado just before assembling to keep it fresh and creamy. If you love a bit of tang, slice some red onion thinly to add a subtle punch.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder. Add salt and black pepper to taste, then whisk everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. This dressing is the glue that brings the salad’s flavors and textures together with a delightful balance of richness and tartness.
Step 3: Toss and Combine
Pour your beautifully made dressing over the salad ingredients in a large bowl. Gently toss everything together, making sure every piece of chicken, bacon, tomato, and lettuce is coated. Be careful not to mash the avocado during mixing — you want it creamy, not mushy!
Step 4: Serve Immediately or Chill
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is delicious served right away for a fresh experience, but it also holds beautifully in the fridge for a few hours if you want to prepare ahead. Just a quick toss before serving revives all the flavors perfectly.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add even more texture, sprinkle the salad with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives. A few cracked black peppercorns on top give a touch of rustic charm, and if you’re feeling adventurous, a light drizzle of extra virgin olive oil adds a luscious finish.
Side Dishes
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe pairs beautifully with crusty bread, garlic toast, or even crispy pita chips for scooping. For a lighter meal, consider a side of fresh fruit or a simple bowl of chilled cucumber slices with a dash of salt and lemon.
Creative Ways to Present
Swap out a traditional bowl and serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups for a fun finger-food option. Alternatively, pile the salad on toasted sourdough or multigrain bread for a mouthwatering open-faced sandwich that’s perfect for brunch or a casual lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the lettuce may lose some crunch and the avocado might brown slightly, so it tastes best when eaten fresh.
Freezing
Because this salad contains fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing, freezing is not recommended. The texture of lettuce and avocado changes too much after thawing, which can affect the overall enjoyment of the salad.
Reheating
Since this is a cold salad, reheating is unnecessary. However, if you want to enjoy the chicken warm, simply separate it before mixing with the salad and gently warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop, then add the salad ingredients and dressing fresh.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor. Just be sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces for even mixing.
Is there a dairy-free version of this salad?
Yes! Simply swap out the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives like vegan mayo and coconut yogurt, or use mashed avocado to create a creamy dressing base.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon and add extra avocado or roasted chickpeas for crunch and protein. You could also add hard-boiled eggs for added richness.
What type of lettuce works best?
Romaine or mixed greens are both excellent choices since they provide a nice crunch without overpowering the other flavors. Iceberg lettuce is also a good crunchy substitute if you prefer a lighter bite.
How long does the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe keep its best flavor?
For the freshest taste, enjoy within the first few hours after making it. If refrigerated, it’s best within 24 hours to prevent the avocado from browning and the lettuce from wilting.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those simple yet sensational dishes that hits the spot every time. It’s quick to make, wonderfully satisfying, and full of comforting familiar flavors with a refreshing twist. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do — it just might become your favorite salad too!
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BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A fresh and flavorful BLT Chicken Salad combining tender diced chicken breast, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy lettuce, all tossed in a light and tangy mayonnaise and Greek yogurt dressing. This easy no-cook salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 6 slices crispy cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cups chopped romaine or mixed lettuce
- 1 avocado, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the diced cooked chicken breast, crumbled crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, diced avocado, and red onion if using. Gently toss to mix the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well combined.
- Toss the Salad: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad ingredients in the large bowl. Gently toss everything together to coat the salad evenly with the dressing without mashing the avocado.
- Serve or Store: Serve the BLT chicken salad immediately for the freshest taste, or cover and refrigerate for up to several hours to allow the flavors to meld. This salad can be served on its own, in lettuce cups, or on toasted bread for a sandwich option.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute all mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.
- Serve the salad in lettuce cups or on toasted bread to make a BLT chicken sandwich.
