BLT Chicken Salad is a flavorful and satisfying salad that combines all the delicious elements of a classic BLT sandwich—crispy beef bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce—along with tender, grilled chicken. The chicken is typically seasoned and grilled to perfection, then sliced and mixed with the other ingredients. A creamy dressing, often made with mayo, ranch, or a tangy vinaigrette, is added to bring everything together. The crispy beef bacon adds crunch and savory goodness, while the tomatoes and lettuce provide freshness and balance.
I first made BLT Chicken Salad when I was craving the flavors of a BLT sandwich but wanted something lighter and more refreshing. The combination of the smoky beef bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken with a creamy dressing was absolutely perfect. What I love most about this salad is how customizable it is—you can use your favorite greens, add avocado for extra creaminess, or even toss in some cheese for added flavor. BLT Chicken Salad is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or as a side at a barbecue!
Perfect for:
- Light lunches
- Dinner side dish
- Picnic meals
- Barbecues
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why this BLT Chicken Salad will become your go-to favorite:
- Classic Flavor Combination: The smoky beef bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy dressing create a flavor-packed salad.
- Tender Chicken: The addition of juicy, cooked chicken makes this salad more filling and satisfying.
- Crisp and Fresh: The lettuce and tomatoes provide a crisp, refreshing contrast to the warm chicken and beef bacon.
- Easy to Customize: You can easily swap ingredients, such as using turkey or adding avocado, to make it your own.
- Simple and Quick: This recipe is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
- Comforting and Filling: Packed with protein, this salad is both comforting and nutritious.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time for a quick and easy meal later.
- Creamy Dressing: The rich and creamy dressing ties all the ingredients together in every bite.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the croutons and enjoy a low-carb, high-protein meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for serving at parties or family gatherings, this salad is sure to impress.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 10g, Fat: 30g
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 4 slices beef bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups lettuce (romaine or mixed greens)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- 1/4 cup croutons (optional)
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Beef Bacon: Adds a crispy, smoky flavor that elevates the salad.
- Chicken: A great source of lean protein, adding substance and heartiness.
- Fresh Vegetables: Crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy dressing.
- Homemade Dressing: The tangy, creamy dressing perfectly complements the flavors in the salad.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Beef Bacon:
- Cook the beef Bacon: In a large skillet, cook beef bacon over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Once cool, crumble into pieces.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cook Chicken: If using raw chicken, cook the chicken breast in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, about 7-10 minutes per side. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then shred or dice.
Prepare the Salad Ingredients:
- Chop Vegetables: While the beef bacon and chicken cook, chop the lettuce, slice the tomatoes, onion, and cucumber. Set aside.
Make the Dressing:
- Combine Dressing Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Assemble the Salad:
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chicken, and crumbled beef bacon. Toss gently to combine.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss again to coat evenly.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: If desired, top with croutons for crunch and serve immediately.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad:
- As a Light Lunch: Serve as a satisfying lunch with a side of fruit.
- For Dinner: Pair with a light soup for a well-rounded meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread for a comforting meal.
- As a Picnic Dish: Pack in a container for an easy, outdoor meal.
- With Avocado: Add sliced avocado for extra creaminess and flavor.
- In a Wrap: Wrap the salad ingredients in a tortilla for a portable lunch.
- For Meal Prep: Divide into containers for an easy make-ahead meal.
- On a Bed of Quinoa: Serve on top of cooked quinoa for a heartier meal.
- For a Barbecue Side: This salad is the perfect complement to grilled meats and vegetables.
- As a Side for Steak: Pair with a grilled steak or chicken breast for a full meal.
Additional Tips
- Use Fresh Lettuce: For the best crunch and flavor, opt for crisp romaine or iceberg lettuce instead of pre-bagged options.
- Grill the Chicken: Grilled chicken adds a smoky flavor and keeps the salad lighter than fried chicken.
- Add Avocado: Sliced avocado can bring a creamy texture that complements the crispy beef bacon.
- Season Your Chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika before grilling to enhance flavor.
- Mix Your Dressing: Combine mayonnaise with a little bit of mustard or Greek yogurt to create a creamy yet tangy dressing.
- Use Crispy beef Bacon: For extra crunch, ensure the beef bacon is crispy. You can bake it in the oven for even results.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Cherry tomatoes add a sweet burst of flavor and a vibrant pop of color.
- Toast the Bread: If you’re serving the salad with bread on the side, lightly toast it to bring out a golden, crunchy texture.
- Chill the Chicken: After grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to retain its juices before slicing it for the salad.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives can brighten up the salad and add a bit of freshness.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Chicken BLT Salad: Add a teaspoon of chili powder or cayenne pepper to the dressing for a spicy kick.
- Avocado BLT Chicken Salad: Add cubed avocado for a creamy texture and extra richness.
- Grilled Chicken BLT Salad: Grill the chicken instead of pan-frying for a smoky flavor.
- Vegan Version: Use plant-based beef bacon and chicken, and replace the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative.
- Caesar BLT Chicken Salad: Replace the dressing with Caesar dressing for a twist on the classic.
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the croutons for a low-carb version of the salad.
- Southwest BLT Chicken Salad: Add black beans, corn, and cilantro to the salad for a southwestern flair.
- Greek BLT Chicken Salad: Use feta cheese and Kalamata olives for a Mediterranean version.
- Pasta BLT Chicken Salad: Add cooked pasta for a heartier meal.
Special Equipment
- Skillet: For cooking the bacon and chicken.
- Whisk: To mix the dressing ingredients.
- Large Mixing Bowl: For combining all the salad ingredients.
- Sharp Knife: For slicing vegetables and chicken.
- Serving Plates or Bowls: For presenting the salad.
FAQ Section
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. - How long does this salad last in the fridge?
The salad can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days, but it’s best eaten fresh. - Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the salad ingredients in advance, but wait to add the dressing and bacon until ready to serve. - What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt, sour cream, or avocado for a healthier alternative. - How do I keep the beef bacon crispy?
Cook the beef bacon ahead of time and store it in a separate container to maintain its crispiness. - Can I add cheese to this salad?
Yes, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or crumbled blue cheese would be great additions. - Can I make the dressing spicy?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick. - Can I serve this salad warm?
Yes, this salad is also delicious when the chicken is warm. - What other vegetables can I add?
You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or corn for more variety. - Can I freeze this salad?
It’s best to avoid freezing the salad, as the fresh ingredients won’t hold up well once thawed.
Conclusion
BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious, hearty salad that combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich—beef bacon, lettuce, and tomato—with the addition of tender chicken for extra protein. The chicken can be grilled, baked, or shredded, depending on your preference. The crispy beef bacon adds a savory crunch, while the fresh lettuce and juicy tomatoes provide brightness and freshness.
This salad is typically dressed with a creamy dressing, often a ranch or blue cheese, to complement the flavors, though a lighter vinaigrette also works beautifully. You can also add additional toppings like avocado for creaminess or hard-boiled eggs for added richness. It’s a satisfying meal on its own or a great side dish to serve with your favorite main course.
I can’t wait to see how your BLT Chicken Salad turns out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your beautiful creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!