BLT Chicken Salad

There’s nothing quite like a classic BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce all coming together in a harmony of flavors. But what if we took those beloved elements and transformed them into a fresh, protein-packed BLT Chicken Salad? This recipe is a game-changer, combining the heartiness of a salad with the indulgence of a BLT. It’s creamy, crunchy, smoky, and full of flavor—everything you love about the classic sandwich, but with an added boost of lean, juicy chicken.

This salad is the ultimate quick and easy meal. Whether you need a healthy lunch, a light dinner, or a make-ahead meal for busy days, this recipe delivers. It’s perfect for meal prep, picnics, or even a potluck side dish. The best part? It’s totally customizable! You can serve it over crisp romaine, tuck it into lettuce wraps, stuff it in a croissant, or enjoy it on its own.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad

If you’re looking for a salad that doesn’t feel like diet food, this is it. It’s packed with protein from the grilled or shredded chicken, satisfying crunch from the lettuce and crispy turkey bacon, and just the right amount of creaminess from the dressing. The contrast of flavors makes it a dish you’ll crave again and again.

This salad is also incredibly versatile. Serve it in a wrap, on a sandwich, over lettuce, or in a bowl—the possibilities are endless. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it a great option for those following keto or paleo diets. If you want to add more veggies, you can throw in avocado, cucumbers, or red onions for extra freshness and crunch.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 320
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise (for extra creaminess)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika (for a smoky flavor)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (for freshness)
• 2 tablespoons chopped chives (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions for BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Cook the Turkey Bacon

In a medium skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, then crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If using leftover or rotisserie chicken, simply shred or dice it into small pieces. If cooking fresh chicken, season two chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and paprika, then grill or pan-sear over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, combine the chicken, turkey bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce. Pour the dressing over the top and toss until everything is evenly coated.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Garnish with chopped chives for extra flavor. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Ingredient Background

The key to an unforgettable BLT Chicken Salad lies in its high-quality ingredients, each bringing a distinct flavor and texture.

First, let’s talk about chicken. Using lean, skinless chicken breast makes this dish high in protein while keeping it light. If you prefer a juicier texture, chicken thighs work well too. The great thing about this salad is that you can use grilled, baked, poached, or rotisserie chicken—whatever you have on hand!

Next, the turkey bacon adds that signature smoky, salty crunch that makes a BLT so irresistible. Unlike regular bacon, turkey bacon is leaner and lower in fat, making it a healthier alternative while still providing that classic bacon flavor. Cooking it until crispy ensures the perfect texture contrast with the other salad components.

Finally, we can’t forget the cherry tomatoes and romaine lettuce. Tomatoes bring a juicy, slightly sweet burst of flavor, balancing the savory elements. Romaine lettuce adds the perfect crunch while staying light and refreshing. If you want even more texture, you can use butter lettuce, arugula, or mixed greens.

Technique Tips for BLT Chicken Salad

Mastering a few simple techniques will take this salad from good to restaurant-quality.

First, cook the turkey bacon properly. Unlike regular bacon, turkey bacon can dry out quickly if overcooked. To get the perfect crispness, cook it over medium heat and let it sit on a paper towel after cooking to remove excess grease. You can also bake it in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes if you want a hands-off approach.

Second, season your chicken well. If you’re using freshly cooked chicken, don’t just rely on the dressing for flavor. Sprinkle the chicken with salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder before cooking. This extra seasoning layer makes a big difference.

Finally, if you want a creamier, richer dressing, let the salad chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the dressing time to meld with the ingredients, intensifying the flavors.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

This BLT Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile—you can serve it in several delicious ways beyond just a simple bowl.

For a fun, low-carb twist, turn this into BLT Chicken Lettuce Wraps. Scoop the salad into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves, fold them up like tacos, and enjoy a refreshing, handheld meal.

If you love sandwiches, try making a BLT Chicken Salad Croissant. Pile the salad onto a flaky croissant or whole wheat bread, and add extra lettuce or avocado slices for a richer, more satisfying bite.

Another creative idea? Serve this salad stuffed in a hollowed-out tomato or avocado. Simply slice a large tomato or avocado in half, remove some of the flesh, and spoon the salad inside. This presentation is perfect for brunches or elegant gatherings.

Freezing and Storing BLT Chicken Salad

Proper storage will keep your BLT Chicken Salad fresh and delicious for days.

To store in the refrigerator, place the salad in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Since lettuce can wilt quickly, you can keep it separate and mix it in just before serving for better texture.

If you plan to meal prep, consider making the salad in advance but storing the dressing separately. Combine everything just before eating to keep the ingredients crisp.

Unfortunately, this salad does not freeze well due to the creamy dressing and fresh lettuce. However, you can freeze cooked chicken separately and quickly assemble the salad when needed.

Healthier Twist Ideas

If you want to make this BLT Chicken Salad even healthier, try a few simple swaps.

For a low-fat dressing, replace mayonnaise with more Greek yogurt or use an avocado-based dressing. Greek yogurt keeps the dressing creamy while adding extra protein and probiotics.

To make it dairy-free, skip the yogurt and use a simple olive oil and lemon vinaigrette. This will give the salad a fresh, zesty flavor without any dairy.

For a higher fiber version, mix in chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or shredded carrots. These additions boost the nutrition while keeping the salad light and refreshing.

Serving Suggestions for Events

This BLT Chicken Salad is perfect for a variety of occasions and gatherings.

For a casual lunch or meal prep, serve it in a bowl with crackers or toast on the side. It’s an easy, no-fuss meal that keeps well in the fridge.

If you’re hosting a picnic or outdoor event, pack the salad in individual mason jars. This makes it easy to transport and keeps everything fresh until serving.

For a fancier dinner or brunch gathering, serve the salad in hollowed-out avocados or on a platter with assorted toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, and croutons. This presentation makes the dish feel extra special.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes! Just keep the dressing separate and mix it in right before serving for the freshest results.

2. Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?

Absolutely! Just cook and drain it well to avoid excess grease.

3. What’s the best way to cook chicken for this salad?

Grilling, baking, or using rotisserie chicken all work well. If cooking from scratch, season the chicken before cooking for extra flavor.

4. Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, but fresh or rotisserie chicken is recommended for better texture and taste.

5. What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt, mashed avocado, or a light vinaigrette are great alternatives.

6. Can I add cheese?

Of course! Crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or parmesan all work well.

7. How do I keep lettuce from getting soggy?

Store the lettuce separately and mix it in right before serving.

8. Is this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just be sure your bacon and seasonings are gluten-free.

9. Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Definitely! Romaine, iceberg, spinach, or arugula all work.

10. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes! Add a dash of cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños for some heat.

Conclusion

This BLT Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of creamy, crunchy, smoky, and fresh flavors. It’s quick to prepare, packed with protein, and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you serve it in a lettuce wrap, sandwich, or bowl, it’s a satisfying and delicious meal that everyone will love.

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