Zesty BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist on a Classic

Crisp bacon, juicy chicken, and garden-fresh ingredients come together in this irresistible blt chicken salad that promises a flavor explosion.

Succulent pieces of grilled chicken mingle with crispy bacon crumbles, creating a protein-packed delight.

Ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce add vibrant color and texture to every bite.

The dressing ties everything together with a creamy, tangy finish that makes this salad impossible to resist.

Summer cookouts and quick weeknight dinners will never be the same once you try this mouthwatering combination.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and zesty notes that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this delicious meal that transforms classic sandwich flavors into a refreshing, satisfying salad experience.

Steps To Build A Great BLT Chicken Salad

• Crispy Bacon Crunch

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until golden and crunchy, breaking it into irresistible bite-sized fragments that’ll make your mouth water.

• Chicken Magic

Shred or dice tender chicken, creating perfect protein-packed morsels that blend seamlessly with the other ingredients.

• Fresh Flavor Symphony

Chop vibrant tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and zippy green onions, transforming them into colorful confetti that adds excitement to every bite.

• Creamy Dressing Delight

Whip up a tangy sauce by mixing mayonnaise, zesty Dijon mustard, bright lemon juice, and a sprinkle of garlic powder, creating a smooth blend that’ll make taste buds dance.

• Salad Celebration

Toss all ingredients together in a large bowl, letting the flavors mingle and marry into a mouthwatering medley that screams summer freshness.

• Serving Suggestions

Pile this incredible mixture into sandwiches, wrap it up, or serve atop a bed of greens. Feel free to jazz it up with avocado or a sprinkle of cheese for extra pizzazz.

Ways To Make Your BLT Chicken Salad Stand Out

• Bacon Lover's Delight: Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch and richer flavor, giving your salad a more indulgent texture.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Skip bread entirely and serve this salad over crisp lettuce leaves or in a lettuce wrap for a keto-friendly option that's light and satisfying.
• Protein Power Boost: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or hard-boiled eggs to create delicious alternative protein variations that keep the classic BLT spirit alive.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare ingredients separately and store in airtight containers, mixing just before serving to maintain maximum freshness and prevent soggy lettuce. Dressing can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making meal prep a breeze.

Serving Up BLT Chicken Salad With Ease

• Picnic Perfect Platter: Spread the salad on a large wooden board with crackers, sliced baguette, and extra crispy bacon bits surrounding the main dish for a stunning presentation.
• Wrap It Up Fresh: Stuff the salad into large lettuce leaves or soft tortilla wraps for a light, portable lunch that's easy to pack and enjoy on-the-go.
• Greens Galore Bowl: Layer the BLT chicken salad over a bed of mixed greens, sprinkle with extra crumbled bacon, and add sliced hard-boiled eggs for a protein-packed meal that transforms the recipe into a hearty salad.
• Creamy Sandwich Delight: Toast thick slices of sourdough bread, spread a generous layer of the chicken salad, and top with extra crisp lettuce leaves for a classic sandwich experience that highlights the BLT flavors.

Storage Tips To Keep BLT Chicken Salad Crisp

• Flavor-Locked Storage: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep dressing and salad components separate to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken, bacon, and chopped vegetables in advance. Store each ingredient separately in sealed containers, mixing just before serving to retain fresh textures and vibrant flavors.
• Smart Portioning: Divide salad into individual grab-and-go containers for quick lunches. Add crispy bacon right before eating to keep its delightful crunch intact.
• Temperature Tip: Always serve chilled for maximum taste. Remove from refrigerator 10 minutes before serving to let ingredients reach perfect eating temperature and blend flavors smoothly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 3

Everything You’ll Need For BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender, cooked protein that forms the hearty foundation of the salad, best when freshly grilled or roasted for maximum flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds a rich, smoky crunch and elevates the overall taste experience.

• Romaine Lettuce: Crisp, green base that provides a refreshing texture and nutritional boost, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet bursts of flavor that add vibrant color and freshness, select ripe, firm tomatoes for best taste.
• Green Onions: Mild, zesty herb that introduces a subtle sharpness and visual appeal, choose bright green stalks with firm white bottoms.

• Mayonnaise: Smooth, rich base that binds the salad and creates a luxurious texture, opt for high-quality, full-fat version.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that adds depth and complexity to the dressing, choose smooth, traditional French-style mustard.
• Lemon Juice: Bright, acidic ingredient that balances the richness and adds a fresh zing, use freshly squeezed for best flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Convenient seasoning that provides subtle, aromatic warmth, ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that highlights all ingredients, use fine sea salt for even distribution.
• Black Pepper: Warm, spicy seasoning that adds gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides the most robust flavor.

Kitchen Tools That Help With BLT Chicken Salad

• Large bowl: Perfect for mixing all salad ingredients together.
• Small bowl: Ideal for whisking the creamy dressing.
• Whisk: Essential for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping vegetables and chicken.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.
• Skillet or frying pan: Used for cooking bacon until crispy.
• Tongs or spatula: Helpful for handling and crumbling bacon.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurate dressing ingredient amounts.

Crispy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Creamy BLT chicken salad combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh lettuce in a tangy dressing. Delightful summer meal perfect for picnics or quick lunches that satisfies hungry diners.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ avocado, diced
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (60 g) romaine lettuce, chopped
• ¼ cup (25 g) green onions, sliced
• ½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ¼ cup (30 g) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Crisp bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and crunchy, rendering fat completely for maximum flavor intensity.
2. Chicken and Vegetable Composition: Dice pre-cooked chicken into uniform pieces, then chop tomatoes (seeds removed), tear romaine lettuce, and mince green onions into fine rings.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl, blending until smooth and well-integrated.
4. Salad Assembly: Combine chicken, bacon crumbles, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions in a large mixing bowl, gently folding to distribute ingredients evenly.
5. Final Touch: Pour prepared dressing over the salad, using a light folding motion to coat ingredients thoroughly without breaking delicate components.
6. Serving Suggestions: Present the BLT chicken salad nestled in a wrap, between toasted bread slices, or atop a crisp green salad base for a versatile and satisfying meal experience.

Notes

• Optimize Bacon Crispness: Cook bacon slowly on medium-low heat to ensure maximum crunchiness without burning, rendering fat completely for rich flavor and perfect texture.
• Control Moisture Balance: Remove tomato seeds and pat ingredients dry to prevent salad from becoming watery, maintaining crisp and fresh consistency.
• Elevate Dressing Flavor: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly and let sit for 10-15 minutes before mixing to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating a more complex taste profile.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or avocado for a lighter version, use turkey bacon for reduced fat, or make it gluten-free by serving in lettuce wraps instead of bread.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg