BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

If you love a classic BLT but crave something a little lighter and packed with protein, this BLT Chicken Salad is going to become your new obsession. Besides being incredibly delicious, this salad delivers all the flavors you crave in a BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce—with the fabulous addition of tender chicken and creamy avocado. Whether you devour it as a lunch bowl, pile it into lettuce wraps for a fresh twist, or scoop it into a sandwich, this is the ultimate salad for busy days, picky eaters, and anyone who wants to eat well without sacrificing flavor. Trust me, you’ll find yourself making BLT Chicken Salad on repeat.

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

BLT Chicken Salad is all about fresh, craveable ingredients that come together in just a few minutes. Each component pops with flavor and texture—think salty, creamy, tangy, crunchy, and juicy—so don’t skip these essentials.

  • Chicken breast: Use cooked, chopped, or shredded chicken for a hearty protein base; rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works wonders for convenience.
  • Bacon: Six slices crumbled up give the salad that signature smoky, salty kick—cook until perfectly crispy for the best bite.
  • Cherry tomatoes: Halved for bursts of sweetness and juicy freshness in every forkful.
  • Lettuce: Chopped romaine or mixed greens provide the cool crunch that ties the whole salad together.
  • Avocado: Diced for that irresistible creamy factor—you’ll love how it balances the bacon and chicken.
  • Red onion: Thinly sliced for a punch of color and gentle bite; soak in water for a minute to mellow if you prefer.
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo lays the rich, classic foundation for our dressing.
  • Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing with a subtle tang and extra protein—so satisfying!
  • Dijon mustard: Just a bit sharp and spicy, Dijon brings a lovely depth to the dressing.
  • Lemon juice: Brightens everything, balancing out the richness of the mayo and bacon.
  • Salt & pepper: Don’t forget to season to taste—it really makes the flavors pop!

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Salad Base

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, diced avocado, and thinly sliced red onion. This first layer sets the stage for every amazing bite—think about how your favorite BLT sandwich looks, then imagine it upgraded with juicy chicken and creamy avocado.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. This tangy, creamy concoction is what makes BLT Chicken Salad shine, adding moisture and flavor to every morsel. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning or add a little more lemon if that’s your style!

Step 3: Toss Everything Together

Pour the dressing all over the salad base and gently toss until the chicken, veggies, and bacon are evenly coated. Be sure to mix carefully so you don’t mash up the avocado—gentle folding is your friend here. Once combined, give it a quick taste for seasoning and tweak if necessary.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Scoop the fragrant, colorful BLT Chicken Salad into bowls, swirl into lettuce cups, or pile it high onto toasted bread for the ultimate sandwich. Serve immediately for the freshest flavors and textures, or chill briefly if you prefer a cold, crisp salad.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your BLT Chicken Salad with a sprinkle of snipped chives or fresh parsley for a pop of green. If you’re a fan of extra crunch, a handful of toasted seeds or croutons work beautifully. For an ultra-creamy finish, add just a few extra cubes of avocado right before serving.

Side Dishes

Serve with classic kettle chips, a hunk of crusty bread, or even a crisp dill pickle. If you’re keeping it low-carb, a side of sliced cucumbers or carrots delivers extra crunch without any guilt. This salad also shines next to a simple cup of soup for a cafe-style lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Try scooping the BLT Chicken Salad into halved avocados for an elegant appetizer, or spoon it onto endive leaves for a bite-sized party treat. You can also wrap it in tortillas for effortless lunch wraps, or stuff it into hollowed-out tomatoes for a stunning summer plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, but the lettuce and avocado are freshest right after mixing, so keep them separate if prepping ahead for the best texture.

Freezing

This salad isn’t a great candidate for freezing because of the fresh veggies, avocado, and creamy dressing. Frozen and thawed lettuce tends to lose its crispness and the dressing can separate—best to enjoy it fresh!

Reheating

BLT Chicken Salad is intended to be served cold or at room temperature, so there’s no need to reheat it. If you want to freshen leftovers, stir in a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt right before eating to revive the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in BLT Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor. Just make sure to remove the skin and bones before chopping or shredding the meat for your salad.

What’s the best bacon for this recipe?

Thick-cut bacon holds up especially well and gets extra crispy, but you can use your favorite kind—even turkey or plant-based bacon if desired. Just be sure it’s well-cooked for that vital crunch.

Can I make BLT Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Yes, simply substitute your favorite dairy-free yogurt for the Greek yogurt or use extra mayo to get the right texture. That way you don’t miss out on any of the creamy goodness.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

Toss avocado chunks with a little extra lemon juice before adding them to the salad. You can also leave out the avocado until just before serving if prepping ahead.

Is BLT Chicken Salad good for meal prep?

It’s great for meal prep if you store the dressing, greens, and avocado separately, then combine them right before eating. That keeps everything fresh and vibrant all week long.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing, craveworthy dish that packs in flavor and fun, this BLT Chicken Salad is the answer. No matter how you serve it, each bite is pure comfort and satisfaction. Give it a try—you just might find your new favorite salad!

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BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe


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4.7 from 20 reviews

  • Author: Emma
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

This BLT Chicken Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender chicken and creamy avocado. It’s a satisfying and flavorful salad that can be enjoyed on its own, in lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.


Ingredients

Scale

Salad:

  • 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped or shredded
  • 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups chopped romaine or mixed lettuce
  • 1/2 cup diced avocado
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, chopped lettuce, avocado, and red onion. Mix well.
  2. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
  4. Serve immediately as a salad bowl, in lettuce wraps, or as a sandwich filling.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for convenience.
  • To make it low-carb, skip the bread and serve in lettuce cups.
  • You can prepare the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: No-Cook (or Stovetop for bacon/chicken)
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 540mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

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