BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

This BLT Chicken Salad recipe combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender chicken for a delicious, hearty salad. Packed with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy, flavorful dressing, this salad is perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or as a refreshing addition to your next picnic or potluck. It’s an easy, satisfying dish that everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of the BLT sandwich, you’ll adore this BLT Chicken Salad. It combines all the delicious elements of a classic BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh greens—while adding the heartiness of chicken. The addition of a simple, creamy dressing makes this salad extra rich and flavorful. It’s easy to make, customizable to your preferences, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you’re serving it on its own or as a topping for lettuce wraps, this chicken salad will quickly become a new favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chopped cooked chicken
• Bacon, cooked and diced
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Red onion, diced small
• Celery, diced
• Light mayonnaise
• Lemon juice
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper

Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
• Swap the Chicken: Try using rotisserie chicken or even grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
• Add Avocado: For extra creaminess and a boost of healthy fats, toss in some diced avocado.
• Use Greek Yogurt: If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
• Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like cucumber or bell peppers for more crunch and color.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon

In a large bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, crispy diced bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and diced celery.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.

Step 3: Toss the Salad

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss to coat evenly, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.

Step 4: Serve

Serve immediately, or chill the salad in the refrigerator for an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Chicken: You can use poached chicken breasts, rotisserie chicken, or grilled chicken for this recipe. If you have leftover chicken, it’s a great way to use it up.
• Bacon: For the best texture, use thick-cut bacon and make sure it’s crispy before adding it to the salad.
• Customize the Dressing: Feel free to adjust the amount of lemon juice, salt, or pepper to match your taste preferences.
• Chill for Better Flavor: While you can serve the salad immediately, chilling it for an hour will let the flavors blend and enhance the taste.

How to Serve

• As a Standalone Salad: Serve this BLT chicken salad as a light meal on its own, either in a bowl or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• On a Sandwich or Wrap: For a more substantial meal, serve the salad between slices of your favorite bread or in a wrap.
• Over Greens: Serve it on a bed of mixed greens or spinach for an extra boost of freshness.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT chicken salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The salad will stay fresh, and the flavors will continue to develop.

Freezing

This chicken salad is not suitable for freezing due to the mayonnaise and fresh ingredients. However, you can freeze the chicken and bacon separately before making the salad, then assemble it when you’re ready to enjoy.

Reheating

This salad is best served cold, so simply store it in the fridge and enjoy it straight from there.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a convenient option and adds great flavor to this salad.

2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure to chill it for at least an hour to let the flavors meld.

3. Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer a richer dressing.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or even avocado for extra texture and flavor.

5. Can I make this salad spicy?

Yes, you can add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick.

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

Yes, turkey bacon is a great option if you want to reduce the fat content.

7. How long will this chicken salad last in the fridge?

This chicken salad will last for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.

8. Can I use plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?

Yes, you can substitute part or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version of the dressing.

9. Can I use cooked chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, you can use cooked chicken thighs for a richer flavor, though it will change the texture a bit.

10. How do I make this salad more filling?

To make it more filling, you can serve the salad over greens or add some grains like quinoa or rice for a heartier meal.

Conclusion

This BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious twist on the classic BLT, combining crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken for a satisfying and flavorful dish. Whether served as a salad, sandwich, or wrap, it’s easy to make and perfect for any meal of the day. With the option to customize it with extra veggies or spice, you can make this recipe your own and enjoy it all week long!

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