I recently made this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, and let me tell you—it was a hit! The salty crunch of bacon mixed with tender chicken and juicy tomatoes made every bite amazing. I loved how fresh it tasted, and it took less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
It’s now one of my go-to meals when I want something light but filling. And if you like trying new recipes, don’t miss out on my Banana Bread Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe—another must-try!
Fresh Ingredients That Make All the Difference
The magic of this salad lies in using simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each item matters.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped – I prefer using rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor. It’s tender and perfectly cooked.
- 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crispy – Bacon adds a salty crunch and a rich, smoky flavor. Make sure it’s crispy for the best texture.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered – Fresh and juicy, these give your salad brightness and a pop of color.
- 1/2 small red onion, diced – Adds sharpness and crunch. Dice finely for the best balance.
- 2 stalks celery, diced – Provides a fresh, crisp bite that pairs beautifully with the creamy dressing.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light if preferred) – The base of the dressing. You can use light mayo for a healthier option.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – Brings freshness and balances the creaminess.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Gives a gentle savory note.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Offers a mild kick.
Note: This recipe makes around 4 servings, perfect for a light meal or hearty side dish.
Creative Variations for Your BLT Chicken Salad
Want to switch things up or make it suit your diet? Here are some tasty and healthy alternatives.
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo or mashed avocado for the dressing.
- Keto-Friendly: Skip the tomatoes and use more celery and bacon to reduce carbs.
- Add-ins: Try chopped pickles, shredded cheese, or diced bell peppers for extra crunch.
- Greens Base: Serve it over a bed of arugula or spinach to make it more salad-like.
- Spicy Version: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños.
I often play around with ingredients, especially when making my Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake Recipe—so don’t be afraid to experiment!
Cooking Time: Quick and Easy Every Time
This salad is fast to prepare. Here’s the timing breakdown:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
It’s perfect for a quick lunch or easy weeknight dinner.
Equipment You’ll Need for This Salad
Keep it simple with just a few kitchen tools:
- Cutting board and knife – For chopping the chicken, vegetables, and bacon.
- Large mixing bowl – To combine all the ingredients easily.
- Small mixing bowl – For whisking the dressing ingredients.
- Whisk or spoon – Helps you mix the dressing smoothly.
- Skillet or frying pan – For crisping the bacon.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
Making this salad is super easy. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a fresh and tasty dish in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh bacon, dice it up and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set it aside to drain on a paper towel. Then, wash and quarter your cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion and celery. Prep work is half the battle here.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. You can taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. I usually add a tiny bit more pepper for extra kick.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and celery. Pour the dressing on top and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be sure to toss gently to keep the ingredients looking fresh and vibrant.
Step 4: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve the salad right away, or if you prefer it chilled, cover it and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors blend even better.
Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better
After making this salad a few times, I’ve picked up a few tricks that make it even better. Here’s what worked for me:
- Use freshly cooked bacon for the best crunch.
- Don’t overmix the salad—stir gently to keep the ingredients intact.
- Add a handful of chopped romaine lettuce for more crunch and fiber.
- If storing, leave the dressing separate to keep it from getting soggy.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add more flavor.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
This salad is so versatile, you can serve it in many fun and creative ways!
- Spoon it into lettuce cups for a low-carb option.
- Serve it on toasted sourdough or croissants for a BLT Chicken Sandwich twist.
- Use it as a topping for baked potatoes or stuffed inside a tortilla wrap.
- Add avocado slices or croutons for extra texture.
- Present it in a large white bowl with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a clean, classic look.
Want another crowd-pleaser for dinner? You should definitely try my New Orleans Shrimp and Corn Bisque Recipe next!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
This salad is satisfying and relatively healthy. Here’s a quick breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 27g
These numbers can vary slightly depending on your specific ingredients.
How to Store the BLT Chicken Salad
Want to make it ahead of time or save leftovers? Here’s how to store it properly:
- Refrigerating: Store in an airtight container for up to 3–5 days. Stir before serving again.
- Freezing: Not recommended. The mayo-based dressing separates when frozen and thawed.
- Reheating: Not necessary—this dish is best served cold or at room temperature.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This BLT Chicken Salad is not only tasty but also practical. Here’s why it’s a winner in my kitchen:
- Super Easy: Just mix and serve. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- Customizable: You can swap or add ingredients based on your taste.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and store it for the week.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves bacon and chicken—how can you go wrong?
- Healthy Options: Easily adapted to fit keto, low-carb, or dairy-free diets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid for Better Results
Here are a few things I’ve learned not to do when making this recipe:
- Overcooking the bacon: It gets too hard and ruins the texture.
- Using frozen chicken: It tends to get soggy—use fresh or rotisserie instead.
- Skipping lemon juice: It balances the richness of mayo and bacon.
- Not drying the tomatoes: Too much moisture can water down the salad.
- Overmixing: The salad can turn mushy if stirred too aggressively.
More Info for Better Experience
- You can double the recipe for parties or gatherings.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky or spicy kick.
- If you’re packing it for lunch, keep the dressing separate until serving.
- Use this recipe as a filling for sliders or mini sandwiches for potlucks.
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by chopping your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using fresh bacon, dice it up and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Set it aside to drain on a paper towel. Then, wash and quarter your cherry tomatoes, finely dice the red onion and celery. Prep work is half the battle here.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. You can taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. I usually add a tiny bit more pepper for extra kick.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and celery. Pour the dressing on top and gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated. Be sure to toss gently to keep the ingredients looking fresh and vibrant.
- You can serve the salad right away, or if you prefer it chilled, cover it and refrigerate for 30 minutes. Chilling helps the flavors blend even better.