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.