If you’re craving something fresh, flavorful, and packed with a perfect balance of savory and tangy, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your new go-to delight. It takes all the best parts of a classic BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—and melds them with tender chicken and a creamy, zesty dressing. Whether you’re looking for an easy lunch, a light dinner, or a potluck favorite, this salad shines with its vibrant textures and comforting flavors that feel like a warm hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this dish is refreshingly simple but crucial to achieving that perfect harmony of flavors and textures. Each element contributes something special, from the crunch of bacon to the brightness of lemon juice that lifts the dressing.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast: Use shredded or chopped chicken for tenderness and protein.
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled): Adds irresistible smoky crunch that defines the salad.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Provides juicy bursts of freshness and vivid color.
- 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce: Gives a crisp base that balances all the creamy elements.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates rich, creamy texture that ties all flavors together.
- 1 tablespoon sour cream: Adds a subtle tang for deeper flavor complexity.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the dressing for a refreshing zing.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Imparts a gentle savory note without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient.
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional): For a vibrant garnish that adds a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Main Ingredients
Start by placing the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped lettuce into a large mixing bowl. This colorful mixture forms the hearty foundation of the salad and promises a great bite in every scoop.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and well blended. The dressing is where the magic happens — it brings creaminess with a zesty lift that makes the salad irresistible.
Step 3: Toss and Chill
Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and gently toss everything to coat evenly. This delicate folding ensures each ingredient gets a chance to soak in the flavors. For best results, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to mingle and deepen.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Top your BLT Chicken Salad Recipe with freshly chopped chives or parsley for a pop of color and an inviting fresh aroma. These herbs brighten up the dish both visually and flavor-wise without overpowering the balance you’ve created.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp, crusty bread or light crackers if you want some extra texture. For a complete meal, consider adding a simple roasted vegetable or a refreshing cucumber salad alongside it to keep things light and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to wow your guests or family? Serve the salad scooped into crunchy lettuce cups or stuffed inside a soft wrap for handheld convenience. You can even pile it on toasted sandwich bread to mimic the classic BLT but with a protein-packed twist. These presentation ideas keep the salad versatile for any occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep it chilled and fresh by storing the dressing separately if you want to maintain maximum crispness of the lettuce.
Freezing
Because of the fresh vegetables and creamy dressing, freezing this salad isn’t recommended as it may alter the texture once thawed. For best quality, make it fresh or consume leftovers within a few days.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not necessary. If you do want to warm the chicken separately, simply reheat the chicken before mixing into the salad to keep everything fresh and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent shortcut that saves time without sacrificing flavor, making the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe even more convenient.
Is there a lighter version of this salad?
Yes, you can swap out sour cream and some mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and calories while keeping the creamy texture deliciously intact.
Can I add other vegetables to the salad?
Definitely! Diced avocado or cucumbers make fantastic additions that add creaminess and freshness, bringing even more variety to the salad.
What type of bacon works best?
Traditional thick-cut smoked bacon works wonderfully for flavor and crunch, but turkey bacon can be a leaner alternative if you prefer.
How long should I chill the salad before serving?
At least 30 minutes is ideal to let the flavors blend beautifully, though if you’re in a hurry, 15 minutes still works well to bring everything together.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe truly captures the essence of comfort food with a fresh twist, combining simple ingredients in a way that feels special yet effortless. Whether you’re feeding a family, packing a lunch, or sharing with friends, it’s a dish that invites smiles and satisfied appetites. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your recipe rotation!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make low-carb option perfect for summer. Combining tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all tossed in a creamy homemade dressing with mayonnaise, sour cream, and a hint of lemon juice. Served chilled, it’s great on its own, in lettuce cups, or as a sandwich filling.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (shredded or chopped)
- 6 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- Chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Cook the bacon until crisp, then crumble it. Shred or chop the cooked chicken breast. Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the lettuce.
- Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Salad: In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and chopped lettuce. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture.
- Toss the Salad: Gently toss all ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing, ensuring each bite is flavorful.
- Chill and Serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with chopped chives or parsley if desired. Serve chilled on its own, in lettuce cups, or in a sandwich or wrap.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.
- For a lighter version, replace sour cream and part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
