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If you love the classic flavors of a sandwich with bacon, lettuce, and tomato but want something fresh, creamy, and endlessly satisfying, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. It takes the best components of a BLT and adds tender shredded chicken alongside a tangy, homemade dressing that brings everything together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re preparing lunch for a crowd or just craving a delightful, protein-packed salad, this recipe is a definite winner that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe shines because of its simple, wholesome ingredients, each chosen to bring a burst of flavor, crunch, or creaminess. From the smoky bacon to the crisp veggies and tangy dressing, every element plays a crucial role in making this salad truly unforgettable.
- Cooked chicken breasts: Using cooked chicken provides a hearty protein base, and shredding it creates a perfect texture for salad.
- Finely chopped lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp bite to balance the richer ingredients.
- Diced celery: Brings an irresistible crunch and mild flavor that enhances the overall texture.
- Sliced grape tomatoes: Their juicy sweetness adds color and a refreshing burst of flavor.
- Diced red onion: Offers a sharp, savory bite that contrasts nicely with the creamy dressing.
- Cooked bacon, chopped small: The smoky, salty bacon is the star that makes this salad unmistakably a BLT.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Provides a creamy, tangy base for the dressing while keeping it light.
- Mayonnaise: Adds rich flavor and smoothness to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Imparts a subtle zing that lifts the dressing beautifully.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the salad.
- Pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth to the dressing mix.
- Onion powder: Boosts savory notes without overpowering the salad.
- Garlic powder: Gives a hint of warmth and complexity to the dressing.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Shred the Chicken
Start by shredding your cooked chicken breasts. For the easiest method, pop the chicken into a food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds until it’s finely shredded. If you’d rather stick to traditional methods, hand-shredding with forks works great too. This step is important because it creates a tender texture that blends beautifully with the other salad ingredients.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, toss together the finely chopped lettuce, diced celery, sliced grape tomatoes, and diced red onion. Then add your chopped cooked bacon for that signature BLT flavor punch. These fresh, crunchy vegetables and smoky bacon bring layers of texture and taste that make every bite exciting.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a separate bowl, whisk together plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This homemade dressing is creamy, tangy, and lightly seasoned, perfectly complementing the hearty chicken and fresh veggies without overpowering them.
Step 4: Combine and Mix
Pour the dressing over the shredded chicken and mixed vegetables. Gently toss everything together until you have a creamy, cohesive salad that’s bursting with the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato flavors but with an exciting, fresh twist. Your BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is now ready to enjoy!
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, sprinkle some freshly chopped chives or parsley on top. A little extra crispy bacon or halved cherry tomatoes add lovely color and texture that make your salad both more inviting and flavorful. A light drizzle of olive oil can also enhance the richness and give it a subtle shine.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Classic options like kettle-cooked chips or a crisp pickle spear make for a classic combo. For a healthier spin, try serving alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a simple quinoa salad. The contrast in textures and flavors from the sides will make your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
One of the best things about this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is how versatile it is to serve. Try spooning it onto toasted whole-grain bread or fresh wraps for a delicious sandwich. You can also scoop it onto crunchy cucumber rounds for a light appetizer, or serve it atop a bed of mixed greens to turn it into a heartier main course salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind that lettuce and bacon may lose some crispness, so it’s best to enjoy it fresh or as soon as possible for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This salad is not ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables and dressing can become watery or change texture when thawed. If you want to prep in advance, consider freezing the cooked chicken separately and mixing everything together fresh on the day you plan to eat.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not recommended. However, if you’d like warm chicken, gently reheat shredded chicken before adding the fresh veggies and dressing to maintain the best freshness and texture in your salad.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and can save you time. Just shred it finely and proceed with the recipe as directed.
Is there a way to make this salad low-fat?
Yes, you can reduce calories by using all Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise and opting for turkey bacon instead of traditional bacon while keeping the flavors vibrant.
Can this salad be made vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the bacon and use smoked tempeh or crispy roasted chickpeas to provide that smoky, crunchy element.
How long does the BLT Chicken Salad last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed container, this salad will stay fresh for up to three days, though fresh ingredients taste best when eaten sooner.
What can I serve with this salad for a complete meal?
Pair it with hearty bread, a fresh fruit salad, or some roasted vegetables to round out a balanced and satisfying meal.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe enough if you want something quick, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s a wonderful way to reinvent classic flavors into a lively salad that’s perfect for lunches, picnics, or casual dinners. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. So grab those ingredients and get mixing — your taste buds will thank you!
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BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken and bacon are pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A refreshing and protein-packed BLT Chicken Salad combining shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade Greek yogurt dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or on its own as a healthy meal.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 3 small cooked chicken breasts (or 2 large)
- 1 cup finely chopped lettuce
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 12 slices cooked bacon, chopped small
Dressing Ingredients
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Shred the Chicken: Finely shred the cooked chicken breasts by pulsing them in a food processor for about 10 seconds. Alternatively, you can shred the chicken by hand using forks for a more rustic texture.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with finely chopped lettuce, diced celery, sliced grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and the chopped cooked bacon pieces.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture and toss everything together until evenly coated. Serve the BLT chicken salad on bread for sandwiches, wrapped in a tortilla, paired with chips, or simply enjoy it over a bed of greens for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- For best results, use cooked chicken that is cooled to room temperature before shredding.
- If you prefer a tangier dressing, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- Make sure bacon is crispy before chopping for the best texture contrast.
- This salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To keep the lettuce crisp, add it just before serving if making the salad in advance.
