A BLT sandwich is a classic, but what if you could turn it into a delicious, fresh chicken salad? This BLT Chicken Salad recipe combines the best parts of a BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh veggies—while adding tender chicken for extra protein and flavor. With a creamy, tangy dressing made of light mayonnaise and lemon juice, this salad offers a satisfying meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

The combination of crisp bacon, the crunch of celery, and the burst of cherry tomatoes makes every bite a delightful experience. The chicken provides a great source of lean protein, making this salad not only delicious but also filling. The best part? It’s easy to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for a more flavorful result. Whether you enjoy it on its own, in a wrap, or over a bed of greens, this BLT Chicken Salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Perfect for BLT Lovers

If you’re a fan of the classic BLT sandwich, this chicken salad is a great way to enjoy the same flavors in a fresh, new way.

2. Quick and Easy to Prepare

This recipe comes together quickly and can be ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or quick lunches.

3. Packed with Flavor

The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh veggies, along with a creamy mayo dressing, creates a flavorful salad that’s hard to resist.

4. Customizable

Adjust the seasoning, swap ingredients, or add extra toppings like avocado or cheese to personalize the recipe to your taste.

5. Great for Meal Prep

This chicken salad stores well in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prepping ahead of time and enjoying for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, chopped
1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
½ small red onion, diced small
2 stalks celery, diced
½ cup light mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Variations

Add Avocado: For extra creaminess and richness, try adding diced avocado to the salad.
Use Greek Yogurt: Substitute some or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy and lighter dressing.
Add Cheese: Crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or blue cheese can add extra flavor.
Add More Veggies: If you like, add diced cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some leafy greens like spinach or arugula.
Spicy Kick: If you prefer a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1:

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

Step 2:

In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until the dressing is smooth and well combined.

Step 3:

Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss everything together until the chicken and veggies are evenly coated.

Step 4:

Serve immediately or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld. Enjoy your BLT chicken salad!

Tips for Making the Recipe

Crisp the Bacon: Make sure to cook the bacon until it’s crispy, as it will add the perfect texture to your salad.
Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great option to save time without sacrificing flavor.
Chill for Best Flavor: While you can serve the salad immediately, allowing it to chill for an hour will enhance the flavor as the ingredients have more time to meld together.
Adjust the Mayo: If you prefer a lighter salad, feel free to use a reduced-fat mayo or Greek yogurt to replace part of the mayo.

How to Serve

On a Bed of Greens: Serve the BLT Chicken Salad over a bed of leafy greens like lettuce, spinach, or arugula for a refreshing meal.
In a Wrap: For a quick and easy lunch, scoop the chicken salad into a whole wheat wrap or tortilla.
As a Sandwich: Serve the salad in a sandwich, using your favorite bread or rolls. Add some extra greens for a crunchy texture.
With Crackers or Chips: For a snack or light meal, serve the chicken salad with crunchy crackers or chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will develop even more after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, so it’s a great option for make-ahead meals.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this chicken salad, as the mayonnaise-based dressing may separate when thawed, affecting the texture.

Reheating

Since this recipe is typically served cold, reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer it warm, gently heat the chicken salad on the stove or in the microwave. Keep in mind that this may alter the texture of the mayo dressing.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe, saving you time in the preparation.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chicken salad ahead of time. It will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days and the flavors will meld together even more as it sits.

3. Can I substitute the mayo with something else?

Yes, you can substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier option, or use a combination of both for a balanced flavor.

4. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Absolutely! You can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or even some fresh greens for added crunch and flavor.

5. Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey can easily replace chicken in this recipe, especially if you have leftover turkey from a holiday meal.

6. Can I make this salad spicier?

Yes, you can add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to make it spicy, or even add jalapeños for a fresh kick.

7. Can I add cheese to this salad?

Yes, cheese such as crumbled feta, cheddar, or even blue cheese would pair nicely with the flavors in this salad.

8. How do I make the bacon extra crispy?

For the crispiest bacon, cook it over medium-high heat until it’s fully crisped up, then drain it on a paper towel to remove excess fat.

9. Can I serve this salad warm?

While this salad is typically served cold, you can enjoy it warm if preferred. Just be mindful that the mayo may change in texture.

10. Is this chicken salad gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you serve it with gluten-free bread or crackers.

Conclusion

This BLT Chicken Salad combines all the delicious flavors of a classic BLT with the added protein of chicken, making it a flavorful and satisfying meal. Whether served on a bed of greens, in a wrap, or as a sandwich, it’s an easy and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. With a quick prep time, customizable ingredients, and delicious flavor, this chicken salad is perfect for any occasion. Try it today, and it might just become your new go-to recipe!