Crunchy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: Farm-Fresh Delight!

Summer’s heat calls for a refreshing chicken salad with a classic crispy BLT twist that satisfies every craving.

Tender chicken mingles with crisp bacon bits, creating a delightful flavor explosion.

Ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce add vibrant colors and textures to this mouthwatering dish.

Fresh ingredients dance together, promising a meal that’s both light and incredibly satisfying.

Crunchy bacon provides a salty bite that perfectly complements the lean chicken.

Each forkful delivers a balanced blend of protein and fresh vegetables.

This salad transforms a traditional sandwich concept into a cool, nutritious meal you’ll want to devour immediately.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 430 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender, cooked meat that forms the hearty base of the salad, best when freshly roasted or grilled for maximum flavor.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that adds crunch and rich smoky notes, choose thick-cut for better texture.

• Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Green Onions: Fresh crisp vegetables that provide a light, garden-fresh crunch and vibrant color to the dish.

• Mayonnaise: Creamy base that binds the salad and adds rich smoothness.
• Dijon Mustard: Tangy condiment that enhances the dressing's depth and complexity.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic element that balances the richness and adds zesty freshness.
• Garlic Powder: Subtle aromatic seasoning that infuses a mild, warm flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate and harmonize all other ingredients.

Tools to Make BLT Chicken Salad

• Large Bowl: Perfect for mixing all salad ingredients together.
• Small Bowl: Essential for whisking the creamy dressing.
• Whisk: Key tool for blending dressing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions.
• Cutting Board: Provides safe surface for chopping ingredients.
• Skillet or Frying Pan: Required for cooking and crisping bacon.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helpful for handling and crumbling bacon.

How to Toss a Fresh BLT Chicken Salad

• Crisp Up the Bacon

Sizzle bacon in a skillet until golden brown and delightfully crunchy. Let it cool, then break into delectable bite-sized crumbles.

• Prep the Protein

Shred or chop your cooked chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces that will blend perfectly with the other ingredients.

• Whip Together the Flavor Boost

In a small mixing bowl, blend mayonnaise, tangy Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, a sprinkle of garlic powder, and a dash of salt and pepper until silky smooth.

• Toss and Mix

In a generous bowl, combine the chicken, crispy bacon bits, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and zesty green onions. Drizzle the creamy dressing over the top and gently mix until every morsel is beautifully coated.

• Serve with Flair

Plate your BLT Chicken Salad as a hearty sandwich filling, wrap, or scattered over fresh greens. For an extra touch, top with creamy avocado or sprinkle some sharp cheese to elevate the dish.

Tips for Customizing BLT Chicken Salad

• Low-Carb Swap: Replace bread or wrap with large lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly version that cuts down on carbohydrates while keeping all the delicious flavors intact.
• Meal Prep Magic: This salad stays fresh in the refrigerator for 2-3 days when stored in an airtight container, making it perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead meals during busy weeks.
• Protein Power Boost: Add extra protein by incorporating hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or additional grilled chicken to make the salad more filling and nutritionally dense.
• Dairy-Free Dressing Hack: Swap traditional mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising the creamy texture and tangy taste.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle red pepper flakes, add a dash of hot sauce, or include jalapeños for those who love a zesty kick in their chicken salad, transforming the classic recipe into a more exciting version.

Serving Ideas for BLT Chicken Salad

• Sandwich Sensation: Pile the salad between toasted sourdough or whole wheat bread for a classic deli-style lunch that bursts with flavor and crunch.
• Lettuce Wrap Delight: Wrap the BLT chicken salad in crisp butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb, refreshing meal that's perfect for summer gatherings.
• Gourmet Green Base: Serve the salad over a bed of mixed spring greens, baby spinach, or arugula to add extra nutrition and create a light, elegant dish that's both filling and fresh.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Create a colorful spread by arranging the salad on a large platter with extra crispy bacon bits, cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions for a crowd-pleasing presentation that'll impress friends and family.

How to Store BLT Chicken Salad Properly

• Smart Storage Solutions: Store the BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping ingredients crisp and fresh.
• Separation Strategy: Keep dressing separate from salad ingredients until serving to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy lettuce.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare chicken, bacon, and chopped vegetables in advance for quick assembly during busy weekdays, saving time and reducing daily cooking stress.
• Freezing Fundamentals: Cooked chicken and crumbled bacon can be frozen for future salad batches, extending meal planning flexibility and reducing food waste.

Crispy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

BLT chicken salad combines crispy bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh lettuce in a delightful summer dish. Creamy dressing and ripe tomatoes complete this classic American favorite with a satisfying flavor profile.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups (480 mL/16 fl oz) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
• 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 cup (150 g/5.3 oz) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup (60 g/2.1 oz) romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup (120 mL/4 fl oz) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ¼ cup (40 g/1.4 oz) green onions, sliced
• ½ avocado, diced
• ¼ cup (30 g/1 oz) shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika or cayenne (optional)
• ¼ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Sizzle bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crisp and golden, then transfer to a paper towel to drain and cool completely.
2. Ingredient Assembly: Crumble cooled bacon, shred chicken, dice cherry tomatoes, chop romaine lettuce, and slice green onions into uniform, bite-sized pieces.
3. Dressing Creation: Whisk mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and well-blended.
4. Salad Composition: Gently combine chicken, bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and green onions in a large bowl, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
5. Final Touch: Drizzle prepared dressing over the salad, folding carefully to coat all components without compromising their delicate texture.
6. Serving Suggestions: Present the salad as a sandwich filling, wrap in tortillas, or elegantly serve atop a vibrant bed of mixed greens for a refreshing meal option.

Notes

• Bacon Crispness Control: Cook bacon slowly over medium heat to achieve golden brown color without burning, ensuring maximum crunchiness and flavor retention.
• Chicken Selection Strategy: Use rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken for enhanced taste and convenient preparation, saving time without compromising quality.
• Dressing Consistency Technique: Whisk dressing ingredients thoroughly to create smooth, well-blended sauce that coats ingredients evenly without clumping.
• Temperature Balance Tip: Allow bacon and chicken to cool completely before mixing to prevent wilting lettuce and maintain salad’s crisp texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 690 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 9 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg