BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Looking for a dish that’s quick, versatile, and absolutely bursting with flavor? Let me introduce you to my all-time favorite—BLT Chicken Salad. It’s everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich but with a hearty, protein-packed twist. Whether we’re talking about tossing it into a croissant, scooping it into crisp lettuce wraps, or enjoying it straight from the bowl (no judgment here!), this salad is a game-changer.
Honestly, I can’t count how many times this BLT Chicken Salad has saved me on busy weekdays or when I needed something impressive yet effortless for a picnic. Perfect for picnics, lunches, or quick meals—this is your new go-to recipe!
Oh, and if you’re as obsessed with easy, delicious meals as I am, you should also check out my quick favorites like this creamy Cottage Cheese Bowl or the ever-satisfying Egg Roll in a Bowl. Trust me, your lunch game will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad
We all know the magic of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes—but when you add tender chicken and a creamy dressing? Wow. The BLT Chicken Salad becomes more than just a salad; it’s a full-on experience.
Here’s why we can’t get enough of it:
Combines classic BLT flavors with the heartiness of chicken salad.
Ready in under 20 minutes—yes, even on your busiest days!
Perfectly versatile: pile it onto buttery croissants or keep it light with lettuce wraps.
Low-carb friendly for those days when we’re watching the carbs but still craving flavor.
Totally meal-prep approved—it holds up beautifully in the fridge.
I recently got this message from a reader:
“Very tasty! I will definitely make this again!”
And honestly, that’s the kind of feedback I hear all the time about this BLT Chicken Salad.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad: Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how we whip up this deliciousness. I promise—it’s as easy as it is tasty.
Prep & Cook the Bacon
First things first—bacon! Because what’s a BLT without that crispy, savory goodness?
I like to dice the bacon before cooking—it cooks faster and crisps up evenly. Just toss it into a skillet over medium heat until perfectly crisp, then let it drain on paper towels.
If you’re like me and love a kitchen shortcut, the air fryer is a lifesaver here. I’ve detailed my go-to method in this Air Fryer Bacon Guide (link your detailed guide).
Make the Creamy Dressing
Now, let’s talk dressing. This simple mix is what ties the whole BLT Chicken Salad together:
Mayonnaise
A splash of fresh lemon juice
A pinch of salt
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Cracked black pepper
Here’s a little tip I’ve learned—always adjust the salt after you mix it with the bacon and chicken. Bacon brings enough saltiness, so we don’t want to overdo it.
Combine All the Good Stuff
In a large bowl, mix together:
Shredded or diced cooked chicken
Crispy bacon bits
Cherry tomatoes (halved for that juicy pop)
Finely diced red onion
Crunchy celery for texture
And of course, our creamy dressing
Give it all a good toss, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed. And there you have it—BLT Chicken Salad perfection!
Cooking Tips & Fun Variations
After making this salad countless times (seriously, it’s a staple in our house), I’ve picked up a few tricks.
Best Chicken Options
Stovetop Method: Boil chicken breasts until they reach 165°F, then shred.
Instant Pot Shortcut: Perfect for batch cooking.
Rotisserie Chicken: When we’re short on time—because who doesn’t love a shortcut?
Tomato Talk
If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out tomatoes for grapes—it adds a subtle sweetness and holds up well if you’re prepping ahead.
Serving Suggestions
Flaky croissants for a café-style lunch.
Rustic bread slices for an open-faced sandwich.
Crisp lettuce wraps when we’re feeling like keeping it low-carb and fresh.
Speaking of healthy meals, if you love balanced bowls, check out these ideas:
More Easy Lunch Ideas You’ll Love
If this BLT Chicken Salad has you inspired, here are a few more recipes from my kitchen to yours:
Seafood Salad (perfectly refreshing!)
Buffalo Chicken Wrap (for when you crave a little heat)
Burrito Bowl (all the flavors of a burrito, minus the wrap)
And don’t miss this smoky BBQ Chicken Sweet Potato Bowl—it’s a reader favorite!
BLT Chicken Salad Nutrition Info
Here’s a rough breakdown per serving (because I know we all like to keep an eye on things):
Calories: ~320
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 6g
Packed with vitamins from those fresh veggies!
Why BLT Chicken Salad Belongs in Your Recipe Rotation
There’s just something unbeatable about the combo of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and creamy dressing. This BLT Chicken Salad isn’t just a recipe—it’s a lifesaver on busy days, a star at picnics, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any lunch table.
Whether we’re scooping it onto a croissant, tucking it into lettuce wraps, or sneaking bites straight from the fridge (guilty!), this salad never disappoints.
So next time you’re wondering what to whip up for a quick meal or need a dish that everyone will love—remember this BLT Chicken Salad. It’s simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious
BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 6 slices bacon diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ¼ cup red onion finely diced
- ½ cup celery chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: Lettuce leaves croissants, or bread for serving
Instructions
Cook the Bacon:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook diced bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, add chicken, bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery. Pour dressing over and toss until evenly coated.
Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
Serve:
- Scoop onto croissants, sandwich bread, or wrap in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Enjoy immediately or refrigerate for later!
Notes
- For a shortcut, use rotisserie chicken.
- Air fryer bacon works great for less mess!
- Swap tomatoes with grapes for a sweet twist.
- Perfect for meal prep—stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Pair with light sides like a Cottage Cheese Bowl or a fresh Greek Chicken Bowl.
