If you adore the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato but want something a bit heartier and more satisfying, the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is going to be your new best friend. This vibrant salad brings together tender shredded chicken, crisp veggies, and that irresistible bacon crunch all tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing that brightens every bite. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser, whether you’re prepping lunch for the family or looking for an easy dish to bring to a potluck. Trust me, once you try this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to for quick, delicious meals that never feel boring.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of textures and flavors in the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe. From the crunch of celery and bacon to the creamy tang of the Greek yogurt dressing, every component shines.
- Cooked chicken breasts: Using shredded chicken gives the salad a hearty, protein-packed base that’s moist and flavorful.
- Finely chopped lettuce: Adds a fresh, crisp texture and bright green color that keeps the salad light.
- Diced celery: Provides a satisfying crunch and subtle earthiness to complement the bacon’s smokiness.
- Sliced grape tomatoes: Bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant red hue, these balance the savory ingredients beautifully.
- Diced red onion: Offers a sharp bite that wakes up the palate without overpowering the other elements.
- Cooked bacon, chopped: The star ingredient that brings smoky, salty crunch and irresistible flavor.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Creates a rich yet light creamy base for the dressing, keeping it fresh and tangy.
- Mayonnaise: Adds smoothness and a touch of indulgence to the dressing’s texture.
- Dijon mustard: Injects a subtle tang and depth that ties all the dressing flavors together.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance every ingredient’s natural taste.
- Onion powder: Offers a whisper of savory warmth without raw onion’s sharpness.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle aromatic note that complements the other flavors perfectly.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Shred the Chicken
Start by shredding your cooked chicken breasts to create that tender, easy-to-mix texture. You can use a food processor and pulse briefly for about 10 seconds if you want an ultra-fine shred, or simply use two forks to pull the meat apart by hand. This step ensures every bite will be perfectly coated with the dressing.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with finely chopped lettuce, diced celery, sliced grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped bacon. This vibrant mixture already promises a great combination of fresh crunch and savory bite – it’s what makes the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe so addictive.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a separate bowl. The dressing is the magic that brings everything together, offering creamy tanginess that brightens and smooths every forkful.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then toss gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is well coated. This salad tastes wonderful served straight up in a bowl, piled on toasted bread for a sandwich, wrapped in a tortilla, or even spooned over fresh greens for a hearty salad plate. Experiment with your favorite presentation!
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives or parsley adds a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that elevates this salad’s freshness. You can also add a few halved grape tomatoes on top for extra visual appeal and juicy bursts in each bite. Crumbled bacon reserved from the batch makes for an irresistible finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides like crunchy kettle-cooked chips, buttery croissants, or a crisp cucumber salad. The creamy, hearty nature of the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe makes lighter, refreshing sides ideal to balance the meal without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salad inside hollowed-out avocado halves or crisp lettuce cups for a low-carb option. You can also turn it into finger food by stuffing it into mini pita pockets or using it as a filling for savory crepes. The possibilities to showcase this versatile BLT Chicken Salad Recipe are endless and delightful!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Because of the fresh veggies and creamy dressing, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain crunch and flavor. Give it a quick stir before serving again.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for this salad due to the fresh produce and yogurt-based dressing, which tend to separate and lose texture when thawed. For the best taste and consistency, enjoy chilled and fresh.
Reheating
This salad is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. If you prefer a warm meal, try serving the salad over toasted bread or warmed tortillas for a cozy contrast that highlights the crisp and creamy elements perfectly.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect time-saver and adds great flavor to the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe. Just shred it as instructed and you’re ready to go.
Is it possible to make this salad dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the plain Greek yogurt and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives like coconut yogurt and vegan mayo for a similar creamy texture without dairy.
Can I add other veggies to the salad?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in chopped cucumbers, shredded carrots, or even diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color, which all complement the core BLT ingredients nicely.
How do I make the salad less creamy?
If you prefer a lighter dressing, reduce the mayonnaise or yogurt slightly and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash of apple cider vinegar for added tang and brightness.
What breads work best for serving this salad as a sandwich?
Try it on sturdy breads like ciabatta, sourdough, or a fluffy brioche bun. These types hold up well against the moist filling and bring their own delicious flavors to the party.
Final Thoughts
Whip up this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe the next time you want something that’s quick, flavorful, and always a hit with friends and family. It’s a brilliantly simple way to elevate familiar flavors into a satisfying meal that never feels overdone. Once you make it, I bet you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again — happy cooking!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad is a creamy and flavorful dish combining shredded chicken breasts with fresh lettuce, celery, grape tomatoes, red onion, and crispy bacon, all tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served on its own, this salad is a refreshing and satisfying option for lunch or a light dinner.
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: To shred the cooked chicken breasts finely, place them in a food processor and pulse for 10 seconds. If you prefer, you can shred the chicken by hand using two forks until you reach the desired texture.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with chopped lettuce, diced celery, sliced grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cooked bacon. Toss gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Serve the salad on bread for a sandwich, in a wrap, with chips, or simply on a bed of greens for a light meal.
Notes
- Use cooked and cooled chicken breasts for best shredding results.
- Bacon can be cooked crispy ahead of time and stored in the fridge.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt.
- This salad can be made a few hours ahead and refrigerated for flavors to meld.
- Great served chilled or at room temperature.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (assuming chicken and bacon are pre-cooked)
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
