Name: 15-Minute BLT Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy and Flavorful
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 1 pound); 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled; 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, diced); 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (optional); 1 large avocado, diced (optional, but highly recommended); 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option); 2 tablespoons sour cream; 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh); Salt and black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Are you looking for a quick, satisfying meal that combines the classic flavors of a BLT with protein-packed chicken? This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe transforms the beloved sandwich into a refreshing, lighter option without sacrificing any of the delicious taste. Perfect for meal prep, summer lunches, or a light dinner, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation!

With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken all tossed in a creamy dressing, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe delivers incredible flavor in every bite. Whether served on a bed of lettuce, in a wrap, or as a sandwich filling, this versatile dish is a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just minutes. According to Harvard Health, protein-rich meals like this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe help maintain muscle mass and support overall health.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights!
Meal-prep friendly – stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Customizable – easily adapt to your dietary preferences and available ingredients
High in protein – keeps you satisfied longer than traditional salads
Perfect balance of flavors and textures – creamy, crunchy, savory, and fresh
Kid-friendly – even picky eaters love this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe!
Great for using leftover rotisserie chicken – reducing food waste and saving time
Nutritionally balanced – as recommended by Mayo Clinic’s healthy eating guidelines

Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad

For the Salad:

3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded (about 1 pound)
8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 medium tomatoes, diced)
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, finely diced (optional)
1 large avocado, diced (optional, but highly recommended)

For the Dressing:

1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
2 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Note: For a dairy-free BLT chicken salad, substitute the sour cream with additional mayonnaise or a plant-based alternative. For a lower-calorie option, use light mayonnaise or replace part or all of the mayo with Greek yogurt.

15-Minute BLT Chicken Salad Recipe – Easy and Flavorful

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Proteins

If you don’t have cooked chicken on hand, season 1 pound of chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill, bake, or poach until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For perfectly juicy chicken every time, follow Serious Eats’ expert technique for cooking chicken breast.
Allow the chicken to cool completely before dicing into bite-sized pieces or shredding.
Cook the bacon until crispy following Food Network’s bacon cooking guide, then drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. The crispy bacon is essential for an authentic BLT Chicken Salad Recipe.

Step 2: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and dried dill.
Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as needed.
For a thinner dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of water or additional lemon juice.

Step 3: Assemble the Salad

In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion (if using).
Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
If serving immediately, fold in the chopped romaine lettuce and diced avocado. For meal prep, keep these ingredients separate until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the BLT chicken salad onto plates, in wraps, or between slices of bread.
Garnish with additional bacon crumbles, freshly ground black pepper, or chopped herbs if desired.
Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Pro Tips for Making the Best BLT Chicken Salad

Cook the bacon until extra crispy – This ensures it maintains its crunch even when mixed with the dressing.
Chill the chicken before mixing – Room temperature or warm chicken can make the mayonnaise separate.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut that adds extra flavor.
Make it ahead – Prepare the chicken, bacon, and dressing up to 2 days in advance, then assemble right before serving.
Season generously – Don’t be shy with salt and pepper; they enhance all the flavors in this BLT chicken salad.
Add a touch of sweetness by including 1 tablespoon of honey in the dressing.
For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup toasted walnuts, sliced almonds, or sunflower seeds.

Best Ways to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

The versatility of this BLT chicken salad recipe is one of its best features. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Classic Salad: Serve on a bed of additional romaine or mixed greens for a light lunch
Sandwich: Spread between two slices of toasted sourdough or whole grain bread
Wrap: Roll up in a flour tortilla or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option
Stuffed Avocado: Spoon into halved avocados for a keto-friendly meal
Appetizer: Serve small portions in endive leaves or on cucumber rounds
Meal Prep: Pack in containers with lettuce on the side for grab-and-go lunches

Pair this refreshing BLT chicken salad with fresh fruit, potato chips, or a cup of tomato soup for a complete meal that satisfies all your cravings!

Nutritional Information for BLT Chicken Salad

Per serving (recipe makes 4 servings):

Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 8g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 680mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For a lighter BLT chicken salad, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to reduce fat and calories.

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigeration: Store leftover BLT Chicken Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the lettuce and avocado separate until ready to serve. According to USDA’s food safety guidelines, prepared salads with protein should be refrigerated within 2 hours of preparation.
Freezing: This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is not suitable for freezing as the mayonnaise-based dressing will separate and the vegetables will become soggy when thawed.
Meal Prep: Prepare the chicken, bacon, and dressing in advance, then store separately from the lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Assemble individual portions as needed throughout the week.
Best Reheating Method: This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is best enjoyed cold and does not require reheating.

FAQs for BLT Chicken Salad

Can I make BLT chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare all components up to 2 days in advance. For best results, store the dressing, chicken-bacon mixture, and fresh vegetables separately, then combine just before serving. This prevents the lettuce from wilting and maintains the perfect texture of your BLT chicken salad.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in BLT chicken salad?

Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for mayo in this BLT chicken salad recipe. It provides a similar creaminess with less fat and more protein. You can also use a combination of Greek yogurt and avocado, or try a vegan mayonnaise alternative for a dairy-free option.

How can I make this BLT chicken salad lower in calories?

To reduce calories in your BLT chicken salad, use light mayonnaise or substitute all or part of the mayo with Greek yogurt. You can also reduce the amount of bacon or use turkey bacon, and increase the proportion of vegetables to chicken for a lighter meal that still delivers great flavor.

Can I use canned chicken for BLT chicken salad?

While fresh or rotisserie chicken provides the best flavor and texture for BLT chicken salad, canned chicken can work in a pinch. Be sure to drain it well and flake it with a fork before mixing with other ingredients. Season it more generously as canned chicken can be milder in flavor.

Related Recipes

If you love this BLT chicken salad, try these other delicious recipes:

Classic Cobb Salad – Another hearty salad featuring chicken, bacon, and avocado
Avocado Chicken Wraps – A portable lunch option with similar flavors
Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad – A restaurant favorite you can easily make at home
Club Sandwich – The iconic triple-decker with bacon, lettuce, tomato, and turkey
Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad – A crowd-pleasing potluck dish

Conclusion

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe takes all the beloved flavors of the classic sandwich and transforms them into a protein-packed, versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its combination of crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing, it delivers satisfaction in every bite while still keeping things light and refreshing.

Whether you’re meal prepping for the week ahead, planning a summer picnic, or just looking for a quick dinner solution, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe has you covered. The simple preparation and familiar ingredients make it accessible for cooks of all skill levels, while the delicious results will have everyone asking for seconds.

Now that you know how to make the best BLT Chicken Salad Recipe at home, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking! Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below and let us know how you personalized this versatile recipe to make it your own.

Have you tried this recipe? We’d love to hear your feedback and see your creations! Tag us on social media using #BLTChickenSalad.