BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Introduction
This BLT Chicken Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on the classic sandwich. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and vibrant vegetables, it’s perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner. The creamy lemony dressing ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- 1/2 small red onion, diced small
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (light recommended)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt or pepper if needed, but start with a little.
- Step 3: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 4: Serve the salad immediately or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 3 to 5 days, but do not leave the salad out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, add chopped toasted walnuts or pecans.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise to lighten the dressing.
- Add chopped avocado for a creamy texture and extra flavor.
- Use smoked chicken for a deeper, smoky taste.
Storage
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. If the salad has been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, discard any leftovers to avoid foodborne illness. When ready to serve again, give it a quick stir and enjoy cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this salad?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully and saves preparation time. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before mixing.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Prepare the salad in advance and store it refrigerated. It tastes great for several days, making it ideal for lunches or quick dinners.
PrintBLT Chicken Salad Recipe
A delicious and refreshing BLT Chicken Salad combining tender cooked chicken, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, red onion, and celery all tossed in a zesty, creamy dressing made with light mayonnaise and lemon juice. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner, this salad offers classic BLT flavors in a healthy, easy-to-make dish that can be served immediately or stored for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes (for cooking bacon if not pre-cooked)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 small red onion, diced small
- 2 stalks celery, diced
Bacon
- 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
Dressing
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Combine main ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and diced celery until evenly distributed.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the light mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and add more salt or pepper if needed, starting with small increments to avoid overseasoning.
- Mix dressing with salad: Pour the dressing over the combined ingredients in the large bowl and stir thoroughly to coat everything evenly with the creamy, zesty dressing.
- Serve or store: Serve the BLT Chicken Salad immediately or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated and consumed within 3 to 5 days. Note that leftovers should not be left out for more than 2 hours to ensure food safety.
Notes
- This salad is best served chilled but can be enjoyed at room temperature if desired.
- If you prefer, substitute the bacon with turkey bacon for a leaner option.
- Feel free to add chopped avocado for extra creaminess and nutrients.
- Use light mayonnaise to reduce calories and fat content without sacrificing creaminess.
- If you want to make this salad vegan or vegetarian, substitute the chicken and bacon with plant-based alternatives.
Keywords: BLT Chicken Salad, chicken salad recipe, bacon salad, light chicken salad, easy salad, healthy lunch, classic BLT flavors
