Easy BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
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ToggleThis Easy BLT Chicken Salad combines juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, sweet tomatoes, and a creamy homemade dressing for a satisfying meal. It’s perfect for lunch, meal prep, or a light dinner.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking bacon)
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
- 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
- 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup diced cucumber (optional)
- ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
- ½ avocado, diced (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 2: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the chicken, romaine lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, avocado, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
Step 3: Toss
Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Serve
Serve immediately, or chill for 15–20 minutes for even better flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 34 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 3 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
- Sodium: 670 mg
Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on the ingredients used.
Tips
- Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe quick and convenient.
- Cook bacon until extra crispy for the best texture.
- Add avocado just before serving to keep it fresh.
- Chill the salad for a few minutes before serving for enhanced flavor.
- For extra crunch, top with sunflower seeds or sliced almonds.
Variations
- Low-Carb: Omit tomatoes if desired and add extra lettuce.
- Spicy: Mix chopped jalapeños or hot sauce into the dressing.
- Ranch Style: Replace the dressing with your favorite ranch dressing.
- Mediterranean: Add feta cheese, olives, and cucumber.
- High-Protein: Add a chopped hard-boiled egg or extra grilled chicken.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Keep the dressing separate if preparing ahead to maintain crisp lettuce.
- Not recommended for freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
Yes. Drain it well before mixing with the other ingredients.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. Store the dressing separately and combine just before serving.
Q: What lettuce works best?
Romaine provides the best crunch, but iceberg, butter lettuce, or mixed greens also work well.
Q: Can I make it healthier?
Yes. Use light mayonnaise, extra Greek yogurt, and turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided all packaged ingredients, especially the bacon and mustard, are certified gluten-free.
Q: What can I serve with BLT Chicken Salad?
It pairs well with toasted whole-grain bread, lettuce wraps, crackers, or fresh fruit.
