BLT Chicken Salad
BLT Chicken Salad is a vibrant and refreshing meal that combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes with tender chicken breast. This easy-to-make salad blends savory and fresh flavors with a creamy dressing, making it perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Customizable and colorful, it’s a wholesome dish that delights both eyes and palate.
- Author: Barbara
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Grilling, Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Protein
- 1 to 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded or diced
- 4 to 6 crisp bacon strips, crumbled or chopped
Vegetables
- 4 cups fresh Romaine or iceberg lettuce, roughly chopped
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
Dressing & Extras
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise or preferred dressing (Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs like parsley or chives, chopped
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by cooking your chicken breast—grilled or poached works great. Once cooled, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces that’ll blend beautifully into the salad.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon strips until crispy, then drain on paper towels. Crumble or chop the bacon once cool for perfect bite-sized crispy bits.
- Chop the Veggies: Roughly chop the lettuce and dice the tomatoes and red onions. The goal is to maintain a great mix of textures and flavors with each forkful.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Add cheese or herbs if using.
- Dress the Salad: Mix in your mayo or chosen dressing, stirring gently to coat all ingredients evenly without becoming soggy.
- Serve Immediately or Chill: For the freshest experience, serve right away. If you prefer a cold salad, refrigerate for up to an hour before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover chicken: It’s a time-saver and adds extra flavor from any marinades you’ve used.
- Drain excess dressing: Prevent sogginess by adding just enough dressing to lightly coat the ingredients.
- Better bacon texture: Cook bacon on a baking sheet in the oven for even crispiness without the mess.
- Chill ingredients: Keep all ingredients well chilled for optimal freshness and crunch.
- Layer for crunch: Keep bacon and lettuce clustered separately until the last minute to maintain their texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: BLT salad, chicken salad, bacon lettuce tomato, quick salad, easy lunch, healthy salad, gluten free