This BLT Chicken Salad comes together with the cozy flavors you love from a classic BLT but in a fresher, heartier bowl. It’s the kind of recipe you reach for when you want something easy yet a little special, whether you’re packing lunches or keeping dinner simple on a warm evening.
The smoky bacon, juicy chicken, and crisp vegetables hit that perfect balance of savory and fresh. It’s great for meal prep, picnics, busy weekdays, or those moments when you just want a no-fuss dish that still tastes like something you’d order at a café.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe blends tender chicken, crunchy bacon, and juicy tomatoes with a creamy dressing that feels comforting but still light enough for everyday meals. Each bite brings a mix of crisp, smoky, and creamy textures that make it wonderfully satisfying.
Readers love it because it’s quick, flexible, and works well for sandwiches, wraps, or easy make-ahead lunches. It’s simple, cozy, and always dependable.
Ingredients With Purpose
Chicken adds the hearty base, soaking up the creamy dressing so each bite feels comforting and flavorful. Bacon brings that smoky crunch that makes the salad taste like a true BLT while the tomatoes add juicy brightness to balance everything. A little mayo gives the dressing richness, and a squeeze of lemon helps keep it fresh.
Crisp lettuce adds lightness, while a touch of Dijon gives a subtle, savory kick. Using fresh herbs lifts the flavors without making the dish feel heavy. Every ingredient plays a small role in giving the salad its warm, familiar BLT personality.
Variations
• Add avocado for a creamier, richer version.
• Swap Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Use turkey bacon to keep it leaner.
• Add chopped pickles for a tangy twist.
• Stir in sweet corn for extra crunch and color.
Preparation Steps
Cook the chicken using your favorite method—pan-seared, grilled, or leftover rotisserie all work well. Once cooled, chop it into small bite-sized pieces so the salad feels even and easy to scoop. Crisp your bacon until golden, then crumble it once it cools. A little extra crispiness helps it stay crunchy in the dressing.
Whisk together mayo, Dijon, lemon, salt, and pepper until smooth. The dressing may look a bit thick at first, but it loosens as it coats the salad. If it feels too thick later, just add a splash of water to lighten it. Fold the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce into the bowl, gently tossing so everything gets coated without bruising the vegetables.
If the mixture looks a little dry, another tablespoon of dressing fixes it quickly. Taste and adjust the seasoning—sometimes a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon pulls all the flavors forward. Chill the salad for a few minutes if you want the flavors to settle, though it’s perfectly delicious served right away.
Serving Suggestions
Serve it stuffed in warm toasted croissants for a cozy lunch. Pile it onto crunchy romaine leaves for a lighter option. Spoon it into wraps for easy meal prep, or serve with crackers for a snack-style board. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or a quick sandwich filling on busy days.
Storage & Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep the lettuce separate if you’re planning ahead so it stays crisp.
Give the salad a little stir before serving, and if it thickens overnight, add a tiny splash of lemon or water. This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing, but it keeps beautifully in the fridge.
Ultimate BLT Chicken Salad Made Simple
Creamy, smoky, and fresh with every bite, this BLT Chicken Salad makes everyday meals feel easy and satisfying.
Perfect for lunches, busy nights, or whenever you crave something cozy without the fuss.
Recipe Card
Quick Details
| Prep Time: | Cook Time: | Total Time: | Servings: |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 minutes | 15 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Cooked chicken, chopped | 2 cups | Use rotisserie for convenience |
| Bacon, cooked and crumbled | 4–5 strips | Crispier stays crunchier |
| Cherry tomatoes, halved | 1 cup | Adds juicy brightness |
| Lettuce, chopped | 1 cup | Keeps salad fresh and light |
| Mayo | ⅓ cup | Adjust for creaminess |
| Dijon mustard | 1 tsp | Adds a mild tang |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | Balances the richness |
| Salt & pepper | To taste | Season until it pops |
Instructions
- Cook and chop the chicken into small pieces.
- Crisp the bacon, let cool, and crumble.
- Whisk mayo, Dijon, lemon, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in chicken, bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce.
- Adjust seasoning and add water if too thick.
- Chill briefly or serve right away.
Nutrition (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~340 |
| Protein | ~28g |
| Carbs | ~6g |
| Fat | ~22g |
