If you love the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich but want something a bit lighter and much more versatile, the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is your new go-to. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, crisp bacon, fresh veggies, and a creamy dressing that brings everything together in the most delicious way. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a casual lunch, this salad ticks all the boxes with its perfect balance of savory, crunchy, and refreshing elements.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each adding its own flair to the final dish. Every component plays a part—from the crispy bacon for crunch to the creamy yogurt dressing for tang and moisture, making every bite satisfying and full of texture and flavor.
- Chicken breasts: Using cooked, shredded chicken provides a tender and protein-rich base that absorbs the dressing beautifully.
- Lettuce: Finely chopped for a fresh crunch and that signature green color to brighten up the dish.
- Celery: Adds a refreshing crispness and a subtle peppery note that balances well with the richness.
- Grape tomatoes: Small, juicy bursts of sweetness and acidity that lift the whole salad.
- Red onion: Finely diced for a sharp, slightly spicy kick that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
- Bacon slices: Cooked and chopped to give the salad its unmistakable smoky crunch.
- Plain Greek yogurt: A creamy, tangy base for the dressing that keeps things light and healthy.
- Mayonnaise: Adds richness and a velvety texture to the dressing.
- Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle sharpness that brightens the flavor of the dressing.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every other ingredient.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: These pantry staples add depth and warmth to the dressing, rounding out the flavor profile.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Step 1: Shred the Chicken
Start by shredding your cooked chicken breasts. If you have a food processor, pulse the chicken for about 10 seconds until finely shredded. Otherwise, shred by hand using two forks. This fine shredding helps the chicken blend easily with the veggies and dressing, giving you a consistent texture every bite.
Step 2: Prepare the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the finely chopped lettuce, diced celery, sliced grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cooked bacon. This fresh mix sets the stage for that classic BLT flavor in every forkful, creating a colorful and inviting salad base.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
Whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder in a separate bowl. This dreamy dressing is creamy without being heavy and perfectly balances the smoky bacon and crisp veggies.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Pour your freshly made dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture, then toss everything together until well-coated. Now your BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is ready for enjoying! You can serve it right away or chill it in the fridge for the flavors to meld beautifully.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some extra crispy bacon bits or fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and crunch. A few halved cherry tomatoes or a light drizzle of olive oil can also make your salad look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, pita chips, or even wrapped in a tortilla for a handheld treat. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside roasted sweet potatoes or a warm bowl of soup to complement the cool, creamy salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe in hollowed-out tomatoes or avocado halves for an elegant appetizer. Another fun idea is layering it in a clear glass for a salad parfait effect—perfect for picnics or lunchboxes where presentation matters.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches and snacks throughout the week.
Freezing
While the components of the salad freeze well separately (like cooked chicken and bacon), freezing the fully mixed salad is not recommended due to the fresh veggies and creamy dressing. For freezing, store the chicken alone and make the salad fresh when ready to eat.
Reheating
This salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to warm the chicken first, remove it from the salad mixture and gently heat it on the stove or microwave before adding it back to the fresh veggies and dressing.
FAQs
Can I use turkey instead of chicken in this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
Absolutely! Turkey makes a great substitute and will work just as well, providing a similar texture and flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can swap the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise for dairy-free alternatives or avocado-based dressings to keep it creamy without using dairy products.
How long does this salad keep its freshness?
Stored in the fridge in an airtight container, it stays fresh up to 3 days. The vegetables keep their crunch best within this time frame without making the salad soggy.
Can I make this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe ahead for a party?
Definitely! Prepare the salad a few hours before your event and refrigerate. Just give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing and flavors evenly.
What’s the best bread to serve with this salad?
Try sturdy breads like a crusty ciabatta, sourdough, or a classic whole wheat sandwich bread. They hold up well to the creamy salad and add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a fresh, flavorful twist on familiar flavors, this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is going to become your new favorite. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and brings the best of a BLT sandwich in a light, refreshing salad form. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a staple for your lunches and casual dinners.
Print
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (using pre-cooked chicken)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad is a creamy, flavorful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining shredded chicken with crisp lettuce, celery, juicy grape tomatoes, red onion, and smoky bacon. Tossed in a tangy Greek yogurt and mayonnaise dressing seasoned with Dijon mustard and savory spices, it’s perfect for a light lunch or easy dinner that can be served on bread, in wraps, or as a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Chicken and Vegetables
- 3 small cooked chicken breasts (or 2 large), shredded
- 1 cup finely chopped lettuce
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup sliced grape tomatoes
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 12 slices cooked bacon, chopped small
Dressing
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
Instructions
- Shred the Chicken: To finely shred the cooked chicken breasts, place them in a food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds until shredded. Alternatively, you can shred the chicken by hand using two forks or your fingers.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with finely chopped lettuce, diced celery, sliced grape tomatoes, diced red onion, and chopped cooked bacon. Mix gently to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the prepared dressing over the bowl of chicken and vegetables. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated. Serve this BLT chicken salad on bread, in wraps, alongside chips, or on a bed of fresh salad greens for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breasts to save time; leftover roasted or grilled chicken works great.
- For extra crispness, chill the salad before serving.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or additional mayonnaise for a richer dressing.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or pepper if needed.
- This salad keeps well refrigerated for up to 2 days in an airtight container.
