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BLT Chicken Salad is my favorite way to give new life to leftover chicken while capturing all the flavors of a classic BLT sandwich without the bread. It is light and hearty at the same time and makes for a delicious lunch you can prep ahead or whip up in just ten minutes.
The first time I served this for lunch my picky eaters went back for seconds. Now I keep a batch in the fridge every week and it never lasts long.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: Diced or shredded, the star and key protein in this salad; left-over or rotisserie works great for convenience
- Bacon: Diced, crisp, salty, and smoky, which gives the salad its BLT essence; always choose thick-cut for best texture
- Cherry tomatoes: Cut in half for juicy bursts of sweetness; pick the freshest and firmest
- Red onion: Diced fine for a sharp bite; always check for a firm onion with shiny skin
- Celery: Diced for crunch and freshness; pale celery will have less flavor so look for bright stalks
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base binds everything together; light mayo can keep it lower in calories but full-fat gives richer taste
- Lemon juice: Adds zippy freshness and balances out the creamy flavors; always use freshly squeezed for best results
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors; use fine sea salt so it melts right in
- Garlic powder: Subtle background warmth; opt for a fresh jar or package for stronger taste
- Onion powder: A savory layer that deepens the flavor profile
- Black pepper: A hint of sharpness and heat; always grind fresh for the most aroma
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Chop and Prepare the Ingredients:
- Cut the cooked chicken into bite-sized cubes. Dice the crisp bacon into small bits. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely dice both the red onion and celery. This ensures every bite has a bit of everything.
- Make the Dressing:
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until completely combined and taste. If it is bright and savory, it is ready.
- Combine and Toss:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and celery. Pour the dressing over and use a spatula or two large spoons to mix thoroughly until every piece is evenly coated.
- Chill or Serve:
- You can serve this salad right away for a fresh crunch, or cover and refrigerate it for up to five days. If you plan to serve later, remember to give it a gentle stir before bringing it to the table to redistribute the dressing.
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Bacon is my not-so-secret weapon for making this taste like a treat. My kids go wild for the crispy bits and every time I make this salad it reminds me of lazy summer picnics with my family.
How to Store Leftovers
For best freshness, store BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays crisp and safe to eat for three to five days. Never leave it out at room temperature for more than two hours though—the dressing can start to break down and the salad is no longer safe after that.
Ingredient Swaps
Out of chicken? Try rotisserie turkey for a fun twist. If you avoid bacon, a sprinkle of smoked paprika and some extra diced celery can bring lots of depth. Greek yogurt can sub for mayonnaise if you like it lighter and a bit tangier.
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How to Serve This Salad
Scoop it into lettuce cups for a low carb wrap, or pile it high on toasted bread for a more classic approach. I love adding a handful of fresh greens or arugula to boost the color and crunch. It is also amazing on crackers for a quick afternoon snack.
BLT History on Your Plate
This salad is a clever take on the timeless BLT sandwich, which has roots in early American lunch counters. Turning it into a chicken salad keeps those familiar tastes in a new and very practical way. That perfect combo of creamy, salty, and juicy flavors just never gets old and takes me right back to summers at my grandparents’ table.
Common Questions
- → How can I cook the chicken for this salad?
You can use leftover rotisserie, poached, or baked chicken. Shredded or chopped chicken breast or thighs both work well.
- → Can I substitute regular bacon with turkey bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative that pairs nicely with the other ingredients while keeping the smoky flavor.
- → What kind of mayonnaise works best?
Both light and traditional mayonnaise blend smoothly for the dressing; choose your preferred variety or mix with Greek yogurt for extra tang.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 5 days. Discard if left out at room temperature over 2 hours.
- → Can I add other vegetables or greens?
Absolutely. Diced cucumber, avocado, or serving the salad over mixed greens makes it even more refreshing and nutrient-rich.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, all components can be prepped and assembled ahead for quick lunches or snacks throughout the week.