BLT Chicken Salad brings together all the beloved flavors of a classic BLT sandwich but transforms them into a satisfying, protein-packed salad. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, fresh lettuce, and tender chicken creates a perfect harmony of textures and tastes that’s both familiar and exciting.
This versatile dish works beautifully as a light lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing potluck contribution. The creamy dressing ties everything together, making each bite reminiscent of the sandwich we all know and love, but with a delicious twist that makes it feel special and new.
Why You’ll Love This
- Perfect balance of protein and vegetables in one complete meal
- Can be prepared ahead of time for quick weeknight dinners
- Customizable to suit different dietary preferences
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand
- Leftovers make excellent packed lunches for the next day
Ingredients
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded (about one whole chicken)
- 8 strips center cut bacon, cooked crispy and chopped
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced (about 3-4 green onions)
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or use additional mayonnaise)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (dry mix)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- Club crackers, Ritz crackers, or tortilla chips
- Cucumber rounds
- Romaine or butter lettuce leaves for wraps
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Add the ranch seasoning and freshly cracked black pepper, then whisk again until all seasonings are evenly incorporated throughout the dressing. This creamy base is the foundation of flavor for your chicken salad.
- Add the shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped crispy bacon, and diced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently fold these ingredients into the creamy mixture until everything is well coated. The warm, savory flavors of the chicken and bacon will begin to meld with the creamy dressing.
- Add the halved or quartered grape tomatoes to the mixture. Fold them in gently to avoid crushing them, as you want them to maintain their shape and fresh texture. The tomatoes add a bright pop of color and juicy freshness to balance the rich, creamy elements of the salad.
- Take a small taste of the chicken salad and adjust the seasonings if needed. You might want to add a little more ranch seasoning, black pepper, or even a pinch of salt depending on your preference. Remember that the flavors will develop further as the salad chills in the refrigerator.
- When you’re ready to serve the chicken salad, gently fold in the diced avocado. You can either mix it into the entire batch if you’re serving it all at once, or add it to individual portions if you’re meal prepping. Adding the avocado just before serving prevents it from browning and maintains its creamy texture and fresh flavor.
- Transfer the chicken salad to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and the texture to set up properly. If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it immediately, but the flavor will be even better after chilling.
- Serve the BLT Chicken Salad with your choice of accompaniments – on club crackers, with tortilla chips, cucumber rounds, or as a filling for lettuce wraps or romaine boats. For a more substantial meal, it can also be enjoyed on toasted bread as a sandwich or stuffed into a pita pocket.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.
- Add blue cheese crumbles for an extra layer of flavor.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on busy weeknights.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and bacon, and adding chickpeas for protein.
- For meal prep, store the dressing separately and combine just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Add boiled eggs for extra protein and a nod to a Cobb salad.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty salad works perfectly as a standalone meal, but you can also serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to round out the meal. For a lighter option, pair it with a cup of tomato soup for a comforting lunch combination.
If you’re serving this at a gathering, consider setting up a “salad bar” with the components separate, allowing guests to build their own BLT Chicken Salad bowls with their preferred ratios of ingredients.
Notes
- Store leftover salad (without dressing) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- The dressing can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- For the best flavor, let the chicken cool completely before adding it to the salad.
- Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare all components separately up to a day in advance. Store them in separate containers and assemble just before serving for the freshest result.
How can I make this salad keto-friendly?
This salad is already quite keto-friendly. Just ensure your mayonnaise has no added sugar and consider adding more avocado for healthy fats.
What can I substitute for romaine lettuce?
Iceberg lettuce, spring mix, or spinach all work well as alternatives to romaine in this recipe.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon makes a great lower-fat alternative while still providing that essential smoky flavor.
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