BLT Chicken Salad

Juicy chicken mingles with crispy bacon, sweet tomatoes, and crunchy vegetables in this refreshing twist on a classic sandwich flavor combination. This BLT chicken salad delivers all the beloved elements of a traditional BLT in a protein-packed, creamy salad that works perfectly for easy lunches, light dinners, or impressive entertaining with minimal effort.

I first created this salad when looking for creative ways to use leftover rotisserie chicken that would satisfy my family's love for BLT sandwiches. The first time I served it, my husband—who typically views salads as "rabbit food"—went back for seconds and asked if we could add it to our regular meal rotation. The combination of smoky bacon, bright tomatoes, and savory chicken creates something truly magical that transcends the basic chicken salad. It's become my go-to for potlucks and family gatherings because it consistently receives compliments and recipe requests.

Perfect Ingredient Selection

• Cooked Chicken: Provides hearty protein that absorbs surrounding flavors while maintaining its texture
• Crispy Bacon: Delivers irresistible smoky crunch that defines the classic BLT experience
• Cherry Tomatoes: Offer sweet bursts of juicy freshness and beautiful color contrast
• Red Onion: Adds sharp, vibrant flavor that brightens the creamy base
• Celery: Creates refreshing crunch and subtle grassy notes throughout each bite
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy foundation that binds all ingredients while adding richness
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Provides essential acidity that balances the rich elements
• Garlic Powder: Contributes savory depth without overwhelming raw garlic bite
• Onion Powder: Enhances the fresh onion flavor with subtle sweetness
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity to the creamy dressing

Creating Salad Perfection

Prepare The Chicken:

Start with perfectly cooked chicken, either from a store-bought rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or freshly prepared chicken breasts. Chop or shred the meat into bite-sized pieces that will easily incorporate with other ingredients and provide the ideal texture in each forkful.

Cook Bacon To Crispy Perfection:

Dice raw bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until perfectly crisp. This smaller size distributes bacon flavor throughout the salad while ensuring crispness in every bite. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess grease that could make the salad too heavy.

Prepare Fresh Vegetables:

Halve cherry tomatoes to release their sweet juices into the salad. Dice red onion and celery into small, uniform pieces that distribute evenly throughout the mixture. The careful preparation of vegetables ensures balanced flavor and texture in every serving.

Craft Flavorful Dressing:

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This simple yet flavorful dressing creates the perfect creamy base that complements rather than overwhelms the main ingredients.

Combine With Care:

Add the prepared chicken, bacon, tomatoes, onion, and celery to the dressing. Gently fold everything together until ingredients are evenly coated but not broken down. This careful mixing preserves the integrity of each component while ensuring flavors are well distributed.

Allow Flavors To Meld:

Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This critical resting period allows flavors to develop and meld together, transforming individual ingredients into a cohesive, complex dish. The salad's flavor actually improves with time, making it perfect for advance preparation.

Serve With Style:

Present the chilled salad on a bed of crisp lettuce, spooned into sandwich bread, or wrapped in tortillas or lettuce leaves. The versatile nature of this dish allows for multiple serving options to suit any occasion from casual lunches to elegant entertaining.

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My family particularly loves this salad during warm weather months when cool, protein-rich meals are especially welcome. My husband prefers it stuffed into a pita pocket with extra lettuce, while my children enjoy it as a sandwich on toasted bread. I've found that adding a perfectly ripe avocado just before serving creates an even more luxurious version for special occasions.

I originally developed this recipe for a summer picnic when traditional mayo-based salads seemed too predictable. The combination of classic sandwich flavors in a cool, portable format was such a hit that guests sought me out specifically to praise the dish. The way it bridges familiarity and novelty makes it particularly successful for gatherings where you want to impress without venturing too far from crowd-pleasing flavors.

Perfect Pairings

This versatile chicken salad shines alongside complementary sides that enhance its fresh flavors. Serve with crispy kettle chips that provide crunchy contrast to the creamy salad while offering a vessel for scooping. For a complete meal, pair with a light fruit salad featuring seasonal berries or melon that refreshes the palate between bites. When serving as a main course, accompany with a chilled pasta salad dressed simply with olive oil and herbs for an ideal summer spread. For entertaining, arrange the salad on a board surrounded by various breads, crackers, and fresh vegetables for an interactive dining experience. If serving as sandwiches, offer pickle spears and additional vegetable crudités for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Creative Variations

Transform this adaptable salad by exploring different ingredient combinations while maintaining the essential BLT character. Create a Southwest version by adding diced avocado, black beans, and substituting lime juice for lemon in the dressing. For a Mediterranean twist, incorporate feta cheese, olives, and cucumbers with a touch of oregano in the seasoning. Lower the carbohydrate content by replacing some mayonnaise with Greek yogurt and serving in lettuce cups instead of bread. For autumn gatherings, add diced apple and toasted walnuts for seasonal crunch and sweetness. Vegetarians might enjoy this salad concept with diced firm tofu or chickpeas standing in for the chicken, maintaining the protein profile while accommodating plant-based diets.

Storage Solutions

Maximize the freshness of this make-ahead salad with proper storage techniques. Store the prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. For meal prep convenience, portion individual servings into separate containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. If planning to use as sandwich filling, store the salad separately from bread or wraps, assembling just before eating to prevent sogginess. When bringing to potlucks or picnics, transport in a chilled container with ice packs to maintain food safety. For best flavor, remove from refrigeration about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off slightly, allowing the flavors to fully express themselves.

I discovered the versatility of this salad during a weeklong power outage when cooking options were limited but we still needed satisfying meals. The way it transforms humble ingredients into something crave-worthy while requiring no heat makes it perfect for those challenging situations when cooking resources are limited. Beyond practical applications, there's something deeply satisfying about creating a dish that brings together beloved flavors in a new way. The familiar taste of a BLT in this unexpected format reminds us that culinary creativity often comes from reimagining the classics rather than reinventing them entirely.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ How long does this BLT Chicken Salad keep in the refrigerator?

This salad keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after a few hours of chilling, making it perfect for meal prep.

→ What's the best way to cook the chicken for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken is the quickest option and adds great flavor. You can also poach chicken breasts in simmering water with a little salt for about 15 minutes until cooked through, or use leftover grilled chicken. Any method works as long as the chicken is fully cooked and chopped or shredded.

→ Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Great news - this recipe is already dairy-free! The creaminess comes from mayonnaise, which is made with eggs, not dairy. Just be sure to check your mayo ingredients if you have severe dairy allergies, as some brands may contain trace amounts.

→ What are some serving suggestions for this BLT Chicken Salad?

This versatile salad can be served on a bed of lettuce for a low-carb meal, stuffed in avocado halves, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or made into sandwiches using your favorite bread. It also works well in tortilla wraps or scooped with cucumber slices or bell pepper wedges.

→ Can I substitute the mayonnaise for something else?

Yes! You can replace some or all of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for extra protein, mashed avocado for healthy fats, or use a vegan mayonnaise for an egg-free version. Each substitute will change the flavor profile slightly but still be delicious.