There’s just something irresistible about the classic trio of bacon, lettuce, and tomato—especially when it’s tossed together with tender chicken and a creamy, tangy dressing. This BLT Chicken Salad is everything you love about the original sandwich, reinvented as a fresh, protein-packed salad that’s perfect for lunches, light dinners, or even meal prep. With crisp veggies, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a hint of zesty lemon, it’s a dish that brings both comfort and excitement to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, accessible ingredients can come together to create something so crave-worthy. Each element in this BLT Chicken Salad plays a starring role, contributing crunch, color, savoriness, or creaminess to every single bite.

Chicken breast: Cooked and diced, this is the hearty, protein-rich backbone of the salad—use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience!
Bacon: Six slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled, bring a rich, smoky flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
Romaine lettuce: Chopped for that signature crunch and a refreshing, green bite.
Red onion: Finely diced for a sharp, tangy contrast that wakes up the whole bowl.
Avocado: Diced for creamy, buttery texture that makes the salad feel extra indulgent.
Mayonnaise: Forms the base of the dressing, bringing luscious creaminess to coat every ingredient.
Sour cream: Just a spoonful adds tang and lightens up the dressing beautifully.
Dijon mustard: Lends a subtle kick that deepens the overall flavor.
Lemon juice: Fresh and zippy, it brightens the entire salad and balances the richness.
Garlic powder: A pinch goes a long way in infusing the dressing with savory depth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled over the top for a burst of color and freshness.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl—this will be the base for your BLT Chicken Salad. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and totally combined. This dressing is the magical glue that ties every flavor together, so don’t skimp on whisking for a silky finish!

Step 2: Add the Main Ingredients

Once your dressing is ready, pile in the diced chicken, crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, finely diced red onion, and diced avocado. Each ingredient adds its own texture and personality, turning the bowl into a colorful, hearty base.

Step 3: Gently Combine Everything

Using a spatula or large spoon, gently fold the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the creamy dressing. Be careful with the avocado—fold gently to keep those beautiful cubes intact. Every piece should be kissed with the luscious dressing!

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Finish by sprinkling the chopped fresh parsley on top. This not only adds visual appeal, but also a lovely hint of herbal freshness that lifts the whole dish. Your BLT Chicken Salad is now ready to serve—dig in!

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Garnishes

A sprinkle of extra crispy bacon bits or a few more chopped herbs can really take this BLT Chicken Salad to the next level. If you’re feeling fancy, a crack of fresh black pepper or a few shavings of sharp cheddar make a delightful finishing touch.

Side Dishes

While this BLT Chicken Salad is definitely satisfying on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try it alongside a light soup, a handful of crunchy veggie sticks, or even some sliced fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your BLT Chicken Salad scooped into lettuce cups for a low-carb wrap, piled onto toasted sourdough for an open-faced sandwich, or even stuffed into hollowed-out tomatoes for a fun, picnic-ready twist. The possibilities are endless, so feel free to get playful!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store your BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to two days, though the lettuce and avocado are best added just before serving to keep everything crisp and bright.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh veggies don’t hold up well to thawing. The textures will change, and the salad can become watery. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Reheating

This is a cold salad, so reheating isn’t necessary. Simply give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing, especially if it’s been sitting in the fridge for a bit. If you’ve kept the lettuce and avocado separate, mix them in just before eating.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for BLT Chicken Salad?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and brings extra flavor and tenderness. Just dice or shred it and proceed with the recipe.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this salad?

For perfectly crispy bacon, bake it on a wire rack over a sheet pan at 400°F until golden. Let it cool, then crumble it into the salad. This method keeps the bacon extra crisp and less greasy.

Can I make BLT Chicken Salad dairy-free?

Yes! Simply use a dairy-free mayonnaise and skip the sour cream, or substitute it with a non-dairy yogurt alternative. The salad will still be deliciously creamy.

How do I keep avocado from browning?

Toss the diced avocado with a bit of lemon juice before adding it to the salad. This helps slow oxidation, keeping the avocado fresher for longer.

Is BLT Chicken Salad suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Just store the lettuce and avocado separately and mix them in right before serving to maintain that just-made texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fresh, satisfying, and utterly delicious twist on classic flavors, this BLT Chicken Salad is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.6 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious and satisfying BLT Chicken Salad combining tender diced chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh cherry tomatoes, crunchy romaine lettuce, and creamy avocado all tossed in a flavorful mayonnaise-based dressing with a hint of Dijon mustard and lemon juice. Perfect for a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that can be served as a salad, in lettuce wraps, or on low-carb bread.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/2 avocado, diced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon sour cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
Add the main ingredients: Incorporate the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, finely diced red onion, and diced avocado into the bowl with the dressing.
Combine gently: Fold all the ingredients together carefully until everything is evenly coated with the dressing, taking care not to mash the avocado.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for added flavor and color. Serve immediately as a fresh salad, wrapped in lettuce leaves, or on your choice of low-carb bread for a BLT-inspired chicken sandwich.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
Add shredded cheddar cheese if you want to enhance the flavor further.
If preparing ahead, keep the lettuce and avocado separate and add them just before serving to maintain freshness and crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes (if cooking chicken and bacon fresh)
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing, Chilling
Cuisine: American