Zesty BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist on Classic Flavors

Crisp bacon bits dance through this delightful blt chicken salad that promises a flavor explosion in every bite.

Juicy chicken chunks intermingle with crispy lettuce and ripe tomatoes, creating a refreshing summer meal.

Unexpected textures will make you smile at each forkful.

Summer picnics and quick lunches just got an incredible upgrade with this protein-packed dish.

Crunchy vegetables complement tender chicken in a way that feels both familiar and exciting.

Layers of smoky, fresh ingredients come together effortlessly for a satisfying meal you can whip up in minutes.

Dive into this recipe and transform an ordinary lunch into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

FAQs

• What protein options can I use instead of chicken?

You can substitute rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or even canned chicken for convenience. Turkey works great as an alternative protein source.

• Is there a way to make this salad lighter?

Use Greek yogurt mixed with a small amount of mayonnaise to reduce calories. You can also use turkey bacon or reduce the bacon quantity for a healthier version.

• How can I add more crunch to the salad?

Add chopped lettuce, toasted sunflower seeds, or sliced almonds for extra texture. These ingredients will provide a nice crispy element to complement the soft chicken.

• Can I prepare this salad in advance?

Yes, you can mix the ingredients up to 24 hours ahead. Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.

BLT Chicken Salad That’s Hearty And Crisp

• Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up this delightful chicken salad in just minutes with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.
• No-Fuss Cooking: Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute lunch plans, requiring minimal cooking and zero complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combines classic BLT sandwich elements with a lighter, protein-packed chicken salad twist that appeals to all ages.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy as a sandwich filling, atop crisp lettuce, or with crackers, making it adaptable for different meal preferences and occasions.

What Goes In A BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken: Tender, cooked meat as the primary protein for the salad.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty element that adds rich flavor and crunchy texture.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy component that provides bright color and tangy taste.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty ingredient that adds a subtle bite and crunch.
• Celery: Crisp vegetable that introduces additional texture and mild fresh flavor.

BLT Chicken Salad Making Steps

Step 1: Prep Crispy Chicken and Bacon Blend

Chop cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Crumble crispy bacon strips into small, delectable fragments.

Dice cherry tomatoes into juicy chunks.

Slice red onion into thin, delicate rings.

Chop celery into fine, crunchy bits.

Step 2: Whip Up Zesty Dressing

• Creamy mayonnaise
• Fresh lemon juice
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 3: Create Flavor Harmony

Pour dressing over chicken mixture.

Gently toss all ingredients, ensuring each morsel gets lavishly coated with the tangy, creamy sauce.

Mix thoroughly so every bite delivers maximum flavor explosion.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Transfer salad to serving dish.

You can enjoy immediately or cover and refrigerate for later.

The salad tastes fantastic when chilled, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.

Perfect for picnics, lunch, or quick meal prep.

Pro Tips for BLT Chicken Salad

• Refrigerate the salad for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld and develop a more intense taste profile.
• Swap grilled chicken with rotisserie, leftover roasted chicken, or even turkey for a versatile protein option.
• Add chopped romaine lettuce or toasted croutons for extra texture and a classic BLT sandwich-inspired crispiness.
• Prepare the salad a day in advance, keeping dressing and ingredients separate to maintain optimal freshness and prevent sogginess.
• Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or a mix of Greek yogurt and light mayo for a lower-calorie, protein-rich alternative.

BLT Chicken Salad Storage Tips For Better Next Time

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping the salad fresh and tasty.
• Let the salad cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation and maintain crispness.
• Mayonnaise-based salads don't freeze well, so enjoy within the recommended refrigeration time.
• Gently stir the salad and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to revive flavors before eating.

Add to BLT Chicken Salad

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this zesty BLT chicken salad with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity and herbal notes perfectly complement the tangy dressing and fresh ingredients.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Serve alongside toasted sourdough or ciabatta slices to add a crunchy texture that echoes the bacon's crispness and provides a delightful base for scooping up the salad.
• Fresh Green Salad Enhancer: Create a light side of mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette to balance the rich mayonnaise-based dressing and add an extra layer of freshness to the meal.
• Chilled Citrus Spritzer: Prepare a refreshing lemonade or sparkling water with a splash of lime to cut through the salad's richness and cleanse the palate between bites.

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe New Ingredient Mixes

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wraps: Replace bread with crisp lettuce leaves for a carb-conscious version, perfect for keto dieters.
• Greek Yogurt Swap: Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt to reduce calories and add protein, ideal for health-conscious eaters.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based alternative that maintains the salad's protein content.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, cilantro, and a dash of cumin to transform the classic BLT chicken salad into a zesty southwestern-style dish.

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp bacon, juicy chicken, and fresh lettuce dance together in this mouthwatering BLT Chicken Salad. Cool summer days meet classic sandwich flavors, inviting you to savor each refreshing, protein-packed bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) cooked chicken, chopped
• 1 pound (454 g) bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
• 1 cup (150 g) cherry tomatoes, halved

Supporting Ingredients:

• 1/2 small red onion, diced small
• 2 stalks celery, diced

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Instructions

1. Shred or dice the tender, freshly cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture throughout the salad.
2. Crisp the bacon until golden brown and delicately crumble into rustic fragments, providing a savory crunch to the mixture.
3. Halve the vibrant cherry tomatoes, releasing their juicy essence and adding bright color to the dish.
4. Finely dice the red onion and crisp celery, creating a sharp and refreshing counterpoint to the rich chicken and bacon.
5. Whisk the creamy mayonnaise with tangy lemon juice, blending in aromatic garlic powder, nuanced onion powder, and a whisper of black pepper to create a harmonious dressing.
6. Gently fold the zesty dressing into the chicken mixture, ensuring each ingredient is generously coated and thoroughly integrated.
7. Allow the salad to meld its flavors by chilling in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes, which helps the ingredients marry and intensify their collective taste profile.
8. Serve chilled, optionally nestled on a bed of crisp lettuce or tucked between slices of toasted artisan bread for a complete meal experience.

Notes

• Swap mayo for Greek yogurt to create a lighter, protein-packed version with reduced calories.
• Chop bacon extra crispy to add more textural crunch and intensify the smoky flavor profile.
• Customize the salad by adding chopped lettuce or serving over mixed greens for extra freshness and volume.
• Consider using rotisserie chicken for a quick time-saving shortcut that maintains delicious, tender meat quality.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg