If you’re looking for a refreshing and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare, this BLT Chicken Salad is the perfect choice. This delightful dish combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with tender chicken and fresh vegetables, making it an ideal option for lunch or dinner. With juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crisp lettuce all tossed in a creamy dressing, every bite bursts with flavor. Crisp cucumber salad side dish Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner. Quick and easy pea salad In just about 30 minutes, you can have a wholesome salad ready to serve that will impress both family and friends alike. The combination of textures and tastes will leave your taste buds wanting more. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to enjoy a hearty yet healthy dish that celebrates the beloved BLT in a brand-new way.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad
For more inspiration, check out this Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole recipe.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and straightforward steps make this recipe stress-free, even for novice cooks
- Flavorful and Versatile: Enjoy outstanding flavor with ingredients you can easily customize by adding your favorites or adjusting spices
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Ideal for casual gatherings, holiday celebrations, or weeknight dinners
Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding
- Crispy Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon if you want extra crunch and smoky flavor
- Ripe Tomatoes: Choose vibrant red tomatoes as they add sweetness and juiciness to the salad
- Crisp Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg lettuce works well; make sure it’s fresh for the best texture
- Mayonnaise: Use your favorite mayonnaise as the base for the dressing; consider light mayo for a healthier option
For the Dressing:
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors of the salad
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the boneless skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper before grilling them for about 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach at least 165°F /74°C).
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy, which should take about 5-8 minutes. Remove them from the skillet and drain on paper towels to absorb excess grease.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the chicken is grilling and bacon is cooking, wash and chop your ripe tomatoes and lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix until smooth; you can add salt and pepper to taste if desired.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Once everything is cooked and cooled slightly, chop up the grilled chicken and crispy bacon into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the bowl with tomatoes and lettuce.
Step 6: Toss Salad
Pour your dressing over all ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until well coated.
Transfer to plates and drizzle with additional dressing if desired for the perfect finishing touch.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
- Even Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are cut to similar sizes for consistent cooking times
- Temperature Control: Let ingredients reach room temperature before starting for better results
- Advanced Technique: For enhanced flavor, try marinating the chicken in garlic and herbs before grilling
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad
This BLT Chicken Salad is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
- Rice or Potatoes: A hearty base that soaks up the delicious sauce.
- Fresh Salad: Adds a crisp and refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the dish.
- Crusty Bread: Perfect for enjoying every last drop of the flavorful sauce.
Feel free to pair it with your favorite sides for a personalized meal!
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and dressing up to two days in advance. Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chop vegetables just before serving for optimal freshness.
- Storing: Leftover BLT Chicken Salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. Use a sealed container to keep it fresh longer, ensuring all ingredients stay crisp.
- Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a microwave at medium power for about one minute, stirring halfway through. Avoid overheating as this may dry out the chicken.
Suggestions for BLT Chicken Salad:
Choose Fresh Ingredients
Using fresh ingredients is crucial for the best flavor in your BLT chicken salad. Opt for ripe tomatoes, crisp lettuce, and high-quality bacon. Freshly cooked chicken will bring out the flavors and textures that make this dish delightful. Avoid using pre-packaged or frozen ingredients, as they can compromise the quality of your meal. Selecting organic produce when possible can also enhance the taste and nutritional value of your salad. Remember, the freshness of each component plays a significant role in creating a satisfying dish that everyone will love.
Mind Your Bacon Cook Time
Cooking bacon to the right crispiness is essential for a perfect BLT chicken salad. If you undercook it, the bacon will be chewy and greasy, which detracts from the overall texture of the salad. Conversely, overcooking can lead to burnt pieces that are bitter and unappetizing. Aim for perfectly crispy bacon that adds a savory crunch to your salad. Consider cooking it on medium heat until it turns golden brown. This careful attention to detail ensures that every bite of your salad is deliciously satisfying.
Dress Your Salad Properly
Choosing the right dressing can elevate your BLT chicken salad significantly. A heavy or overly creamy dressing may overwhelm the fresh flavors of the other ingredients. Instead, consider light dressings like vinaigrettes or yogurt-based options that complement rather than mask the taste. Always dress your salad just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. If you plan to store leftovers, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat again. This way, you ensure that each serving remains crisp and flavorful.
Customize Your Components
One of the joys of making a BLT chicken salad is its versatility. Don’t hesitate to customize components based on personal preferences or dietary needs. You can swap out regular bacon for turkey bacon or use grilled tofu for a vegetarian option. Additionally, different greens like spinach or arugula can provide unique flavors and textures. By being creative with your ingredients, you can craft a version of this classic dish that fits perfectly with your tastes while still retaining its essence.
FAQs:
What does BLT Chicken Salad usually contain?
BLT chicken salad typically includes cooked chicken breast, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and often a light dressing. Some recipes may incorporate additional ingredients such as avocado or hard-boiled eggs for added nutrition and flavor diversity. The combination of these elements creates a balanced dish that provides proteins from chicken and bacon while offering refreshing crunch from vegetables.
Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare certain components of BLT chicken salad ahead of time to save effort on busy days. Cooked chicken can be shredded or chopped in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Likewise, you can cook and crumble bacon beforehand; just reheat briefly before adding it to your salad if desired. However, it’s best to wait until just before serving to combine all ingredients with dressing to maintain freshness. For more inspiration, check out this Corn Pasta Salad with Bacon recipe.
What is a good alternative protein for this recipe?
If you’re looking for alternatives to chicken in your BLT chicken salad, there are several great options available! Grilled shrimp or salmon adds a delightful seafood twist while maintaining protein levels similar to chicken. For vegetarian options, consider chickpeas or black beans that provide ample protein along with fiber content as well as satisfying textures.
Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice for making BLT chicken salad quick and convenient. It saves preparation time while still providing flavorful meat that pairs well with other fresh ingredients like tomatoes and lettuce. Tuscan-inspired artichoke salad Just shred or chop the rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces before mixing it with other components for an easy yet delicious meal.
Conclusion for BLT Chicken Salad:
Creating a delicious BLT chicken salad involves choosing fresh ingredients and cooking them carefully to maximize flavor and texture. Avoid common mistakes such as overcooking bacon or using heavy dressings which could muddy tastes instead of enhancing them. Don’t forget about customization; feel free to experiment with various proteins and greens based on personal preferences! Preparing certain components ahead of time makes assembling this dish even easier on busy days while still delivering satisfaction at mealtime. Mediterranean chicken skillet recipe With these tips in mind, you’ll enjoy crafting a delightful version of this classic recipe at home!
BLT Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Savor the flavors of summer with this delightful BLT Chicken Salad. Combining juicy grilled chicken, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all tossed in a zesty lemon mayonnaise dressing, this salad is both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for lunch or dinner, it takes just 30 minutes to prepare and can easily be customized for meal prep or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3 breasts)
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon
- 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Grill the chicken: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper; grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let cool before chopping.
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy (5-8 minutes). Drain on paper towels.
- Prepare vegetables: Wash and chop tomatoes and lettuce; combine in a large bowl.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: Chop grilled chicken and bacon into bite-sized pieces; add to the bowl with vegetables.
- Toss salad: Pour dressing over the mixture; gently toss until well coated. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 19g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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