This Easy BLT Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. It’s quick to make and perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
I love how this salad combines all my favorite ingredients in one bowl. Plus, who can resist crispy bacon? Make it ahead, and you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Cooked chicken breast is the star here. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with grilled or sautéed turkey for a twist!
Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a delicious crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, try turkey bacon or even crispy tempeh for a meat-free version.
Mixed Greens: A blend of romaine, spinach, and butter lettuce gives the salad texture. If you prefer, any leafy green like kale or arugula works great too!
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. If they aren’t in season, consider using diced regular tomatoes or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
Mayonnaise: It’s used for creaminess. Greek yogurt or an avocado could be fun, healthier swaps, giving it a creamy texture without all the calories.
How Do I Make Crispy Bacon Perfectly?
Crispy bacon adds a satisfying crunch to the salad, and making it right is key. Here’s how I do it:
- Start with room temperature bacon for even cooking.
- Cook in a skillet over medium heat or bake in the oven at 400°F for about 20 minutes.
- Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn, flipping halfway through if cooking in a skillet.
- Once crispy, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease, then crumble!
Easy BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed greens (such as romaine, spinach, and butter lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Easy BLT Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you want to let the flavors mingle, you can chill it in the fridge for about 15 more minutes. A quick and simple dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bacon:
Start by cooking the bacon until it’s nice and crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on paper towels to drain. When it cools, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
2. Chop the Chicken:
If you haven’t already, dice or shred your cooked chicken breast into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix into the salad.
3. Build the Salad Base:
In a large salad bowl, place your mixed greens. This will be the base of your salad, providing the fresh crunch we all love!
4. Add the Veggies and Chicken:
On top of the greens, add the diced chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and sliced green onions. Each ingredient adds its own unique flavor and texture!
5. Whisk Together the Dressing:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
6. Dress the Salad:
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients in the bowl. Gently toss everything together so that the dressing coats all the ingredients evenly.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Your Easy BLT Chicken Salad is ready to serve! You can enjoy it immediately, or if you like a more blended flavor, chill it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. Either way, it’s sure to be a hit!
Enjoy your fresh, flavorful Easy BLT Chicken Salad!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover grilled or roasted chicken works perfectly. If using refrigerated chicken, just ensure it’s at room temperature or slightly warmed for the best flavor.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the salad from getting soggy, store the dressing separately and only add it before serving.
Can I Make This Salad Vegan?
Definitely! You can substitute the chicken with chickpeas or diced tofu, the bacon with crispy tempeh or vegan bacon, and use a plant-based mayonnaise to keep it vegan-friendly.
What Can I Serve This Salad With?
This salad is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with crusty bread or as a filling for a wrap. It pairs nicely with a light soup for a fuller meal!
