BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

If you’re craving the fresh flavors of your favorite sandwich in a cool, creamy, salad form, this BLT Chicken Salad will win your heart from the very first bite. Easy, satisfying, and bursting with the salty-savory goodness of bacon, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and a creamy, herby dressing, it’s a year-round staple for meal prep, parties, or picnics!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad are delightfully simple but play off each other for that magical mix of savory, tangy, and fresh. Grab these pantry staples and a few fresh items, and you’ll have everything you need to whip up a crave-worthy salad that checks all the boxes for flavor and texture!

• Rotisserie chicken (shredded): The ultimate shortcut! It adds tender, juicy protein for minimum effort and soaks up all the creamy flavors.
• Bacon (center-cut, chopped): Crisp, salty, and smoky—bacon gives the salad its signature crave-worthy bite.
• Plain Greek yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and lightens up the dressing; you can skip this for all-mayo if you prefer extra richness.
• Mayonnaise: The classic creamy base that ties everything together and delivers authentic chicken salad vibes.
• Ranch seasoning: Just a spoonful brings an herby, savory punch that makes every bite irresistible.
• Freshly cracked black pepper: Brings a gentle heat and balances the creamy richness.
• Green onions (diced): Offer a refreshing crunch and just a gentle bite that brightens the salad.
• Grape tomatoes (halved/quartered): Their sweetness and juiciness mimic the best part of a BLT!
• Avocado (diced): The creamy, buttery cubes add luxurious texture and extra nutrition.

Variations

Part of the irresistible charm of BLT Chicken Salad is how easy it is to riff on—whether you want to pack in more veggies, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or just clean out the fridge, there’s a version for everyone. Don’t be afraid to add your own spin!

• Low-Carb Swap: Serve the salad in crisp lettuce cups or romaine boats for a delicious grain-free meal.
• Cheese It Up: Crumble blue cheese or add shredded cheddar for a bold, creamy twist.
• Spice Lovers: Stir in a spoonful of chopped pickled jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for a punchy, spicy upgrade.
• Fresh Herb Boost: Sprinkle in chopped chives, parsley, or dill for a lively herbal accent.
• Vegetarian Version: Swap in crispy chickpea “bacon” and use a plant-based mayo/yogurt to keep it meatless.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), ranch seasoning, and cracked pepper. Give it a good whisk until everything is smooth and the flavors are evenly blended. This will form the creamy, tangy backbone of your salad.

Step 2: Toss in the Chicken, Bacon & Green Onion

Now add your shredded rotisserie chicken, cooked and chopped bacon, and the diced green onions right into the bowl. Mix everything together until all the chicken is coated in the dressing and the bacon bits are evenly distributed—don’t skimp on mixing, it’s worth it!

Step 3: Add Tomatoes & Adjust Seasoning

Toss in the halved (or quartered) grape tomatoes, and gently fold them into the chicken mixture. This is a great point to taste and add a little extra pepper or ranch seasoning if you like your salad extra punchy.

Step 4: Finish with Avocado & Chill

Just before serving, dice your avocado and gently fold it into the desired portion of salad or layer it on top for the perfect finishing touch. Pop the whole bowl in an airtight container and chill for at least one hour—this helps all the flavors meld beautifully!

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, sprinkle your salad with a flurry of chopped fresh chives, extra crispy bacon crumbles, a squeeze of lemon, or a few twists of black pepper. A handful of baby greens or microgreens also looks beautiful piled on top!

Side Dishes

This BLT Chicken Salad pairs perfectly with club crackers, Ritz crackers, tortilla chips, or even juicy cucumber slices for a low-carb option. To round out your meal, add a fruit salad, kettle chips, or a bowl of chilled soup—summer perfection!

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon the salad into crisp lettuce wraps or hollowed-out avocado halves for a playful lunch, or stack it high on croissants for a hearty sandwich. For parties, pack individual portions into small cups or serve them in little phyllo cups for easy, hand-held bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your BLT Chicken Salad in glass airtight containers (perfect for meal prep or lunchboxes) in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 3 days—just remember to stir before enjoying, as the dressing settles a bit.

Freezing

While you can technically freeze chicken salad, the creamy dressing and fresh veggies like tomatoes and avocado can turn watery and lose their appeal once defrosted. For best texture and flavor, savor this salad fresh from the fridge!

Reheating

No reheating needed—BLT Chicken Salad is best enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to add a touch of warmth, try serving with freshly toasted bread or crackers on the side.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s something endlessly appealing about a dish that’s simple, nostalgic, and packed with flavor—BLT Chicken Salad truly delivers on all fronts. I hope you give it a try the next time you want an easy, crowd-pleasing lunch or picnic dish. You’ll be making it on repeat!

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