This BLT Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty mix of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. It’s like a classic BLT, but in a salad form!
I love how quick and easy it is to whip up for lunch. Plus, it’s so colorful that even your plate will be smiling! 🥗 Add your favorite dressing, and you’re all set!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Shredded Chicken: I recommend using rotisserie chicken for its flavor and ease. You can also use leftover chicken or even canned chicken if that’s what you have on hand.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a burst of sweetness, but you can swap them for any other tomato type. Diced regular tomatoes or grape tomatoes work well too.
Bacon: Crispy bacon is key here, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use turkey bacon or even omit it entirely for a vegetarian salad.
Mayonnaise: For a lighter dressing, substituting plain Greek yogurt for mayonnaise gives great creaminess. If avoiding dairy, look for vegan mayo or tahini.
Dijon Mustard: This gives a nice kick. If you don’t have it, try yellow mustard or even a bit of honey mustard for a different flavor twist.
How Do I Make Sure the Salad Remains Fresh?
To keep your BLT chicken salad fresh and tasty, the key is to combine ingredients just before serving. Holding off on mixing in the dressing until right before eating helps to keep the lettuce crisp and the chicken from getting soggy.
- Keep the dressing separate until you are ready to serve. This can help maintain texture.
- Consider refrigerating your chicken salad for about 30 minutes: this allows flavors to blend without compromising freshness.
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- Lettuce leaves
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious BLT Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes to prepare. If you choose to refrigerate it for a bit, you can let it chill for up to 2 hours to really let those flavors mingle. Super quick and easy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Salad Ingredients:
Start by grabbing a large mixing bowl. Combine the cooked shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped bacon, red onion, and sliced green onions. This will be the base of your salad and already looks colorful and tasty!
2. Prepare the Dressing:
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Keep whisking until it’s nice and smooth—this dressing will bring all those flavors together!
3. Combine the Salad and Dressing:
Now, pour the creamy dressing over your chicken mixture. Using a spatula or a big spoon, gently stir everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well-coated in that yummy dressing.
4. Taste and Adjust:
Before serving, take a small taste of your salad. If it needs a little more flavor, feel free to add a pinch of salt and pepper to your liking. Just mix it in!
5. Serve It Up!
Serve your delicious BLT Chicken Salad immediately on a bed of fresh lettuce leaves, or if you want to prepare it ahead of time, pop it in the fridge for up to 2 hours. This helps everything chill and enhances the flavors. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooked Shredded Chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and works perfectly in this salad. Just shred the meat off the bones, discarding the skin, and you’ll be ready to go!
How Can I Make This Salad Healthier?
If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or sour cream. You can also add more veggies, like cucumber or bell peppers, to increase fiber without adding extra calories.
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and dressing separately in advance. Just keep them refrigerated. Mix them together right before serving to keep the lettuce crisp and the flavors fresh!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, but it’s best enjoyed fresh. If the lettuce has wilted, you can always serve the salad over fresh greens when ready to eat.
