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BLT Chicken Salad
When lunch starts feeling repetitive, a cold bowl packed with crunch can reset the whole day. BLT Chicken Salad takes the comfort of a classic sandwich and turns it into an easy, creamy, homemade-style meal with tender chicken, crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy dressing. Several popular versions build that flavor with cooked chicken, bacon, tomatoes, red onion or scallions, and a mayo or mayo-and-yogurt dressing seasoned with garlic powder and onion powder. This version keeps that quick, satisfying base, then adds celery for extra snap and serves beautifully in lettuce cups, on croissants, or with crackers.
It is a smart pick for meal prep because the filling comes together fast once the chicken is cooked, and a short chill helps the smoky bacon and creamy dressing settle into every bite. Folding in the tomatoes gently and saving a little bacon for the top keeps the texture bright and crisp instead of heavy. You get richness from the dressing, freshness from the tomatoes and onions, and that irresistible BLT flavor in every forkful. Let’s make it step by step.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken give you the classic BLT flavor in a hearty chicken salad.
- The creamy dressing uses mayo, Greek yogurt, or both, so it stays rich without feeling too heavy.
- It works for meal prep lunches, light dinners, and quick summer meals.
- You can serve it in lettuce wraps, on bread, on croissants, or with crackers.
- Most of the prep is simple assembly once your chicken and bacon are ready.
INGREDIENTS
HOW TO MAKE IT (Step-by-Step)
Cook the bacon, 10 to 12 minutes. Bake or pan-cook the bacon until deeply crisp, then transfer it to paper towels and let it cool before crumbling.
Pro tip: Cook the bacon a touch darker than usual, because it softens slightly once mixed into the dressing.
Mix the dressing, 2 minutes. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Build the salad, 3 minutes. Add the chicken, most of the bacon, tomatoes, red onion, green onions, and celery to the bowl, then toss until everything is evenly coated.
Pro tip: Fold the tomatoes in last and stir gently so they stay juicy instead of breaking down into the dressing.
Chill, 20 minutes. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the BLT Chicken Salad so the flavors settle and the texture firms up.
Serve, 2 minutes. Spoon it into lettuce cups, pile it onto toasted bread or croissants, or serve it with crackers, then finish with the reserved bacon on top.
MACROS & NUTRITION TABLE
Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 314 |
| Protein (g) | 35 |
| Carbs (g) | 4 |
| Net Carbs (g) | 3 |
| Fat (g) | 17 |
| Fiber (g) | 1 |
Macros were estimated using standard nutrition averages for cooked chicken breast, bacon, mayo, Greek yogurt, and vegetables. Values will vary by brand, especially for bacon, mayo, and yogurt.
PRO TIPS & VARIATIONS
- Use rotisserie chicken for speed, but chop it small so the creamy dressing coats every bite evenly.
- Save a spoonful of bacon and green onions for the top so the salad looks fresh and keeps its crisp finish.
- For make-ahead prep, mix everything except the tomatoes and bacon, then fold those in just before serving.
- Store it in an airtight container so the texture stays tighter and the flavors stay clean.
- Dietary variation: For a lower-carb BLT chicken salad, serve it in lettuce wraps instead of bread or croissants.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Spoon it into romaine leaves for a crisp, low-carb lunch.
- Serve it on croissants or toasted sandwich bread when you want that classic BLT feel with extra richness.
- Add crackers, cucumber slices, or a bowl of fruit for an easy picnic-style plate.
STORAGE & REHEATING
Fridge: Store BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days for the best texture.
Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, because the creamy dressing can separate and the tomatoes lose their fresh bite.
Reheat: No reheating needed. Serve it cold, straight from the fridge, or let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving so the dressing softens slightly.
FAQ SECTION
Q: Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, BLT Chicken Salad works well for meal prep once the chicken and bacon are cooked. For the freshest texture, stir in the tomatoes and some of the bacon closer to serving time.
Q: What is the best chicken for BLT chicken salad?
A: Cooked chicken breast is the most common choice for BLT chicken salad because it stays lean, meaty, and easy to chop or shred. Rotisserie chicken also works well when you want a quick lunch shortcut.
Q: How do I keep chicken salad with bacon from getting soggy?
A: Cook the bacon until very crisp, then reserve part of it for the top instead of mixing in all of it at once. Gently folding in the tomatoes at the end also helps the creamy chicken salad stay thick instead of watery.
Q: Can I serve BLT Chicken Salad in lettuce wraps?
A: Yes, lettuce wraps are one of the easiest ways to serve this low-carb BLT Chicken Salad. Romaine leaves hold up especially well and add fresh crunch.
Q: What goes well with BLT Chicken Salad?
A: This easy chicken salad pairs nicely with crackers, croissants, toasted bread, or a bed of greens. For a lighter plate, serve it with sliced cucumbers, fruit, or extra lettuce cups.
CALL TO ACTION
If you make this BLT Chicken Salad, drop a comment and tell me how you served it. Save it to Pinterest for later, and share it with someone who needs an easy lunch that still feels special. Next up, try a creamy ranch chicken salad or a bacon-packed pasta salad for another crowd-pleasing favorite.
