Lively layers of smoky bacon, tender chicken, and crisp, garden-fresh veggies come together in this BLT Chicken Salad, creating a melody of textures and tastes that’s impossible to resist. Every forkful is a celebration: the savory snap of bacon echoes through each bite, while juicy shredded chicken adds a hearty touch that turns a simple salad into a satisfying meal. It’s the perfect spin on the classic BLT you know and love, with an extra boost of protein and a tangy, creamy Dijon mayo dressing that ties everything together. Whether you’re craving a quick lunch or a light dinner, this recipe delivers big on flavor without demanding hours in the kitchen.
I first whipped up this salad on a busy weeknight when I had leftover chicken and a craving for something bright and fresh. Within minutes, my kitchen smelled of crisp lettuce and vine-ripened tomatoes, and soon enough the table was piled high with bowls of crunchy goodness. It’s hard to beat the combination of crunchy cucumber, slightly sweet cherry tomatoes, and the subtle bite of red onion—all coated in that dreamy mayo-mustard dressing. Plus, it’s a breeze to customize: throw in some diced avocado, swap in a yogurt-based dressing, or layer over gluten-free croutons for even more crunch. With just 15 minutes of active prep time, about 25 minutes of cooking, and a short 30-minute rest to let the flavors mingle, you’ll have a dazzling dish on the table that feels gourmet but tastes like home.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BLT CHICKEN SALAD
Every ingredient in this salad plays its part in creating the ultimate BLT twist. From the succulent shredded chicken that brings protein and substance, to the bright veggies that add color and crunch, these components blend seamlessly in a tangy Dijonnaise dressing to make your taste buds dance.
- Cooked, shredded chicken breast
Provides a tender, protein-packed foundation. Its mild flavor soaks up the dressing beautifully, ensuring every bite is juicy and satisfying.
- Crispy bacon
Delivers a smoky, salty crunch that elevates the classic BLT experience. Chopping it into bite-sized pieces makes sure you get a pop of bacon bliss in every forkful.
- Fresh romaine lettuce
Adds a vibrant, crisp base. Its sturdy leaves hold up under the creamy dressing and maintain that refreshing crunch you crave in a salad.
- Cherry tomatoes
Burst with sweet, juicy flavor and a bright pop of color. Halving them ensures they evenly distribute throughout the salad for consistent freshness.
- Diced cucumber
Contributes a cool, hydrating crunch that contrasts the rich bacon and creamy dressing, keeping each bite light and refreshing.
- Red onion
Offers a subtle sharpness and a hint of bite. Thin slices balance the salad with just the right amount of zing.
- Mayonnaise
Forms the creamy base of the dressing, adding smooth, luscious texture while binding all ingredients together.
- Dijon mustard
Introduces a tangy, subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the mayo and bacon, giving the dressing its signature zip.
- Apple cider vinegar
Brightens the dressing with a mild acidity that lifts the flavors and keeps the overall taste profile balanced.
- Salt and pepper
Essential seasonings that enhance and marry the flavors of all ingredients, ensuring your salad tastes perfectly seasoned.
- Optional: croutons for topping
Add extra crunch and a toasty note, perfect if you love a little textural contrast on top.
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Sprinkles in a burst of herbal freshness and a pop of color to make your salad look as good as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE BLT CHICKEN SALAD
Get ready to toss up this delightful blend in just a few simple steps. The method is straightforward, but the result feels like a chef-inspired creation. Follow along, and soon you’ll have a vibrant, creamy salad ready to devour.
1. Begin by preparing the ingredients. If you haven’t already, cook the chicken breast by boiling it in lightly salted water or grilling until fully cooked through. Allow it to rest briefly, then shred using two forks or your hands, so the meat is pulled into tender, bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, either in a skillet over medium heat or on a tray in a preheated oven. Once golden and crackling, transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease. When cool, chop the bacon into small pieces that will evenly distribute throughout the salad.
3. In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Toss the mixture gently with clean hands or salad tongs so that the ingredients are combined without bruising the lettuce.
4. In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk to blend until the mixture is smooth and emulsified, with no streaks of mustard visible.
5. Pour the dressing evenly over the salad mixture. Gently toss again until every component is coated in the creamy, tangy dressing. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
6. If you like, add croutons on top for extra crunch, and garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant pop of green.
7. Serve immediately for maximum crispness, or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BLT CHICKEN SALAD
When it comes to serving this delightful BLT Chicken Salad, presentation and pairing can take it from simple to spectacular. Here are some fun ideas to make your meal memorable:
- Family-style platter
Arrange the salad on a large, shallow dish and pass around the table so everyone can help themselves. Garnish the edges with extra cherry tomato halves and parsley sprigs for a restaurant-worthy look.
- Lettuce boats
Spoon the salad into crisp endive or butter lettuce leaves for a hand-held, low-carb appetizer. The little “boats” make for delightful, bite-sized portions at parties or buffet spreads.
- Hearty sandwich upgrade
Pile the salad between slices of toasted sourdough or a soft brioche bun. Add extra bacon and a drizzle of dressing for an over-the-top BLT Chicken Club that’s perfect for lunch.
- Accompanied by a light soup
Serve alongside a cup of gazpacho or a chilled cucumber soup for a refreshing light dinner. The coolness of the soup complements the creamy salad and keeps the meal bright and balanced.
HOW TO STORE BLT CHICKEN SALAD
Storing your BLT Chicken Salad properly ensures you enjoy every bite just as much the next day—and you might even find the flavors become more harmonious after resting. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Separate the dressing
If you plan to store leftovers, keep the dressing in its own airtight container. This prevents the lettuce and other veggies from becoming soggy and keeps the texture crisp until you’re ready to eat.
- Use airtight containers
Transfer the tossed salad into a sealed, shallow container to limit air exposure. This preserves freshness and helps maintain the crunch of the lettuce and vegetables.
- Store in the fridge
Place the container on a middle shelf where the temperature remains steady. The salad will keep beautifully for up to 2 days when chilled properly.
- Re-toss before serving
When you’re ready for round two, give the salad a gentle stir to re-distribute any dressing that may have settled at the bottom. Add fresh croutons or parsley if you want to revive some extra crunch and color.
CONCLUSION
This BLT Chicken Salad is more than just a quick meal—it’s a celebration of texture and taste that brings together smoky bacon, tender chicken, crisp romaine, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy cucumber in a tangy Dijonnaise dressing. We’ve walked through each step, from preparing perfectly shredded chicken and crispy bacon to whisking a smooth, flavorful dressing that ties it all together. The versatility is endless: serve it family-style, in lettuce boats, as a hearty sandwich, or alongside a light soup, and don’t forget how simple it is to store—just keep things separate and airtight for next-day freshness. With only 15 minutes of prep, a moderate cooking time, and a short rest period, you’ll have an intermediate-level recipe that feels indulgent yet remains approachable for any home cook.
Feel free to print this article and save it for later use; it’s a great resource to revisit whenever you need a quick lunch, a light dinner, or an impressive dish for guests. You’ll also find a handy FAQ below to answer any lingering questions without having to scroll back up. If you give this recipe a try or have any questions, comments, or feedback—maybe you swapped in avocado or added an extra dash of vinegar—let me know! I love hearing your cooking stories, troubleshooting together, and sharing the joy of delicious, homemade meals. Enjoy every crunchy, creamy bite!
BLT Chicken Salad
Description
A satisfying blend of smoky bacon, juicy chicken, fresh lettuce, tomatoes & crunchy cucumber, all tossed in a tangy mayo-mustard dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner that packs big flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Begin by preparing the ingredients. If you haven't already, cook the chicken breast by boiling or grilling until fully cooked, then shred it using forks or your hands.
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Cook the bacon until it is crispy. You can do this in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease and then chop it into pieces.
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In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and sliced red onion. Toss the ingredients gently to mix them evenly.
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In a separate bowl, prepare the dressing. Combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Whisk the dressing until it's smooth and well combined.
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Pour the dressing over the salad mixture and toss gently until all the ingredients are coated with the dressing. Adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if desired.
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If you like, add croutons on top of the salad for extra crunch, and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
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Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Note
- This salad is a great way to use leftover chicken.
- You can customize it by adding avocado or substituting the dressing with a yogurt-based one.
- For a low-carb option, omit the croutons and serve on a bed of lettuce.
- This dish can be made ahead of time, but it's best to add the dressing just before serving to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Pair it with a light vinaigrette if you prefer a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
