BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is the kind of dish that checks every box — quick, hearty, and packed with flavors you already love. It brings together the classic combo of bacon, lettuce, and tomato with tender chicken and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together. If you need a lunch that actually keeps you full or a crowd-pleasing salad for your next gathering, this one is hard to beat.
I still remember the first time I threw this together on a Tuesday night with leftover rotisserie chicken sitting in the fridge. I had bacon from the weekend, a handful of cherry tomatoes, and nothing but time to pull something together fast. The result was so satisfying that it made it into my weekly rotation almost immediately. BLT Chicken Salad is comforting without being heavy, and it comes together in under 30 minutes with zero fuss.
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Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
I have made this salad more times than I can count, and the key is keeping the ingredients simple and fresh. Every component here plays a real role in the final flavor and texture — nothing is filler.
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (diced or shredded — I always use rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and the easiest prep)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved — my preference is to use vine-ripened for that extra sweetness)
- 6 slices cooked bacon (crumbled — I recommend thick-cut bacon for a bolder smoky bite)
- 2 cups romaine or iceberg lettuce (chopped — in my experience, iceberg holds up better if you plan to chill the salad before serving)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat for creaminess, or light if you prefer a leaner version)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (I usually go with a smooth Dijon for the cleanest tang)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (pro tip: always use fresh-squeezed — bottled lemon juice dulls the brightness)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Chopped chives or green onions for garnish (optional but recommended)
Step-by-Step Instructions
In my experience, this salad comes together best when you prep the bacon and chicken ahead of time so assembly takes just minutes. Follow these steps for a clean, well-balanced result every time.
Step 1: Add the diced or shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and chopped lettuce to a large mixing bowl. Layer them loosely for easy tossing later.
Step 2: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning before adding it to the salad — this is your one chance to dial in the flavor.
Step 3: Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Using salad tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated. Avoid over-mixing so the lettuce stays crisp and the tomatoes keep their shape.
Step 4: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. This short chill time makes a real difference — the dressing absorbs into the chicken and the flavors come together beautifully.
Step 5: Just before serving, top with freshly chopped chives or green onions. Serve cold, straight from the fridge.
What to Serve with BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
The best sides for BLT Chicken Salad are those that add a little contrast — think crunch, warmth, or something light to balance the creamy dressing. Here are a few pairings that work really well.
Toasted Sourdough Bread: A thick slice of toasted sourdough is the perfect vehicle for scooping up the salad. The slight tang of the bread plays off the Dijon dressing in the best way.
Chicken Rice Bowls: If you want to turn this into a fuller meal, spooning the salad over a base of warm rice works surprisingly well. Check out these Chicken Rice Bowls with Creamy Garlic Sauce for inspiration on building out a complete bowl.
Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad: If you are hosting and want to offer a salad spread, pair this with a Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Salad for a vibrant, flavor-packed duo.
Lettuce Wraps: Skip the bread entirely and spoon the salad into large romaine or butter lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that is just as satisfying.
Chilled Fruit Salad: A simple seasonal fruit salad adds natural sweetness and a refreshing contrast to the salty, savory flavors of the BLT Chicken Salad Recipe.
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad: For a summer cookout spread, serve this alongside a BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad with Cilantro Ranch to give your guests two totally different salad experiences.
Pita Chips or Crackers: A bowl of pita chips on the side turns this into easy party food. Guests can scoop the salad and snack as they go.
Storage and Serving Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. I recommend keeping the lettuce separate if you plan to meal prep this salad for the week — it prevents wilting and keeps every serving tasting fresh.
This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is best served cold. There is no reheating needed. If the salad has been sitting for a day, give it a quick toss and add a small drizzle of lemon juice to brighten everything back up before serving.
Pro tip: This salad is incredibly versatile. Spoon it into a toasted croissant for a next-level sandwich, stuff it into a pita, or roll it up in a tortilla for easy wraps. It travels well in a lunchbox and holds up beautifully for picnics or potlucks.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe?
Yes, and it is actually the best option. Rotisserie chicken is already cooked, seasoned, and incredibly flavorful. Just shred or dice it and you are ready to go.
How do I keep the lettuce from getting soggy?
Store the dressing and lettuce separately until right before serving. Toss everything together fresh each time for the crispest result
Can I make this salad dairy-free?
Yes. All the core ingredients in this recipe are naturally dairy-free. Just double-check your mayonnaise label and you are good to go.
Conclusion
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is one of those recipes that never gets old. It is fast, simple, and delivers real flavor with every bite. Whether you are making lunch for yourself or feeding a crowd, this salad is always a good call. Give it a try this week — you might just find your new favorite go-to meal.
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the diced or shredded chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and chopped lettuce to a large mixing bowl. Layer them loosely for easy tossing.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning before adding to the salad.
- Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss with salad tongs or a large spoon until every piece is evenly coated. Avoid over-mixing to keep the lettuce crisp.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 15 to 20 minutes. This chill time helps the dressing absorb into the chicken and melds all the flavors together.
- Just before serving, top with freshly chopped chives or green onions. Serve cold, straight from the refrigerator.
