Oh, you guys, let me tell you about this BLT Chicken Salad. If you’re anything like me, you adore the classic BLT – that perfect combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce, all tied together with a bit of mayo. But who has time for all that layering sometimes? That’s where this BLT Chicken Salad comes in, and trust me, it’s a game-changer for quick lunches or light dinners. I remember making this for the first time when I needed something super fast for a picnic, and my friends practically inhaled it! It’s just ridiculously easy and packs all that amazing flavor you love from a BLT sandwich into one happy bowl. Seriously, it’s my go-to when I want something satisfying without spending ages in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad
This BLT Chicken Salad is just fantastic, really! It’s one of those recipes that makes you feel like a kitchen wizard, even if you have zero time. Here’s why it’s become a staple around my place:
- It’s a Breeze to Whip Up! Honestly, if you can shred chicken and crumble bacon, you’re practically done. It’s perfect for those evenings when you’re just *done*.
- Hello, BLT Flavors! You get all that smoky bacon, the fresh pop of tomato, and that creamy, dreamy mayo, all swirled together with tender chicken. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth!
- Endless Ways to Serve: I love it scooped into crisp lettuce leaves, but it’s also amazing on toast, stuffed into a pita, or even just eaten with a fork straight from the bowl.
- Satisfying AND Fresh: It’s hearty thanks to the chicken and bacon, but the fresh tomatoes and creamy dressing keep it feeling light and super satisfying.
Gather Your Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad
Okay, time to get our pantry ready for some serious deliciousness! You’ll want to have everything prepped and ready to go, so grab a pen and let’s make sure we’ve got all our stars for this BLT Chicken Salad. First up, you’ll need about two cups of cooked chicken, nicely shredded. I usually just use rotisserie chicken because, hello, easy bonus points! Then, four slices of your favorite bacon, cooked until it’s perfectly crispy and crumbled up. Oh, and don’t forget the binder – about half a cup of good old mayonnaise. Full-fat gives you the creamiest results, just saying! We’ll also need a quarter cup of celery, chopped nice and fine for that little crunch, and about two tablespoons of red onion, minced super small so it doesn’t overpower everything. A tablespoon of Dijon mustard adds a lovely tang, and just a teaspoon of fresh lemon juice brightens it all up. Lastly, season it all with salt and pepper to taste – I always say start small and add more if you need it. Oh, and the fresh tomatoes! About a quarter cup, chopped up. They’re the final flourish, so try to use ripe ones for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making BLT Chicken Salad
Alright, let’s get this party started! Making this BLT Chicken Salad is honestly one of the easiest things you’ll do all week. You just need a bowl and a spoon, really. No fancy equipment needed, which is a huge win in my book! Sometimes I make sure to have some extra seasoning on hand, like a little black pepper chicken flavor if I’m feeling adventurous, or even a dash of something to make it like ranch-crusted chicken bites, but for the classic BLT taste, we’re keeping it simple.
Combining the Base Ingredients for Your BLT Chicken Salad
First things first, grab a good-sized mixing bowl. Toss in your lovely shredded chicken and that crispy, crumbled bacon. Now, add in your mayonnaise, that finely chopped celery and red onion, the Dijon mustard, and that little splash of lemon juice. Give it all a good stir, mixing everything together until it’s nicely combined. I like to make sure every piece of chicken gets coated in that creamy goodness. It’s not really about beating it up, more like gently coaxing everything to become friends.
Seasoning and Adding the Fresh Tomatoes
Now for the flavor magic! Sprinkle in your salt and black pepper. Start with a little bit, you can always add more, right? Give it another gentle stir. This is also the perfect time to add in those chopped fresh tomatoes. You want to fold them in really carefully so they don’t get all mashed up. We want little bursts of fresh tomato, not a watery mess! I usually use ripe Roma tomatoes because they have less seed and moisture, which keeps the salad from getting too soggy. It’s all about those little details!
Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad
Okay, so you’ve made the salad, but how do we make sure it’s absolutely *perfect*? It’s all about a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way, especially when I’m making similar salads like my yummy avocado egg salad or even my zesty Southwest chicken salad.
Ingredient Quality Matters for BLT Chicken Salad
Seriously, use the good stuff! Fresh, ripe tomatoes make a world of difference, and good quality bacon adds that irresistible smoky flavor. And for the mayonnaise, a nice, creamy one really makes everything sing.
Achieving the Perfect Texture
Nobody wants mushy chicken salad, right? The key is not to overmix after you add the tomatoes. Gently fold them in! Also, if you like a bit more crunch, make sure your bacon is super crispy, and don’t chop the celery *too* fine – a little texture is a good thing!
Serving and Storing Your BLT Chicken Salad
Alright, so you’ve made this delicious BLT Chicken Salad, and now you’re wondering how best to serve it up, right? I’ve got a few favorite ways! My absolute go-to is scooping it right into some big, crisp lettuce leaves – like butter lettuce or romaine hearts. It makes for such a light and fresh meal, almost like a wrap. You can also totally rock it as a classic sandwich filling. Just toast up some good bread, maybe slather on some extra mayo or even a thin layer of my tomato toast spread if you’re feeling fancy. Or, if you’re keeping it low-carb, try serving it on a spinach wrap. Whatever you choose, it’s just pure lunchtime happiness!
Now, if you happen to have any leftovers (which I rarely do!), storing it is super simple. Just pop it into an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It stays wonderfully fresh like this for about 3 to 4 days. The flavors actually meld together even more overnight, which I think makes it taste even better the next day! Just give it a good stir before serving again. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions about BLT Chicken Salad
Got questions about this amazing BLT Chicken Salad? I totally get it! It’s such a flexible recipe, and I love that it works for so many people. Here are a few things folks often ask me:
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this BLT Chicken Salad?
Oh, absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, especially rotisserie chicken, is my secret weapon for making this salad super fast. It’s already seasoned and tender, so you just shred it up and go. Sometimes I even grab some leftover shredded chicken from another meal. It’s a lifesaver when you’re short on time!
Can I make this BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Yep, you sure can! I often make this salad the night before a picnic or lunch. Just keep the tomatoes separate until right before serving if you want them super fresh and not watery. Otherwise, just store the whole thing in an airtight container in the fridge. It tastes even better the next day, I swear!
What other protein options can I use instead of chicken?
That’s a great question! While chicken is classic, you could totally swap it out. Cooked and chopped turkey would work wonderfully. If you want something vegetarian, I bet mashed chickpeas or even some crumbled, seasoned tofu could be amazing additions. Just make sure they’re cooked and cooled, of course! Think about my chicken broccoli nuggets – you can adapt the idea and use different proteins.
Can I make this salad creamier or tangier?
You bet! For it to be creamier, just add a little more mayonnaise. Easy peasy. If you want it tangier, a tiny bit more Dijon mustard or even a splash of pickle juice can really give it a kick. Experiment and see what you love!
Nutritional Information for BLT Chicken Salad
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this BLT Chicken Salad can wiggle around a bit depending on exactly what kind of mayo you use or how much bacon you sneak in! But, as a general ballpark, one serving (about a cup, give or take) usually comes in around 450 calories. You’re looking at roughly 30g of fat, with about 8g being saturated fat, and a good solid 35g of protein to keep you full. It’s got about 10g of carbs and 2g of fiber, plus around 800mg of sodium, mostly from that yummy bacon. Remember, these are just estimates, but it gives you a good idea of what you’re working with. If you’re looking for more high-protein meals, this is definitely a winner!
Share Your BLT Chicken Salad Creations!
Okay, now that you’ve hopefully made this absolutely delicious BLT Chicken Salad, I wanna hear all about it! Did you try it as a sandwich? Maybe in lettuce cups? Did you add anything extra special? Please, leave a comment below and tell me all your secrets, or even better, give it a star rating! I love hearing from you guys. And if you’re feeling social, snap a pic and tag me on Instagram – seeing your creations makes my day! It’s so much fun to see how everyone puts their own spin on things. You can also check out my about me page to learn more, or drop me a line through my contact page with any burning questions!
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BLT Chicken Salad
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A classic BLT flavor profile combined with tender chicken for a satisfying salad.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup chopped celery
- 2 tablespoons chopped red onion
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh tomatoes
- Lettuce leaves for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice.
- Stir until all ingredients are well combined.
- Season with salt and black pepper to your preference.
- Gently fold in the chopped tomatoes.
- Serve the chicken salad on lettuce leaves.
Notes
- For a creamier salad, add a little more mayonnaise.
- You can add other vegetables like chopped pickles or bell peppers.
- This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Lunch
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: BLT chicken salad, chicken salad recipe, bacon lettuce tomato salad, easy chicken salad, quick lunch