BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Get ready to fall in love with BLT Chicken Salad—a vibrant, flavor-packed twist on a classic favorite that’s as good for lunchboxes as it is for lively summer gatherings. Imagine juicy chicken, crisp lettuce, and sweet tomatoes, all tied together with a creamy, tangy dressing, and plenty of savory “bestrami.” It’s the kind of salad you’ll crave again and again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Part of the magic of BLT Chicken Salad is in its fresh, simple ingredient list. Each one is chosen for maximum crunch, color, and craveable flavor, making every bite fabulously satisfying. Here’s what brings it all together:

• Cooked Chicken Breasts: Shredded for just the right texture; rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken works beautifully.
• Finely Chopped Lettuce: Adds that classic BLT crunch and keeps things light and crisp.
• Diced Celery: Brings a subtle peppery crunch—don’t skip it for extra freshness!
• Sliced Grape Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of tomato flavor throughout.
• Red Onion: Gives a gentle sharpness and gorgeous color contrast.
• Bestrami (or cooked bacon): Chopped small for every savory, smoky bite.
• Plain Greek Yogurt: The backbone of the creamy dressing—high protein and delightfully tangy.
• Mayonnaise: Just enough for richness and to balance the tang of the yogurt.
• Dijon Mustard: Adds zippy depth and ties the flavors together.
• Salt & Pepper: Season to taste for a balanced, mouthwatering salad.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Bring a savory roundness to the dressing—just a touch is all you need.

Variations

The beauty of BLT Chicken Salad is just how easy it is to adapt! Whether you’re following a special diet or simply using up what’s in your fridge, there’s a fun twist for everyone.

• Keto-Friendly Swap: Use chopped avocado instead of tomatoes and serve in lettuce wraps for a super low-carb version.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute your favorite plain unsweetened non-dairy yogurt and vegan mayo in the dressing.
• Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a teaspoon of hot sauce to the dressing for some extra zing.
• Extra Veggies: Toss in diced red bell pepper or shredded carrots for more color and crunch.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Shred the Chicken

For that signature fluffy texture, add your cooked chicken breasts to a food processor and pulse for about 10 seconds. If you prefer a chunkier salad, hand-shred or chop instead—either way, you’ll create the perfect base for catching all that dressing.

Step 2: Build the Salad Base

Transfer the shredded chicken to a big mixing bowl. Add your finely chopped lettuce, diced celery, sliced grape tomatoes, red onion, and bite-sized bits of bestrami. Just looking at all those colors will make your heart happy!

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Dressing

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayo, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. This is where all the flavor magic happens—tangy, creamy, and savory all at once.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the luscious dressing over the chicken and veggie mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly until every morsel is coated in that dreamy, creamy goodness. Taste and tweak the seasoning if needed—maybe a pinch more salt or a crack of pepper!

Step 5: Chill, Serve, and Enjoy

For the brightest flavor, let your BLT Chicken Salad chill, covered, in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving. This lets the flavors meld beautifully. Scoop onto bread, stuff into wraps, spoon over greens, or just dive in with a fork!

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Garnishes

Sprinkle a pinch of fresh chives or dill over the top for a pop of color and a gentle oniony kiss. Extra crushed black pepper, a few cherry tomato halves, or even some extra crispy bestrami pieces make it as beautiful as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs like a dream with kettle-cooked chips, crunchy veggie sticks, or a simple cup of soup on the side. Try it with a bright, zippy lemonade or iced tea for that energetic, summery lunch vibe!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your BLT Chicken Salad piled into buttery croissants, crisp lettuce cups, or stuffed inside sweet mini peppers for fun party bites. For the ultimate brunch table, spoon it into mason jars layered with extra lettuce and tomatoes for a portable, photo-worthy treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days—the celery and lettuce might soften slightly, but all that creamy dressing keeps everything tasty.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t ideal for this salad since lettuce and tomatoes don’t thaw well—the texture just won’t be the same. For best results, enjoy your BLT Chicken Salad fresh or refrigerated.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat—BLT Chicken Salad is best served cold or at cool room temperature. Just give it a stir and enjoy! If you like your bestrami extra crispy, you can toss in a few freshly cooked pieces just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, hearty, and packed with those irresistible BLT flavors, this BLT Chicken Salad absolutely delivers. It’s a recipe that will brighten up your table, earn you rave reviews, and just might become your new favorite way to do salad—so don’t wait, give it a try soon!

Print