This BLT Chicken Salad is a tasty mix of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes. It’s both filling and refreshing—perfect for a sunny day!
I love how quick it is to whip up, making it ideal for lunch or dinner. Plus, who can resist adding extra bacon? It makes everything better, right? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast for this salad. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience. If you prefer a lighter option, grilled chicken thighs work nicely too.
Bacon: The crispy bacon adds a delightful crunch. Turkey bacon can be a great substitute if you’re looking for a healthier alternative, but it may not be as crispy.
Lettuce: Romaine is my go-to because it stays crunchy. Mixed greens or iceberg lettuce can be used if you prefer, just remember they have different textures!
Mayonnaise: For creaminess, mayonnaise is essential. If you want a lighter version, go for Greek yogurt or low-fat mayo. It gives a nice tang without losing the creamy texture.
Sour Cream: This adds a nice flavor. If you’re avoiding dairy, you can use dairy-free yogurt instead!
How Do I Make Sure My Salad Dressing is Well Mixed?
Creating a smooth dressing is key for the best flavor in your salad. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a large mixing bowl to have plenty of room for whisking.
- Add all the dressing ingredients first and mix them well before adding the lettuce. This ensures even coating.
- For a creamier texture, whisk the mayo and sour cream thoroughly until smooth before adding seasonings.
By mixing well, you’ll get a delicious blend that coats the chicken and veggies perfectly!
Irresistible BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or chopped
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
For the Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This BLT Chicken Salad takes about 15 minutes for preparation. If you choose to chill it, add an additional 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. So, in total, you’re looking at about half an hour, making it a quick and delicious option for lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Making the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, start by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), finely chopped fresh chives, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Use a whisk or a spoon to mix everything together until it’s smooth and well blended. This creamy dressing will be the heart of your salad!
2. Tossing the Lettuce:
Add the chopped romaine lettuce to the dressing in the bowl. Gently toss the lettuce with the dressing until all the leaves are well coated. This helps to ensure every bite has that shameless creamy goodness!
3. Mixing in the Chicken and Tomatoes:
Now it’s time to fold in the cooked chicken pieces and the halved cherry tomatoes. Be gentle as you mix everything together, and then add most of the crumbled bacon, leaving some for the topping. This will give your salad some fantastic texture and flavor throughout!
4. Final Touches:
Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or individual plates. Sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top for an extra crunch and that classic BLT flair. It looks fabulous and adds the perfect finishing touch!
5. Chilling (Optional):
If you have time, you can chill the salad in the fridge for 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully. If you’re short on time, feel free to serve it immediately—it’s delicious either way!
Now dig in and enjoy your fresh, creamy, and flavorful BLT Chicken Salad! Perfect for any occasion!
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Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken from previous meals works perfectly. Just shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding to the salad.
How Can I Make This Salad Less Creamy?
If you prefer a lighter version, reduce the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream. You can also replace some of the mayo with additional Greek yogurt or a splash of vinegar for a tangy kick!
Can I Prep This Salad in Advance?
You can prepare the ingredients a few hours ahead, but it’s best to mix the dressing and combine everything right before serving to keep the lettuce crispy and fresh. Store the dressing separately if you plan to make it ahead of time.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. However, the lettuce will become soggy over time, so it’s best to eat it fresh if possible!