If you crave the flavors of a classic BLT but want something creamy, protein-packed, and refreshingly new, this BLT Chicken Salad ticks all the boxes! It’s loaded with juicy rotisserie chicken, crisp bacon, and plenty of fresh veggies, all tossed in a tangy, herby dressing. The best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes for the ultimate easy lunch or crowd-pleasing potluck dish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed With Iconic BLT Flavor: Every bite delivers that familiar bacon, lettuce, and tomato experience, reinvented as a hearty, craveable salad.
- Creamy, Tangy, and Satisfying: The ranch-seasoned mayo–yogurt dressing coats each morsel for maximum flavor without feeling heavy.
- Speedy & Meal Prep Friendly: With rotisserie chicken and bacon ready in minutes, this salad is perfect for quick weekday lunches or make-ahead dinners.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy BLT Chicken Salad in lettuce wraps, on crackers, or even as a sandwich—it’s endlessly adaptable!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients are all it takes to build layers of flavor and texture in this BLT Chicken Salad. Each one is chosen to bring something special to the party—crunch, creaminess, or a burst of freshness. Here’s what makes this salad impossible to resist:
- Rotisserie chicken, shredded: The ultimate meal prep hack—tender, juicy, and ready to soak up all the delicious dressing.
- Center-cut bacon, chopped: Crisp, smoky, and essential for that classic BLT punch. Center cut keeps things crispy without too much fat.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Adds creamy tang and lightens up the dressing. You can use all mayo if you’re feeling extra indulgent!
- Mayonnaise: The backbone of the dressing, giving it that familiar, luscious mouthfeel.
- Ranch seasoning: Packs in tons of herby, savory flavor with zero fuss.
- Freshly cracked black pepper: A little heat and extra aroma—it wakes everything up!
- Green onions, diced: Bright, fresh, and a little snappy. They round out the salad with just the right zing.
- Grape tomatoes, halved or quartered: Sweet, juicy pops of brightness that scream summertime.
- Avocado, diced: Luxurious creaminess and a buttery finish—add these right before serving for the best texture.
Variations
The beauty of BLT Chicken Salad is how easy it is to personalize! Whether you’re avoiding certain ingredients, need to use what’s in your fridge, or want to add a creative spin, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Here are just a few ideas to get you inspired:
- Go Low Carb: Serve in lettuce wraps, romaine boats, or cucumber rounds for a lighter, grain-free option that’s still supremely satisfying.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a spoonful of sriracha, smoked paprika, or chopped jalapeños for an extra punch of heat.
- Cheese, Please: Fold in some crumbled feta, shredded cheddar, or diced mozzarella for a BLT Chicken Salad with a cheesy upgrade.
- Veggie Swap: Use diced bell peppers, shredded carrots, or sliced radishes for extra color and crunch—perfect for using up veggie odds and ends.
- Dairy-Free: Replace Greek yogurt and mayo with your favorite plant-based alternatives and a squirt of lemon juice for brightness!
How to Make BLT Chicken Salad
Step 1: Make the Creamy Ranch Dressing
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Add the ranch seasoning and freshly cracked black pepper, then whisk everything together until it’s smooth and beautifully blended. This is the flavor bomb that makes BLT Chicken Salad totally irresistible!
Step 2: Add Chicken, Bacon, and Green Onions
Add your shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy chopped bacon, and diced green onions right into the bowl with your dressing. Mix well so that every bite is coated in that dreamy ranch flavor—you want every snag of chicken and bacon to shine.
Step 3: Toss in Tomatoes and Avocado
Gently fold in your quartered grape tomatoes to brighten things up. Hold off on the avocado until just before serving to keep it fresh and prevent browning—either fold it in gently or layer it right over the top for a stunning finish.
Step 4: Chill and Serve
Transfer the finished BLT Chicken Salad to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors come together. When ready to serve, give it a quick toss, adjust seasoning if needed, and dig in!
Pro Tips for Making BLT Chicken Salad
- Get That Bacon Extra-Crispy: Bake your bacon on a wire rack in the oven for perfectly even crispiness—no soggy bits sneaking into your salad!
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use pre-shredded rotisserie chicken for ultra-moist meat and a major time saver. Or, poach or grill your own if you have the time.
- Avocado at the Last Minute: Only add diced avocado just before serving so it stays perfectly green and creamy instead of turning mushy or brown.
- Chill for Flavor Fusion: Letting your BLT Chicken Salad chill for an hour allows all the flavors—like bacon, ranch, and tomato—to meld together for the best-tasting result.
How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad
Garnishes
Crisp lettuce leaves, a sprinkle of extra green onions, or a scatter of bacon crumbles make BLT Chicken Salad positively pop. If you want to get fancy, a little fresh dill, chives, or even a few halved cherry tomatoes right on top add vibrant color and freshness.
Side Dishes
Keep things classic with buttery crackers, tortilla chips, or cucumber slices—each is a perfect vehicle for scooping up your BLT Chicken Salad. If you’re going for a heartier meal, serve with a simple green salad, a hunk of crusty bread, or a cozy cup of soup (hello, tomato bisque!).
Creative Ways to Present
Try piling BLT Chicken Salad into romaine boats for a fun, portable lunch, or sandwich it between two slices of toasted sourdough. You can also spoon it into mini bell pepper “cups” or serve on top of avocado halves for an eye-catching appetizer at your next brunch or picnic. The options are endless!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your BLT Chicken Salad in airtight glass containers in the fridge and it’ll stay fresh for up to 4 days. For easy meal prep, portion it out in advance and keep crackers or veggies separately so everything stays crisp until you’re ready to dig in.
Freezing
Because of the creamy dressing and the fresh avocado, freezing is not recommended for BLT Chicken Salad—the texture just doesn’t hold up after thawing. It’s definitely best enjoyed fresh from the fridge!
Reheating
This salad is meant to be eaten chilled or at cool room temperature. There’s no need to reheat—just give it a stir before serving, add a touch more mayo or yogurt if it seems dry, and enjoy!
FAQs
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Can I make BLT Chicken Salad ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! BLT Chicken Salad keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days. Just wait to add the avocado until serving for the freshest flavor and brightest color.
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What’s the best chicken to use?
Shredded rotisserie chicken is hands-down the easiest (and tastiest) shortcut, but you can also use leftover roasted, poached, or grilled chicken. Just make sure it’s juicy and well seasoned.
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Can I make BLT Chicken Salad dairy-free?
Yes! Simply use a vegan mayonnaise and a plant-based yogurt for the dressing—plus a dash of lemon juice for extra tanginess if you like.
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Why is my salad watery after chilling?
Tomatoes and cucumbers naturally release moisture as they sit. For best results, add tomatoes just before serving and use a slotted spoon to stir, or drain any excess liquid if needed.
Final Thoughts
Once you dive into a bowl of BLT Chicken Salad, you’ll see why it’s always on repeat at my house. It’s fresh, filling, impossible to mess up, and guaranteed to make your lunch routine way more exciting. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how you customize your own!
Print
BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This BLT Chicken Salad is a delightful twist on the classic sandwich, combining tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 4 cups rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 8 strips bacon, chopped (center cut)
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (or additional mayonnaise)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 1/3 cup green onions, diced
- 2/3 pint grape tomatoes, halved or quartered
- 1 avocado, diced
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (if using), and ranch seasoning. Mix well.
- Combine Ingredients: Add chicken, bacon, and green onions to the bowl. Mix until combined. Add tomatoes and mix gently.
- Adjust Seasonings: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Gently fold in diced avocado before serving.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving.
Notes
- To Serve: Enjoy with crackers, chips, cucumber rounds, lettuce wraps, or romaine boats.
- Storage: Store in airtight containers, pre-portioned for convenience. Great for meal prep or on-the-go meals.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 385 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 96mg
