BLT Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on the Classic Recipe

BLT Chicken Salad combines the hearty, savory goodness of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy chicken salad, offering a refreshing take on the classic dish. Perfect for a quick, healthy, and satisfying lunch or dinner, this easy-to-make salad can be served in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option or as a sandwich for a more traditional feel. In this recipe, we will guide you through making this flavorful BLT Chicken Salad with minimal effort but maximum taste. Whether you’re preparing it for a picnic or a light weeknight meal, it’s a dish everyone will love!

Why You’ll Love BLT Chicken Salad

BLT Chicken Salad is a family-friendly meal that brings together the flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato in a delicious, creamy dressing. It’s versatile enough to serve on sandwiches, as a wrap, or as a standalone salad. The dish offers a perfect balance of protein from the chicken, crunch from the bacon, and freshness from the vegetables, making it a well-rounded and nutritious option. Plus, it’s a low-carb meal if you choose to serve it in lettuce wraps instead of traditional bread.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this irresistible BLT Chicken Salad:

• Chicken: The star of the salad! Shredded chicken adds protein and substance to this dish.
• Bacon: Cooked until crispy, bacon adds that unmistakable savory crunch.
• Cherry Tomatoes: These small, juicy tomatoes bring a burst of freshness, perfectly capturing the “T” in BLT.
• Red Onion: Adds a mild sweetness and slight tang that balances the richness of the dressing and bacon.
• Celery: Provides a delightful crunch and fresh flavor, adding texture to the salad.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy dressing, it gives the salad a smooth, rich consistency.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness to the dressing, cutting through the richness and enhancing the flavors.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper bring all the ingredients together with just the right amount of seasoning.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re looking to customize your BLT Chicken Salad, there are plenty of ingredient swaps to consider:

• Greek Yogurt: For a lighter, tangier alternative to mayonnaise, Greek yogurt can replace part or all of the mayo.
• Avocado: Swap out some of the mayonnaise for mashed avocado to give the salad a creamy texture with a slight buttery flavor.
• Romaine Lettuce: If you want a more traditional option, replace the celery with crunchy romaine lettuce.
• Turkey Bacon: For a leaner option, turkey bacon provides the same crispy texture with less fat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bacon: Dice the bacon into small pieces and cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon and set it aside to drain on a paper towel.
2. Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred the chicken (about 1 pound of chicken breasts should yield 3 cups). You can use a rotisserie chicken to save time.
3. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
4. Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and celery.
5. Mix the salad: Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir until everything is well coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as desired.
6. Serve: Enjoy immediately in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or serve on croissants for a more classic sandwich-style meal.

Tips & Tricks

• Don’t overcook the bacon: Bacon that’s crispy but not burnt brings out the best flavor. Ensure it’s cooked to a perfect crisp but still retains a good texture.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes: The tomatoes add juiciness to the salad, so choose ones that are firm and full of flavor.
• Keep it cool: If you plan to store leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 to 5 days.
• Adjust the dressing: Depending on your preferences, you can make the dressing tangier by adding more lemon juice or milder by using a bit less salt.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

BLT Chicken Salad is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for pairing or customizing your dish:

• Serve with sides: Pair the salad with a fresh side like roasted vegetables, cucumber slices, or a simple green salad to complement the creamy chicken salad.
• Try it as a wrap: For a low-carb lunch or dinner, serve the salad in lettuce wraps instead of bread for a refreshing, crunchy bite.
• Make it spicy: Add some sriracha or jalapeños to the dressing for an extra kick of heat that’ll take this salad to the next level.
• Meal Prep: This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for several days. Perfect for a make-ahead lunch!

Health Benefits of BLT Chicken Salad

This BLT Chicken Salad is more than just a tasty treat—it’s also packed with healthy benefits. The chicken provides lean protein, while the bacon adds healthy fats (in moderation). The vegetables bring fiber, antioxidants, and essential vitamins, making this a nutrient-dense meal. Plus, with options to modify the ingredients to suit various dietary needs, you can make this salad as healthy as you like!

By following this simple recipe, you can enjoy a fresh, flavorful, and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve it in sandwiches, lettuce wraps, or on its own, this BLT Chicken Salad is sure to be a hit!

Conclusion

BLT Chicken Salad is the perfect combination of fresh ingredients, savory flavors, and versatility. Whether you’re enjoying it in a sandwich, as a lettuce wrap, or on its own, this dish offers a delightful twist on a classic favorite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a go-to meal for busy days, meal prepping, or casual gatherings. The balance of protein, crunch, and creaminess makes it satisfying yet light—perfect for anyone looking for a tasty, low-carb meal. Give this recipe a try, and you’ll be hooked on this delicious, healthier take on the classic BLT!

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