This Easy BLT Chicken Salad mixes tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. It’s full of flavor and perfect for a satisfying meal!
What I love about this salad is how quick it is to throw together. Plus, using leftover chicken makes it even easier—it’s a win-win! 🥗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: I like using rotisserie chicken for ease, but leftover grilled or poached chicken works well too. If you need a vegetarian option, substitute with chickpeas or crumbled tofu.
Bacon: Traditional bacon adds great flavor, but turkey bacon is a lighter option. You can also skip it and use crispy baked mushrooms for a vegetarian touch!
Lettuce: Mixed greens are great, but you can go for any green you prefer. Spinach adds an extra nutrient boost, and you can even use kale if you prepare it well.
Mayonnaise: Mayo gives creaminess, but Greek yogurt is a healthy alternative. You can also mix in some avocado for a rich flavor and texture.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Bacon for This Salad?
Crispy bacon can elevate this chicken salad. Here’s how to achieve perfect bacon:
- Use medium heat in a skillet, allowing the bacon to render fat slowly for even cooking.
- Cook until it’s golden and crispy, around 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- For easy cleanup, you can also bake it on a foil-lined tray in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes!
- Just remember to drain it on paper towels after cooking to get rid of excess grease.
Easy BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced or shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups mixed lettuce leaves (such as romaine, spinach, or butter lettuce)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced
For the Dressing:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing salad takes about 20 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend a few minutes cooking the bacon and mixing everything together. It’s quick, simple, and makes a delightful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until it’s nice and crispy—this usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once done, transfer the bacon onto paper towels to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble it into bits!
2. Make the Dressing:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped parsley, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together well to create a creamy and flavorful dressing.
3. Combine the Chicken and Vegetables:
Add the cooked chicken, red onion, green onions, and half of the crumbled bacon into the bowl with the dressing. Mix everything together until the chicken is fully coated with the dressing.
4. Prepare the Lettuce Base:
On a large serving plate or in a salad bowl, arrange the mixed lettuce leaves as a base. This will hold all that delicious chicken mixture!
5. Assemble the Salad:
Take spoonfuls of the chicken mixture and place it evenly over the bed of lettuce. Make sure to distribute it well so every bite has some of that tasty goodness.
6. Add the Tomatoes and Bacon:
Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the salad and sprinkle the remaining crumbled bacon on top for added crunch. Looks good already, right?
7. Serve and Enjoy:
This salad is best served fresh. Grab your forks, dig in, and enjoy the delightful flavors of your Easy BLT Chicken Salad!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Salad?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand is perfect for this recipe. Just dice or shred it and mix it in with the other ingredients.
What If I Want a Lighter Dressing?
If you’re looking to lighten things up, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. It adds creaminess and a bit of tang without the extra calories!
Can I Make This Salad Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken mixture and dressing in advance! Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Just assemble the salad with the lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon just before serving to keep everything fresh and crisp.
How Do I Store Leftover Salad?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the lettuce separate until you’re ready to eat, as it can get soggy. Enjoy within 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness!
