Name: BLT Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced (About 2 large breasts); 6 slices bacon; 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (Optional); Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 6 reviews

I am so excited to share this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe with you because it perfectly combines the classic, irresistible flavors of a BLT sandwich with the fresh, healthy twist of a chicken salad. It’s one of my absolute go-to dishes on busy days when I want something satisfying but not too heavy. Crisp bacon, juicy chicken, crunchy romaine, and tangy tomato all tossed in a creamy dressing that hits just the right spot — I promise you’ll love every bite.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

What makes this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe so special to me is the incredible harmony of flavors and textures in each bite. The smoky, crispy bacon plays beautifully off the tender, juicy chicken, and the fresh crunch of romaine lettuce adds a welcome brightness. Plus, the creamy dressing that combines mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic pulls everything together with a zesty, savory punch. I always find myself coming back to this salad because it’s both comforting and refreshing at the same time.

Another reason I adore this recipe is how easy it is to whip up. If you have cooked chicken on hand, the salad practically comes together in no time. Even if you need to cook your chicken and bacon from scratch, the steps are straightforward and manageable. This recipe shines at casual family dinners, summer picnics, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and has become a staple in my kitchen rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl in the center filled with shredded light brown cooked chicken. Surrounding the bowl are smaller white bowls and plates arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. One bowl contains halved bright red cherry tomatoes, another has finely chopped green herbs, and another holds light and dark brown powders. There is also a bowl with small pieces of crispy brown bacon, a bowl with chopped red onions, and two bowls with creamy white sauces. On the right side, there is a white plate filled with light brown square crackers. All the bowls and plates contrast against the white marbled background, making the colors of the ingredients stand out well. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe are refreshingly simple but essential to getting that perfect balance of flavor, color, and texture. Each component plays its part from the crispy bacon to the creamy dressing, making this salad both vibrant and satisfying.

Cooked chicken breast: Diced chicken brings protein and heartiness to the salad, making it meal-worthy.
Bacon slices: Cooking until crispy adds that smoky crunch that is quintessential to a BLT flavor profile.

Romaine lettuce: Provides a fresh, crisp base with a slightly sweet edge that balances the richer ingredients.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved tomatoes add juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
Mayonnaise: Acts as a creamy binder for the dressing, giving it that classic salad feel.

Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing and adds a tang that brightens the overall taste.
Dijon mustard: Introduces a mild heat and depth to the dressing.
Garlic powder: Infuses subtle warmth and savory flavor.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning all the components perfectly.

Fresh lemon juice (optional): Adds a refreshing zing that lifts the salad to the next level.

Directions

Step 1: Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until they are perfectly crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: If you’re starting with raw chicken, season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook them in the same skillet over medium heat for about 6 to 8 minutes per side until they are fully cooked and nicely browned. Alternatively, you can grill the chicken for a smoky flavor. Let the chicken cool slightly before dicing it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice if using, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Aim for a smooth, creamy consistency that will coat all the salad ingredients evenly.

Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced chicken, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over everything and toss gently but thoroughly until every ingredient is well coated.

Step 5: Serve the salad immediately by dividing it into individual bowls or plates. For an extra touch, you can add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of shredded cheese right before serving.

Step 6: If you want to make this salad ahead of time for meal prep, keep the dressing separate from the salad components in an airtight container and combine just before eating to keep the lettuce crisp and fresh.

Servings and Timing

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or lunch leftovers. The prep time is roughly 10 minutes if your chicken is already cooked, otherwise about 20 minutes to cook the chicken and bacon. The cook time for bacon and chicken ranges from 15 to 20 minutes total. Overall, from start to finish, you can expect about 35 minutes to prepare and enjoy this delicious salad. There’s no resting or cooling time needed beyond what you take to crisp the bacon and cool the chicken before dicing.

How to Serve This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

A white bowl filled with a salad showing three main layers; the bottom layer is green lettuce leaves with chopped pale green cucumber pieces and red onion bits, the middle layer is bright red cherry tomato halves and whole cherry tomatoes, and scattered light blue cheese crumbles, and the top layer is pieces of grilled chicken with a browned surface and crispy dark red bacon strips, all arranged evenly. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background showing two yellow lemons and a white bowl of creamy dressing with a spoon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

I love serving this salad chilled or at room temperature because it keeps the lettuce crunchy and the flavors bright. It pairs beautifully with crusty bread or a buttery croissant when you want a more substantial meal. For a lighter touch, try serving it alongside a simple vegetable soup or a chilled cucumber salad to enhance the fresh, summery vibe.

Presentation-wise, I like to add a few whole cherry tomatoes or a sprig of fresh herbs on top for a burst of color. If you’re serving at a party, consider scooping the salad into small lettuce cups or mini bowls to make it easy for guests to enjoy casual bites. Garnishing with sliced avocado or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese adds that extra something special and makes the dish feel more gourmet.

When it comes to drinks, my personal favorites to pair with this salad are light white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp Chardonnay. For a non-alcoholic option, a sparkling lemonade or iced tea with fresh lemon complements the tangy dressing beautifully. This salad works wonderfully for weeknight dinners, casual weekend lunches, and even picnic gatherings where you want to impress without fuss.

Variations

I find this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe delightfully adaptable. If you want a twist, substitute turkey bacon or pancetta for the classic bacon to change up the flavor profile. For a vegetarian take, you can swap diced cooked chicken for crispy, marinated tofu or chickpeas and use tempeh bacon if you’d like to keep that smoky element. I also love experimenting with different greens like baby spinach or mixed spring greens instead of romaine for varied textures.

For those following gluten-free or dairy-free diets, this recipe is easy to modify—just ensure your mustard and mayonnaise are gluten-free, and swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative like coconut or almond-based yogurt. To add a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or top with a sliced jalapeño.

When I’m short on time, sometimes I skip cooking the chicken myself and use rotisserie chicken from the store—it’s a great shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Another fun variation is grilling the chicken and bacon for a smoky outdoor-flavored salad that’s perfect for summer meals.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover BLT Chicken Salad keeps best when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I recommend keeping the salad and dressing separate if you haven’t tossed them together yet to maintain crispness, especially for the lettuce. Stored properly, the salad should stay fresh for up to 3 days. Always add any creamy dressing just before serving to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing once fully assembled because the lettuce will wilt and the texture suffers. However, if you want to freeze components individually, cooked chicken can be frozen in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Bacon crumbles can be frozen as well, but the fresh vegetables and dressing should always be added fresh after thawing.

Reheating

If you’re reheating leftover chicken or bacon for this salad, the best method is using a microwave or skillet to warm them gently until heated through without overcooking. Avoid reheating the whole salad with the lettuce and dressing as it will turn limp and unappetizing. Instead, reheat just the protein components, then toss with fresh lettuce and veggies right before serving for the best texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe in advance?

Yes, you can prep the ingredients ahead of time, but for best results, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve. This helps to keep the lettuce crisp and prevent sogginess. Chop your veggies, cook the chicken and bacon, and store each component in airtight containers in the fridge.

What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the dressing?

If you want a lighter or dairy-free alternative, you can replace mayonnaise with extra Greek yogurt or use avocado for creaminess. There are also plant-based mayo options available that work well without compromising taste or texture.

Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and still tastes great. Just dice it into bite-sized pieces and proceed with the recipe as usual.

Is this salad suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. Just make sure to store the dressing separately from the salad ingredients and combine them right before eating. This way, your salad stays fresh and crunchy throughout the week.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, omit the chicken and bacon, or use plant-based alternatives like tempeh bacon and marinated tofu. Swap mayonnaise and Greek yogurt for vegan versions or cashew cream, and adjust seasonings to keep the flavor vibrant.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and eating this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe as much as I do. It’s such a delightful combination of flavors that feels both familiar and exciting at the same time. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this salad is sure to become a favorite. Give it a try soon—I can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!