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; to taste salt; to taste pepper; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 11 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe with friends and family because it perfectly brings together the comforting crunch of bacon, the juicy goodness of chicken, and the fresh crispness of romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet light, and the creamy dressing adds just the right touch of tang and flavor. Whenever I want a salad that’s both hearty and refreshing, this recipe is my go-to — it’s simple, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

What really makes this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe stand out for me is the amazing flavor balance. The salty, crispy bacon gives that signature bite, while tender diced chicken adds protein and keeps it filling. Then you have fresh romaine and sweet cherry tomatoes providing a vibrant crunch that really wakes up your taste buds. The creamy dressing, made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and a hint of garlic powder and lemon, ties all the ingredients together with a smooth, tangy finish. It’s like having the best parts of a BLT sandwich in salad form, but with an extra layer of deliciousness.

I also appreciate how quick and easy it is to prepare — it takes about 35 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect when I want a satisfying meal without fuss. Plus, this salad is versatile enough for so many occasions: a casual weeknight dinner, lunch at the office, or even as a fresh, colorful option for holiday gatherings and picnics. I find it’s always a hit because it feels both wholesome and a little indulgent, without being overwhelming.

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 ingredient list for this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe is straightforward but carefully chosen to create layers of flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a crucial role in making this salad delicious and fresh.

Cooked chicken breast (2 cups): Provides hearty protein and a tender bite that fills you up.
Bacon (6 slices): Adds irresistible smoky crunch and salty depth.

Romaine lettuce (4 cups): Offers a crisp, refreshing base with great texture.
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup): Burst of juicy sweetness and vibrant color.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Creates the creamy foundation of the dressing.

Greek yogurt (2 tablespoons): Adds tang and lightness to balance the mayo.
Dijon mustard (1 tablespoon): Gives a subtle sharpness that brightens the dressing.
Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Provides savory warmth without overpowering.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning all ingredients perfectly.

Fresh lemon juice (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a fresh, zesty lift that enhances the overall flavor.

Directions

Step 1: Start by cooking the bacon over medium heat in a skillet. Fry the slices until crispy, about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally for even cooking. Once crispy, transfer them to paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble into small pieces.

Step 2: If you’re starting with raw chicken breasts, season them generously with salt and pepper. In the same skillet (to retain some of the bacon flavor), cook the chicken over medium heat until cooked through and nicely browned on both sides—this usually takes about 6-8 minutes per side. Alternatively, grilling the chicken is a great way to add a smoky char. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before dicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare the dressing by whisking together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, lemon juice (if using), salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, diced chicken, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the top and toss gently but thoroughly so every bite is coated with that creamy goodness.

Step 5: Serve the salad immediately, dividing it into individual bowls or plates. For an extra indulgence, I love adding sliced avocado or a sprinkle of shredded cheese at this stage.

Step 6: If you want to meal prep this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and crisp.

Servings and Timing

This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe serves 4 hungry people generously. Prep time is around 10 minutes if you have cooked chicken ready, or closer to 20 minutes if you’re cooking from raw. Cooking the bacon and chicken takes about 20 minutes combined. Altogether, you’re looking at roughly 35 minutes total from start to finish, with no additional resting time needed besides the chicken cooling briefly before dicing. It’s perfect for a quick, satisfying meal any day of the week.

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

When I serve this salad, I love pairing it with simple sides that complement its fresh and hearty flavors. A crusty baguette or garlic bread works beautifully to soak up the creamy dressing. If you want something lighter, crunchy vegetable sticks or a fresh fruit salad on the side create a lovely contrast in both flavor and texture. For an easy weeknight meal, I often add a bowl of tomato soup — it’s such a comforting combo.

For presentation, I recommend garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper, a few extra bacon crumbles on top, and maybe some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to add a pop of color. Serving it chilled or at room temperature is best because the crispness of the romaine and the freshness of the tomatoes really shine through. Portion-wise, about a generous plate per person is perfect to keep everyone satisfied without feeling overly full.

When it comes to drinks, I’m a big fan of pairing this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe with something crisp and refreshing. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling rosé pairs beautifully with the smoky bacon and tangy dressing. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a slice of lemon or iced herbal tea complements the flavors nicely. This salad truly shines at casual dinners, weekend lunches, or even as a light dish to impress guests during spring and summer gatherings.

Variations

I love experimenting with this recipe to suit different tastes and dietary needs. For instance, swapping bacon with turkey bacon or even smoked tempeh works well if you want a leaner or vegetarian alternative. You can easily make it gluten-free by opting for gluten-free mayonnaise and mindful seasoning, which keeps things simple and safe for those with sensitivities.

Flavor-wise, I sometimes add a little bit of chopped avocado or shredded cheddar cheese for extra creaminess and richness. If you enjoy a spicy kick, mixing a pinch of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce into the dressing gives it a fun twist. Instead of pan-frying the chicken, grilling it over charcoal adds amazing smoky depth that pairs perfectly with the bacon.

For a lighter version, I reduce the mayo and substitute more Greek yogurt, which keeps the salad creamy but cuts down on fat. I also occasionally swap romaine for kale or spinach to boost the nutrient content while keeping that fresh greens element. There’s really no wrong way to make this dish your own, which is part of why I keep coming back to it!

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate if possible, as this helps prevent the greens from getting soggy. Properly stored, the salad will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though I usually recommend eating it the same day for maximum crispness.

Freezing

This salad is not ideal for freezing because the fresh vegetables will lose their texture and become watery upon thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and bacon separately if you want to prepare elements in advance. Freeze these in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months, then thaw fully before assembling with fresh salad ingredients.

Reheating

For best results, reheat only the cooked chicken and bacon gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or briefly in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating the whole salad as it will cause the lettuce and tomatoes to wilt and release too much moisture. Once the warm components are ready, toss with fresh greens and dressing to enjoy again.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe. Just dice the chicken and add it directly to the salad. It saves time and adds extra flavor from the seasoned chicken.

What can I substitute for Greek yogurt in the dressing?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, sour cream or extra mayonnaise can work as substitutes. Just keep in mind the dressing will be a bit richer without the tanginess yogurt provides, so you might want to add a little more lemon juice to brighten it up.

Is this salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s great for meal prep as long as you keep the dressing separate until right before serving to keep the lettuce crunchy. Prepare the chicken, bacon, and salad components in advance, then toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely. Sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, or even roasted corn add wonderful texture and flavor. I like to keep it simple, but feel free to get creative to suit your preferences.

What is the best way to make this salad vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the chicken and bacon with plant-based alternatives like smoked tempeh or crispy tofu, use vegan mayo and yogurt alternatives, and omit any dairy-based additions. The dressing can easily be adjusted with these swaps while keeping the same savory and creamy profile.

Conclusion

I hope you’re as excited as I am to try this BLT Chicken Salad Recipe! It’s such a delightful dish that combines the best flavors and textures in one bowl, perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a special dinner, I promise it will become one of your favorites too. Don’t hesitate to customize it your way, and enjoy every delicious bite!