Ultimate Blt Chicken Salad
Ultimate BLT Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty twist on the classic BLT sandwich, with tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce all tossed together. It's…
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Ultimate BLT Chicken Salad is a fresh and tasty twist on the classic BLT sandwich, with tender grilled chicken, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce all tossed together. It’s packed with flavor and texture, making each bite a flavorful punch of everything we love about a BLT but in a salad form.
I love making this salad when I want something that feels like a treat but is still light and easy to put together. The smoky bacon adds such a great crunch and saltiness, and pairing it with grilled chicken makes it hearty enough for a full meal. A simple drizzle of ranch or your favorite dressing really brings all the flavors together in the best way.
This salad is perfect for a quick lunch or a casual dinner, especially on warm days when you don’t want to cook too much. I often like to serve it with some crusty bread or a side of fruit to keep things balanced. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to satisfy everyone at the table!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Using cooked chicken breasts works best for a tender, juicy texture. You can swap for rotisserie chicken if you want to save time, or grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.
Bacon: Choose thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness and flavor. Turkey bacon is a good substitute for a lighter, lower-fat option.
Lettuce: Curly green leaf lettuce adds great crunch and freshness. Romaine or iceberg can also be used if you prefer a milder or crisper bite.
Avocado: Avocado adds creaminess that balances the salty bacon. If you need a substitute, try sliced cucumbers or steamed green beans for crunch.
Blue Cheese: Blue cheese brings a tangy punch. Feta is a nice alternative if you prefer something less strong or more crumbly.
How Can You Make the Creamy Dressing Perfect Every Time?
The dressing ties all the flavors together. Mix mayonnaise, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well until smooth.
- Taste and adjust by adding more lemon for brightness or mustard for a little kick.
- Keep the herbs fresh for the best flavor — chopping parsley finely helps it blend into the dressing.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and chill it to let the flavors meld before serving.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large salad bowl – big enough to toss and serve all the ingredients without spilling.
- Sharp knife – makes cutting tomatoes, avocado, and chopping parsley quick and clean.
- Cutting board – protects your counters and gives you a stable surface to prep veggies and chicken.
- Mixing bowl – perfect for combining and whisking the dressing smoothly.
- Whisk or fork – helps mix the dressing ingredients evenly for a creamy texture.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap grilled chicken for cooked shrimp for a seafood twist that’s light and tasty.
- Try smoked bacon instead of regular bacon for a deeper, smoky flavor.
- Add crispy croutons or roasted nuts for extra crunch and texture contrast.
- Mix in fresh herbs like basil or chives to brighten the salad and add fresh layers of flavor.
Ultimate BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salad:
- 4 cups curly green leaf lettuce, chopped
- 2 cooked chicken breasts, shredded
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered
- 1 avocado, peeled and diced
- ½ cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta as an alternative)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon wedge (for serving)
For the Dressing:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of preparation if your chicken and bacon are already cooked. Mixing the dressing and assembling the salad is quick and simple, making it a wonderful option for a fresh, satisfying meal on busy days.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Dressing:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir well until smooth, then set the dressing aside.
2. Prepare the Base:
Place the chopped lettuce into a large salad bowl or divide it among individual plates. This will create a fresh, crunchy base for your salad.
3. Add the Fresh Toppings:
Arrange the halved grape tomatoes, quartered hard-boiled eggs, and diced avocado evenly around the edges of the lettuce, adding colorful variety and texture.
4. Add Chicken and Bacon:
Place the shredded chicken in the center of the salad. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and blue cheese over the chicken for that classic BLT flavor and creamy tang.
5. Dress and Garnish:
Drizzle the dressing evenly over the salad. Garnish with additional chopped parsley for a fresh pop of green. Serve with a lemon wedge on the side to squeeze over the top for an extra fresh zing if you like.
This salad is a perfect blend of crisp veggies, savory bacon, hearty chicken, and creamy avocado with a zesty dressing that brings it all together. It’s easy to pull together and always a crowd-pleaser—enjoy!
Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead of Cooking Chicken Breasts?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that adds extra flavor. Just shred it and use it directly in the salad for an easy meal prep option.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store leftover salad and dressing separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salad is best eaten within 1-2 days to keep the lettuce fresh and the avocado from browning.
Can I Substitute the Blue Cheese?
Yes! Feta or goat cheese both work well as milder alternatives. If you prefer no cheese, simply omit it or add extra bacon for more flavor.
Can I Make the Dressing Ahead of Time?
Definitely! The dressing can be mixed up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated. Give it a quick stir before serving for the best texture and flavor.
