BLT Chicken Salad: A Fresh and Flavorful Twist on a Classic

BLT Chicken Salad combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the heartiness of chicken, making for a fresh and filling dish. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes, all tossed in a creamy dressing with a hint of smoky paprika, this salad is perfect for a light lunch or a satisfying dinner. Whether served on a bed of greens, in a croissant, or just on its own, this salad is sure to become a favorite!

Why Make This Recipe

Flavorful and Satisfying

The combination of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy dressing, gives this salad its rich and savory flavor. The smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth, while the lemon juice brightens up the entire dish.

Quick and Easy

This salad comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want something delicious but don’t have a lot of time. The prep time is minimal, and the ingredients are easy to find.

Versatile

This chicken salad is super versatile—you can serve it on a bed of spinach, in a sandwich, or even as a wrap. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken, making it an easy meal prep option.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 3 cups cooked chicken (chopped or shredded): You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or bake or poach chicken breasts. Leftover chicken works perfectly here.
• 8 ounces bacon (¾ cup cooked and chopped): Bacon adds a crispy, smoky element to the salad. You can substitute with turkey bacon or leave it out for a lighter version.
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, quartered: Grape tomatoes are sweet and juicy, but you can use cherry tomatoes or any variety of small tomatoes.
• ⅓ cup red onion, finely chopped: Red onion adds a sharp and crunchy element. You can substitute with green onions or shallots for a milder flavor.
• ½ cup Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides creaminess and tang. You can substitute with sour cream or even use a dairy-free yogurt for a vegan version.
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds richness to the dressing. You can use light mayo or even a vegan mayo if needed.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the flavors. You can substitute with white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder gives a subtle garlic flavor without the sharpness of fresh garlic.
• ½ teaspoon onion powder: Onion powder adds a savory depth. You can use fresh onions if preferred, but be sure to chop them finely.
• ½ teaspoon celery seed: Celery seed adds a unique flavor, but you can skip it if you don’t have it or substitute with celery salt.
• ½ teaspoon pink Himalayan salt: You can use any salt, but pink Himalayan salt is less processed and adds a nice mineral flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a mild, smoky flavor. You can substitute with regular paprika if you don’t have smoked.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds mild heat. Adjust the amount based on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bacon:
   • Preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out the bacon strips on the sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook. Once done, let the bacon cool before chopping it into small pieces.
2. Prepare the chicken and vegetables:
   • While the bacon is cooking, chop or shred the cooked chicken and set it aside. Next, chop the grape tomatoes and red onion into small pieces.
3. Make the dressing:
   • In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and all the seasonings (garlic powder, onion powder, celery seed, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper) until well combined.
4. Combine the salad:
   • Add the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, quartered tomatoes, and chopped red onion into the dressing. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
5. Chill and serve:
   • Refrigerate the salad for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld together. Taste before serving to adjust seasoning if needed.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

This salad can be served in various ways:

• On a bed of greens: Serve it over spinach, mixed greens, or arugula for a fresh salad.
• In a croissant: For a more indulgent option, serve it in a buttery croissant or your favorite bread for a sandwich.
• As a wrap: For a lighter meal, serve it in a wrap with some fresh greens and avocado.
• With crackers or chips: For a quick snack, serve it with crunchy crackers or potato chips.

How to Store BLT Chicken Salad

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Because this salad contains mayonnaise and yogurt, it’s best eaten fresh, but it can last for a day or two in the fridge. If you plan to serve it later, you can save a little extra dressing to add before serving.

Tips to Make BLT Chicken Salad

1. Use rotisserie chicken: For convenience, rotisserie chicken works wonderfully in this salad. It saves time and adds a delicious, slightly smoky flavor.
2. Adjust the seasoning: Taste the salad before serving to ensure the seasoning is perfect. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
3. Make it ahead: This salad actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours, allowing the flavors to combine.

Variations

• Add more vegetables: You can add other vegetables like cucumber, avocado, or bell pepper for extra crunch and flavor.
• Vegan version: Use vegan mayonnaise and Greek yogurt alternatives, and swap the bacon for smoked tempeh or leave it out altogether.
• Add nuts: For extra texture, add a handful of toasted nuts like almonds or pecans.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked or leftover chicken works great in this recipe. It saves time and makes the dish even easier to prepare.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad can be made a few hours ahead or even the night before. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

Can I freeze this salad?
It’s best not to freeze this salad, as the mayonnaise and yogurt-based dressing may separate when thawed. It’s best served fresh or within 2 days.

Conclusion

BLT Chicken Salad is a quick, delicious, and customizable dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With crispy bacon, tender chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy ranch dressing, it’s a satisfying meal that can be served in many ways. Whether you enjoy it as a light salad, a sandwich, or a wrap, this dish is sure to be a hit!

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