How to Make the Best BLT Chicken Salad in 30 Minutes

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you ready to dive into a salad that’s as satisfying as it is delicious? Today, I’m thrilled to share with you my secret to making the best BLT Chicken Salad in just 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to mix things up in the kitchen. So, grab your apron, and let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for quick family dinners or weeknight dinner ideas.
• A delicious twist on classic flavors, combining the best of BLT and chicken salad.
• Creamy, crunchy, and packed with protein—great for protein meal prep.
• Easy to customize based on your preferences.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this mouthwatering BLT Chicken Salad:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly!)
• 6 slices of bacon (because everything’s better with bacon!)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped
• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 avocado, diced (optional but oh-so-delicious)
• 1 cup croutons (store-bought or homemade)

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s break this down into simple steps. You’ll be enjoying your BLT Chicken Salad in no time!

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using rotisserie chicken, shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re cooking chicken from scratch, grill or bake it until fully cooked, then let it cool before chopping.

Step 2: Cook the Bacon

Crispy bacon is the star of this show! Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until golden and crispy. Let them cool slightly before breaking them into pieces.

Step 3: Chop the Vegetables

Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop the romaine lettuce. If you’re using avocado, dice it just before assembling the salad to prevent browning.

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your taste—you can always add more, but it’s harder to remove excess seasoning later!

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, crispy bacon pieces, cherry tomatoes, romaine lettuce, and croutons. Drizzle the dressing over the top and toss everything together until well coated. Gently fold in the diced avocado if you’re using it.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are a few tricks to take your BLT Chicken Salad to the next level:

• Use high-quality ingredients. Fresh romaine and ripe cherry tomatoes make a big difference.
• Prep ahead! Cook the chicken and bacon, and chop the veggies up to a day in advance.
• Don’t overdress the salad. You want everything to stay crisp and creamy, not soggy.

How to Serve

Serving your BLT Chicken Salad is all about presentation. Here are a few ideas:

• Serve it straight from the bowl—simple and satisfying.
• Top it with extra croutons and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese for added texture.
• Pair it with a side of fresh fruit or a slice of crusty bread for a complete meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

One of the best things about this recipe is how well it holds up. Here’s how to make it ahead and store leftovers:

• Prep the ingredients (chicken, bacon, veggies) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in separate containers in the fridge.
• Assemble the salad just before serving to keep it fresh and crunchy.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Give it a quick stir before serving again.

And there you have it—a quick, easy, and downright delicious BLT Chicken Salad that’s ready in just 30 minutes! Perfect for easy pasta recipes, salads easy enough for a weeknight, or even as a protein meal prep option for your busy schedule. Don’t forget to check out some of our other favorite recipes like the Best Delicious Classic Chicken Salad Recipe or the How to Make Chicken Salad (Chick-fil-A Copycat) for more inspiration. Happy cooking, everyone!