BLT chicken salad

You know those days when you just crave something familiar, something that tastes like sunshine and you have a sweet tooth? Is it possible to have happy memories, but you also need it to be ridiculously easy? My family asks for this BLT Chicken Salad all the time, especially when summer feels like a distant memory. What’s for lunch? Moments that require zero fuss. It’s like a classic BLT sandwich, all deconstructed and made into this creamy chicken salad. I first stumbled upon something similar years ago, and since then, I’ve tinkered with it until it came to me. What is your favorite song of all time? What are some good, mayo-heavy chicken salads? This one has that savory, smoky, crispy crunch that just makes your taste buds sing. Is it the kind of dish that makes everyone happy?

What is BLT Chicken Salad?

What is this magical thing I call BLT Chicken Salad? Think of it as your favorite classic BLT sandwich, but reimagined as a glorious, spoonable salad. We’re talking tender, shredded chicken, of course, mixed with just the right amount of creamy. Who are the real stars? The crispy, crumbled bacon, the sweet, juicy diced tomatoes, and that little bit of fresh lettuce. All chopped up and folded in. Crunch. Is it just chicken salad with bacon and tomato thrown in? It’s a harmonious blend where every component shines. The name itself is a little nod to that beloved sandwich, promising all those familiar, comforting, and tasty. What are some new flavors in a new, delightful way? Is it about reinventing the wheel? What are some of the best twists on a classic recipe?

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Why do I love BLT chicken salad? First off, the flavor is just out of this world. What’s a good combination of savory chicken, bacon, and tamari? What is a perfect combination of crisp lettuce and creamy dressing? I swear it’s a party in your mouth. And the simplicity? Oh my goodness. What is a lifesaver on saturdays? Is it possible to cook chicken in 20 minutes? Is rotisserie chicken cheap? What is the best way What I love the most is its versatility. I’ll eat it scooped onto lettuce wraps, piled high on toasted sourdough, and stuffed into pita pockets. I’ll like it. What is the best way to get a spoon straight from the bowl? What is a dish that feels fancy enough for guests but is totally casual enough to eat on tuesday. What is the difference between a chicken salad and chicken noodle salad? Anyone who tries it will.

How do I make a BLT chicken salad?

Quick Overview

What is the best way to make a BLT Chicken Salad? What is the basic idea of combining cooked, shredded chicken with chopped bacon, tomatoes, and lettuce? What is the best way to serve it with a creamy dressing? What makes this method a winner is how we layer flavors and textures. Why are we not throwing everything in a bowl? Every bite delivers the perfect BLT punch. Is it all about quick assembly and maximum flavor impact? Is it really possible to whip up this faster than you can decide what to order for takeout?

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or finely diced (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon)
4-5 strips of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes diced (or ripe Roma tomatoes, seeds removed)
1/4 cup finely shredded romaine lettuce (or iceberg for that extra crunch)
1/4 cup finely diced red onion (optional, for a little bite)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for freshness)

For the Creamy Dressing:
1/2 cup mayonnaise (use good quality, it makes a difference)
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. 1 teaspoon salt.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or white wine vinegar) per 1 cup.
1 teaspoon sugar (or honey/maple syrup, to taste) / 1 cup water.
Salt and freshly ground Black Pepper, to taste.

How do I follow the

Step 1: Cook and Prep Bacon

What are some ways to get bacon crispy? I usually pan fry mine, but you can also bake it on a sheet pan. Is it safe to cook at 400°F (200°C) for about Once cooked, I lay it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. Once it’s cool enough to handle, I crumble it into small pieces. This step is crucial for that essential BLT flavor and texture!

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using a rotisserie chicken, just shred the meat using two forks until you have about 2 pounds of meat. If you’re cooking chicken breasts for this purpose, poach them in water or chicken broth until they are tender. Cooked through, then let them cool slightly before shredding or dicing. I prefer shredded chicken for this because it soaks up the dressing and has a lovely texture. Is diced a good option?

Step 3: Chop the Fresh Ingredients

What are the fresh components of a cherry tomato? If you’re using larger tomatoes, be sure to scoop out the watery seeds to prevent the salad from sticking to the skin. How can I stop getting soggy? Shred your lettuce very finely – think ribbons. What are some good ways to get crispiness without floppy pieces? How do you finely dice your red onion and chop up fresh parsley?

Step 4: Mix the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and sugar. Set aside. I add a pinch of salt and black pepper. Do you like it tangier? Add a little more vinegar. What is the best way to make it sweeter? Is this your chance to get the dressing just right before it all comes together?

Step 5: Combine Everything

In a medium to large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, and scallions. Set aside. What is the best salad to serve with lettuce, diced red onion, and chopped parsley? What’s your favorite dressing? Pour about 34 of the dressing over the mixture and gently toss it together until it’ is well coated. How do you make chicken mushy? You want those distinct textures to remain.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

What is the most important step (besides eating it, of course): taste and adjust. Add more dressing if you prefer a creamier salad, or adjust the salt and pepper. If you feel like it’s missing something, a tiny pinch of sugar or .5 teaspoons of vinegar can work. I like to add celery salt to my soup, but I don’t have any recipe for it.

Step 7: Chill (Optional but Recommended)

Is it good to eat chicken salad right away? Is it safe to chill in the refrigerator for at least 15-30 minutes? What is the best way to get all the flavors to meld together?

Step 8: Serve It Up!

What is the best way to serve a BLT chicken salad chilled? What are some of my favorite ways to serve it in the next section?

Step 9: Enjoy!

What is a BLT chicken salad? Enjoy every bite!

What should I serve it with?

What is a BLT chicken salad? What is breakfast? I love serving it cold on top of some crisp butter lettuce leaves with a side of fresh fruit. What a light and satisfying start to the day. For a proper brunch affair, I’ll often present it in tin foil, perhaps with some crusty breadcrumbs. artisan bread or mini croissants on the side. What is the best pairing for a mimosa or sparkling rosé? As a dessert… well, I wouldn’t typically serve chicken salad as dessert, but if you’re craving it, you can try it. What is a small scoop of cracker? My family loves a cozy snack for lunch or dinner. What are some good pita pockets to serve with sourdough bread? Is it gluten-free to scoop it onto a lettuce cup? My kids love it when I serve it with potato chips on the side for dipping!

How do I make a BLT Chicken Salad?

I’ve made this BLT chicken salad more times than I can count, and over the years, I’ve picked up a few tricks that really elevate it. For the bacon, cooking it until it’s *really* crispy is key. Soggy bacon in chicken salad is just… wrong. I always drain it well on paper towels to get rid of excess grease, which can make the salad oily. When it comes to the chicken, make sure it’s shredded to a size that’s easy to eat with the other ingredients. If you dice it, keep the pieces small. For the tomatoes, I learned the hard way that leaving the seeds in can make the salad watery. So, always scoop those out! If you’re using store-bought rotisserie chicken, make sure it’s not too heavily seasoned already, or it might overpower the other flavors. Regarding the lettuce, shredding it finely makes a huge difference; it distributes that lovely crunch throughout the salad without being overwhelming. My personal preference for the dressing is to start with ¾ of it and then add more if needed. This way, you avoid a salad that’s too wet. I’ve also experimented with adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing for an extra smoky depth, which is lovely. If you’re not a fan of red onion, you can omit it or even substitute finely minced chives for a milder onion flavor. Don’t be afraid to play with the dressing ratios; if you like more tang, add more vinegar; if you prefer it creamier, a touch more mayo is fine. I’ve found that chilling the salad for at least 30 minutes really allows all those delicious flavors to marry, so that’s a tip I swear by!

What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?

This BLT chicken salad is best enjoyed fresh, but it does store reasonably well. At room temperature, I wouldn’t leave it out for more than two hours, just to be safe, as it does contain mayonnaise. If you’re taking it to a picnic, make sure it’s in a well-chilled cooler. For refrigerator storage, I usually put it in an airtight container. It typically stays good in the fridge for about 3-4 days. The texture of the lettuce might soften a bit over time, but it’s still perfectly delicious. I haven’t really tried freezing this one because of the fresh ingredients like lettuce and tomatoes, which don’t freeze particularly well. If you *did* want to freeze portions, I’d suggest making the chicken and bacon mixture separately, storing that, and then preparing the dressing and adding fresh lettuce and tomatoes just before serving. Regarding the glaze… oh wait, there’s no glaze on this recipe! My apologies, I was thinking of another recipe. For the BLT chicken salad, just store the whole mixture together in the fridge.

What are the most frequently asked questions on

How do I make this gluten free?

Is this BLT chicken salad gluten free? All of the ingredients are gluten free.

Do I need to peel zucchini?

Is there any zucchini in this recipe? If you were referring to tomatoes, I recommend deseeding them to avoid a watery salad, but I don’t recommend frying them. Is peeling necessary?

Can I make this as muffins instead?

This is a chicken salad, not a baked good, so muffins aren’t applicable here. However, you could use this chicken salad as a filling for sandwich buns or croissants!

How can I adjust the sweetness level?

You can easily adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar (or honey/maple syrup) to the dressing. Start with a small amount and add more to your taste preference.

What can I use instead of the glaze?

This recipe doesn’t use a glaze. It’s a creamy chicken salad. For serving, you can use it in sandwiches, wraps, on salads, or with crackers.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my absolute favorite BLT chicken salad. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, joy, and that unmistakable taste of summer, no matter the season. It’s incredibly satisfying, surprisingly easy, and always a hit with my family. If you love the flavors of a classic BLT but want something a little different, you’ve got to give this a try. It’s one of those dishes that just makes life a little bit easier and a whole lot more delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and tell me what you think! Let me know in the comments below how yours turned out, or if you have any fun variations you like to add!

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