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This chicken BLT salad turns the beloved sandwich into a protein-rich meal that's ideal for packed lunches or easy evening meals. The mix of crunchy bacon, plump tomatoes, and soft chicken makes for a filling dish that feels both comforting and fresh.
I whipped up this dish when trying to use up some leftover store-bought rotisserie chicken, and it's now my favorite midday meal when I want something tasty but don't want to feel sluggish afterward.
Ingredients
- Cooked chicken: Gives you plenty of protein and soaks up all the classic BLT tastes wonderfully
- Bacon: Adds that amazing smoky crunch that improves everything; grab thick cut for better bite
- Cherry tomatoes: Bring bright tanginess and natural sweetness; pick fully ripe ones for best taste
- Red onion: Gives a zippy kick that cuts through the richness; use raw for extra crunch
- Celery: Adds must-have crispness and mild flavor that rounds out the texture
- Mayonnaise: Pulls everything together with smooth creaminess; go for good mayo for tastier results
- Lemon juice: Lifts the whole dish with needed tanginess
- Seasonings: Just the right mix of salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper boosts the natural flavors
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Ready your meats:
- Begin with fully cooled cooked chicken and crunchy bacon. Chop the chicken into even little bites; roughly half inch squares work great. For the bacon, fry it until fully crispy since it'll soften a bit when mixed with the creamy dressing. Let both cool fully before mixing with other stuff.
- Cut up the veggies:
- Slice the cherry tomatoes into simple halves, no smaller, or they'll make the salad too wet. Chop the red onion very small; tiny quarter inch bits spread the flavor without making any bite too strong. Cut the celery at a slight angle for better looks and interesting texture.
- Whip up the dressing:
- Stir together mayonnaise with lemon juice and seasonings in its own bowl. This makes sure flavors spread evenly through the dressing before adding to the main stuff. Try a tiny bit and tweak seasonings, keeping in mind the bacon will make the final dish saltier.
- Mix and enjoy:
- Carefully fold the dressing into the meat and veggie mix using a flat spatula for better control. Don't overmix, as this can break down your ingredients and make things mushy. You want everything coated nicely while keeping each part intact.
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The bacon really makes this dish special. I found that cooking it just past the crispy point creates the best texture difference against the soft chicken and juicy tomatoes. When this salad shows up in our fridge, it's gone by dinnertime; everyone grabs spoonfuls throughout the day.
Storage Tips
This chicken BLT salad stays fresh in a sealed container in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. The flavors actually get better after sitting together for a day. For best results, keep tomatoes apart and mix them in right before eating if you're making this way ahead. This stops extra moisture from making everything soggy. Always remember this safety tip: if the salad sits out at room temp for over two hours, throw away any leftovers.
Serving Suggestions
This flexible salad works in many different ways. Put it between two pieces of toasted sourdough for a hearty sandwich or stuff it into pita bread for an easy portable lunch. For fewer carbs, scoop it onto butter lettuce leaves or baby spinach. It's also great in wraps, especially with some sliced avocado added. When having friends over, spoon it into hollowed tomatoes or avocado halves for a fancy presentation.
Customization Options
While the basic BLT elements form the base, think about these smart additions to make it your own based on what you like or what's in your kitchen. Chunks of avocado add smooth richness and healthy fats. Fresh herbs like dill or basil really perk up the flavor. For a taste of the Mediterranean, throw in chopped olives, sundried tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese. Want a lighter version? Replace half the mayo with Greek yogurt for some tang and fewer calories without losing creaminess.
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This chicken BLT salad has become my go-to for hectic weeks when I need tasty, reliable food that everyone at home will eat. The familiar tastes transformed into a handy salad never let me down, and I can't help smiling when I see people get excited realizing they're enjoying all the good stuff from a BLT sandwich in a form they can eat with just a fork.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What's the best chicken for this dish?
Shredded or chopped cooked chicken works great, whether it's roasted, poached, or from a rotisserie.
- → Can I prep this bowl in advance?
Definitely! Store it in a sealed container in the fridge for 3-5 days, but don't leave it out longer than 2 hours.
- → Is turkey bacon an option?
Yes! Turkey bacon is a nice swap that still gives that smoky crunch you love.
- → What goes well with this bowl?
Enjoy it with lettuce wraps, crackers, or inside sandwiches and wraps. Or just dig in as-is!
- → How can I make it lighter?
Swap regular mayo for low-fat mayo or even Greek yogurt. Adding extra veggies like cucumber or spinach also works.