Enjoy all the classic flavors of a BLT in a fresh, satisfying chicken salad. Tender chicken, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce come together with a creamy Dijon-lemon dressing that adds just the right balance of richness and tang. Ready in just 25 minutes, this versatile dish is perfect for summer lunches, quick dinners, sandwiches, or refreshing lettuce wraps.
Ingredients
Cooked chicken: Shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces; roasted or grilled chicken works well.
Bacon: Cooked until crisp and crumbled into small pieces. Thick-cut bacon adds extra texture.
Romaine lettuce: Chopped for a fresh, crunchy base.
Tomatoes: Chopped for juicy sweetness and color.
Green onions: Sliced to add a mild, savory bite.
For the creamy dressing:
Mayonnaise: Creates a smooth, rich dressing.
Dijon mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly sharp flavor.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dressing and balances its creaminess.
Garlic powder: Provides a gentle savory note.
Salt: To taste.
Black pepper: To taste.
How to Make
Cook the bacon until crispy. Place the bacon in a skillet and cook until golden brown and crunchy. Transfer it to a plate to cool, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare the chicken. Shred or chop the cooked chicken into small, even pieces so it mixes easily with the other salad ingredients.
Mix the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue mixing until the dressing is smooth and evenly combined.
Prepare the vegetables. Chop the romaine lettuce and tomatoes, then slice the green onions. Place them in a large mixing bowl.
Combine the salad. Add the chicken and crispy bacon to the vegetables. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve your way. Enjoy the salad immediately as a sandwich filling, tuck it into wraps, or spoon it over a bed of fresh greens. For extra flavor, add sliced avocado or a sprinkle of sharp cheese if desired.
Important Recipe Tips
Keep the lettuce crisp: For the freshest texture, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving.
Prepare ingredients in advance: Cook the chicken, crisp the bacon, and chop the vegetables ahead of time to make assembling lunch or dinner quicker.
Make it low-carb: Serve the chicken salad in large lettuce leaves instead of bread or tortillas.
Add more protein: Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or extra grilled chicken for a heartier meal.
Try a different dressing base: Greek yogurt or vegan mayonnaise can replace traditional mayonnaise for a variation that suits your preferences.
Add some heat: Red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chopped jalapeños bring a spicy kick to the creamy dressing and savory filling.
Explore serving options: Spoon the salad between toasted sourdough or whole-wheat bread, wrap it in crisp butter lettuce, or serve it over spring greens, baby spinach, or arugula. For gatherings, arrange it on a platter with extra bacon, cherry tomatoes, and sliced green onions.
Refrigerate leftovers: Keep the prepared salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. For the best texture, store the dressing separately from the vegetables whenever possible.
Freeze ingredients separately: Cooked chicken and crumbled bacon can be frozen for future batches. Thaw them before preparing a fresh salad.
Final Thought
This BLT chicken salad brings together tender chicken, crunchy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, zesty dressing in every bite. Whether you pile it onto toasted bread, tuck it into lettuce wraps, or serve it over fresh greens, it's an easy way to make lunch feel special. Prepare a batch, choose your favorite serving style, and enjoy this fresh twist on a classic combination!
