Amazing 25-Min blt chicken salad Triumph

Do you ever just crave a perfect BLT sandwich but you’re trying to keep things light for lunch? I know I do! That’s why I spent time perfecting this incredible blt chicken salad. It takes everything you love—the smoky bacon, the juicy tomato pop, the creamy factor—and turns it into a high-protein salad that comes together in a flash. In my kitchen, we focus on real-food recipes that fit into a busy week, and trust me, this one is tested, tried, and always a winner when you need a fast, filling meal. If you are looking for another great staple, check out my amazing classic chicken salad recipe!

Why This Creamy blt chicken salad Recipe Works for You

I get it—you’re busy! You need a lunch that tastes gourmet but takes minutes, not hours. This blt chicken salad is my answer to those chaotic days. It’s designed specifically to give you incredible sandwich flavor without the fuss of actually assembling 12 little pieces of lettuce and tomato between bread slices.

Here’s why I think you’re going to love keeping this in your rotation. It’s just as satisfying as my classic grape salad, but totally different!

Here’s what makes this recipe a winner for your busy week:

• Speedy Prep: Seriously, the total time is around 25 minutes if you use pre-cooked chicken. It’s such a Quick Lunch Recipe for those afternoons when the clock is ticking!
• Flavor Explosion: We get all the savory, smoky, and fresh elements of a classic BLT mixed right into a creamy base. Nobody skips the bacon in this one, I promise.
• Protein Powerhouse: With all that tender chicken mixed in, this easily qualifies as a High Protein Salad that keeps you full until dinner time rolls around.
• Total Versatility: Need something low carb? Serve it over greens. Need a quick sandwich? Grab some whole grain bread. It just works!

I’m all about maximizing flavor while minimizing kitchen time, and this blt chicken salad delivers every single time. You deserve a lunch that feels like a treat!

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Essential Ingredients for the Best blt chicken salad

When you’re taking a classic sandwich flavor profile like the BLT and turning it into a **blt chicken salad**, you can’t cut corners on the ingredients. This is where we build that delicious, satisfying base, so every bite reminds you of your favorite toasted sandwich. My goal here is flavor density, and that takes using quality stuff handled the right way!

A few basics require my special attention. First, that bacon? It has to be cooked until it’s wonderfully crisp, not chewy. I drain mine really well on paper towels, then crumble it up small. You want little pops of smoky flavor, not greasy shards. For the tomatoes, I use cherry or grape ones, halved. They are less watery than big slices and keep the salad texture perfect. Don’t forget to check out my tips on other BLT secrets for inspiration!

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The chicken needs to be cooked and shredded or cubed—rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for speed here. For the crunch, celery is non-negotiable; chop it finely so it blends instead of overwhelming the mix. It’s these careful preparations that ensure this **Chicken Salad with Bacon** is truly the best you’ve ever made.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your blt chicken salad

Making this **blt chicken salad** is honestly just like putting together a fantastic sandwich, but faster! Since this recipe is all about mixing, we don’t need any oven time, which is the best part for a Quick Lunch Recipe. We just need to handle our ingredients properly so that amazing crunch and creaminess really shine through. Follow these steps, and you’ll have lunch ready before you know it! If you love easy mixing tricks, wait until you see my guide on my other favorite easy chicken salad!

Preparing the Core Components

First things first, we need that crunch factor done perfectly. Get that bacon cooking until it is super crisp—I mean shatteringly crisp! Once it’s done, drain it really well on paper towels, then chop it right up. While that’s cooling slightly, get your chicken ready. If you are using leftovers, just shred or cube it up. If you’re starting from scratch, feel free to cheat a little and use a rotisserie chicken, which is my go-to secret weapon for lightning-fast **Chicken Salad with Bacon**.

Mixing the Creamy blt chicken salad Dressing

Now, let’s build our binder! Grab a separate, smaller bowl for the dressing. We are mixing up the creamy element here; take your mayonnaise—or Greek yogurt if you’re keeping it light—and whisk in that Dijon mustard and a tiny splash of fresh lemon juice. Don’t skip the lemon; it brightens everything up beautifully! Whisk it until it’s smooth and homogenous. This little bowl holds the secret to that perfect **Creamy Chicken Salad** mouthfeel.

Combining and Finishing the blt chicken salad

This is where the magic happens, but you must be gentle! Add your chicken, crumbled bacon, tomatoes, celery, diced avocado, and onion (if you’re using it) into the big bowl. Pour that beautiful dressing right over the top. Now, and this is vital for keeping that lovely texture: fold everything together *gently*. We are not stirring vigorously here; we want to coat everything without turning the avocado into mush. Once it’s just combined, give it a taste. Add salt and pepper until it sings to you. Then, serve it right away!

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Tips for the Perfect Fresh Crunchy Salad Texture

Okay, listen up, because getting that perfect bite—where you get the creamy dressing, the tender chicken, and that amazing *snap*—is everything in a **blt chicken salad**. This recipe is all about that satisfying mouthfeel, and that means texture control is job number one! If you struggle with creamy mixtures, peek at my guide on making the creamiest chicken salad!

First up: the celery. I always chop mine right before I mix it in, and if my celery stalks are sitting in the fridge, they keep their crisp factor way better. Make sure you drain that bacon grease off completely; excess fat is the enemy of crunch, I tell ya. If it looks glossy, give it another paper towel pat!

When you are serving this right away for a Fresh Crunchy Salad experience, pay attention to the lettuce if you’re using it underneath. I like to very lightly pat the romaine leaves dry before eating. Any extra water will just make the bottom soggier faster. If you want that perfect crunch every time, treat your ingredients with a little respect!

Variations: Making Your blt chicken salad Your Own

The best part about a great base recipe, like this incredibly flavorful blt chicken salad, is making it totally yours! I love seeing how you all adapt things. Sometimes I need something a little lighter, and other days I want to lean into an entirely different flavor profile. This recipe is super flexible, trust me on that front!

If you’re looking to swap out the mayo for something a bit lower in fat, turn this into a truly Healthy Chicken Salad by using plain Greek yogurt instead. It adds a nice, clean tanginess that pairs beautifully with the bacon. If you want to sneak in some extra calcium or just try a different route, you can check out my tips for using cottage cheese in other creamy salad recipes!

Now, what about dipping your toes into low-carb living? This mix is fantastic served inside crisp romaine lettuce cups instead of bread. That transforms it instantly into a delectable Keto BLT Salad! It’s so satisfying you won’t even miss the toast.

For a little garden fresh twist, especially if the tomatoes from the store aren’t quite hitting the mark, try swapping out the cherry tomatoes for roasted sweet grape tomatoes. Roasting concentrates their sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that plays really well with the smoked bacon. Alternatively, nothing brightens a savory salad like fresh herbs! About a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh dill or chives stirred in right at the end makes the whole thing sing. You can find even more inspiration over at this delicious recipe for more ideas on twists!

Make Ahead Salad and Meal Prep blt chicken salad Strategies

I love planning ahead, especially for that midday lunch rush! Since this **blt chicken salad** uses fresh avocado, it can be a tricky dish for the traditional **Meal Prep Chicken Salad** routine. But don’t worry, we have a simple fix! I treat this like a layered project when I’m planning out my week’s meals.

My biggest tip for making this a great **Make Ahead Salad** is to separate the ingredients. Cook your chicken and crumble your bacon early in the week, storing them together in an airtight container in the fridge. The dressing base (mayo, mustard, lemon juice) can also be mixed up and stored separately. That’s your base kit!

Here’s the deal-sealer: You mix everything *except* the avocado right before you pack it for lunch or put it in the fridge for the next day. You’ll see a great overview on how some folks separate components for their BLT chicken salads, and it works! When you’re ready to eat, dice up your avocado, fold it in with your tomatoes, and mix with your pre-made base. Instant freshness! If you need more make-ahead inspiration that actually sticks, check out my freezer burrito recipes!

Serving Suggestions for this Chicken Salad with Bacon

So, you’ve made this gorgeous, creamy, crunchy batch of **Chicken Salad with Bacon**—now what? Eating it straight out of the bowl is definitely an option (don’t judge me, I do it all the time!), but this mix is too good not to show off! This isn’t just some sad, floppy lunch; this is the main event.

If you are packing this up for your work week, you absolutely have to look at my guide on the best Salad Recipes for Lunch. That article will give you ideas on how to layer things so the crunch stays crunchy!

For my family lunch on a Saturday, I usually pull out the big heads of romaine lettuce and serve the **blt chicken salad** right on top of a few crisp leaves. It feels light yet totally satisfying. But if you are craving that classic sandwich satisfaction, don’t hold back!

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Here are my favorite ways to turn this salad into a proper meal:

• The Classic Sandwich: Grab two slices of your favorite whole-grain or sourdough bread. Toasting is mandatory, in my book! Pile the salad high. It’s just like the sandwich you love but way easier to eat when you’re rushing.
• The Wrap Saver: If you have big, soft tortilla wraps, this salad fills them out beautifully. It helps keep everything contained, which is perfect for eating on the go.
• Over Greens: Toss it with mixed greens, add a few extra tomato slices on the side, maybe a sprinkle of shredded cheese if you’re feeling wild, and you have a hearty, complete dinner salad!

Honestly, once you have this flavor profile down, you’ll be reaching for this recipe constantly. One of my favorite food bloggers had a great tip about using this mix to fill avocados—talk about making a statement! You can see their idea for serving this over at this savory splash post. Enjoy every bite!

Frequently Asked Questions about the blt chicken salad Recipe

I get so many messages asking about tweaking things or making sure leftovers hold up, so I thought I’d pull the most common questions right here. I’ve perfected this **blt chicken salad** over several tries, but I know everyone’s kitchen is a little different! If you are looking for ways to store it, my guide on storing creamy egg salad has some similar general tips!

Can I use canned chicken instead of cooked chicken breasts?

Oh, that’s the ultimate shortcut question! Technically, yes, you can use canned chicken if you’re in a real pinch for a Quick Lunch Recipe. However, you really lose that lovely, tender texture we aim for in a great **Creamy Chicken Salad**. Canned chicken tends to be a bit more processed tasting and mushy. If you absolutely must, drain it super well and shred it finely, but please try to use fresh cooked or rotisserie chicken if you can! The results are incomparable.

How long does this blt chicken salad last in the fridge?

Because we are using fresh tomatoes and creamy mayonnaise, I recommend treating this like a classic deli salad. It’s best eaten within 2 to 3 days for optimal texture and safety. Always keep it sealed tight and very cold. Remember my big tip from earlier: if you are prepping ahead for the whole week, leave the avocado out until the day you plan to eat it. That will extend its life nicely!

What happens if I skip the celery?

If you absolutely hate celery—and I know some people do!—you can skip it, but you’ll miss out on that critical *snap*. This is what makes it a **Fresh Crunchy Salad**, remember? If you skip it, I highly recommend substituting that volume with finely diced green bell pepper or some thinly sliced water chestnuts for a similar textural contrast. Just don’t skip the crunch altogether; it balances that rich bacon!

Can this be adapted to be a Keto BLT Salad?

Absolutely! This recipe is already incredibly close to being naturally low carb. If you are serious about making it a Keto BLT Salad, just make sure you serve it in crisp butter lettuce cups or eat it plain with a fork. Also, double-check your Dijon mustard, as some brands have hidden sugars, though most standard ones are fine for keto!

Storage and Reheating for Your blt chicken salad

You’ve made a big batch of this amazing **blt chicken salad**, and that’s fantastic for leftovers! However, since we packed it full of fresh veggies and that dreamy creamy dressing, storage is super important. I always treat mayonnaise-based salads like this one with a little extra care to make sure they stay safe and delicious for those busy make-ahead lunches.

For the best flavor and texture experience, try to finish this salad within 3 to 4 days. Keep it tightly sealed in the refrigerator. The bacon starts to lose that perfect snap after day three, and the tomatoes definitely soften up, but frankly, it still tastes wonderful on toast even on day four!

Now, the big warning siren goes off about reheating. You absolutely should *not* try to heat this **Chicken Salad with Bacon**. It’s designed to be served cold or chilled. Heating it will separate the mayonnaise dressing, making it oily, and you’ll end up with warm, mushy tomatoes and wilted lettuce if you followed that serving suggestion. Yuck, right?

Remember my tip about the avocado? That really comes into play here for storage. If you mixed the avocado in before storing, it might brown a bit, even when refrigerated. If you want it looking gorgeous later in the week, always leave the avocado out of the mix until you are ready to eat that portion. You can review my freezer tips here, although this salad needs the fridge, not the freezer!

When you’re ready for a serving later, just grab a spoonful, maybe add a fresh sprinkle of black pepper, and enjoy it cold right over some crisp lettuce. That’s the secret to keeping leftovers just as happy as when you first mixed them up!

Creamy BLT Chicken Salad with Avocado

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You will love this quick and satisfying BLT Chicken Salad. It combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy avocado dressing for a high-protein lunch that tastes like your favorite sandwich.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Total Time: 25 min
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Lunch
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup avocado, diced
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery (for crunch)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 large romaine lettuce leaves or 4 slices of whole-grain bread for serving

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Instructions

1. If your chicken is not already cooked, cook and shred or cube it first. You can use rotisserie chicken for speed.
2. Cook the bacon until it is very crisp. Drain it on paper towels and then crumble it into small pieces.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved tomatoes, diced avocado, celery, and red onion if you are using it.
4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth. Season the dressing with salt and pepper.
5. Pour the dressing over the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated. Do not overmix.
6. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
7. Serve immediately over crisp romaine lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or use it as a filling for a sandwich or wrap.

Notes

• For meal prep, mix all ingredients except the avocado. Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.
• If you want a keto BLT salad, serve this mixture in large lettuce cups instead of bread.
• To make this a high protein salad, use extra lean chicken breast.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 550
• Fat: 28
• Saturated Fat: 6
• Unsaturated Fat: 22
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 8
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 35
• Cholesterol: 110