BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

I love this BLT Chicken Salad twist because it upgrades my lunch routine. Shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh veggies combine with a zesty lemon garlic mayo dressing that enlivens every bite. It’s a refreshing, low carb option perfect for busy days when I crave bold flavor without any fuss.

I recently tried a new spin on a classic chicken salad that’s become my go-to low carb lunch. I mixed together 2 cups of cooked and shredded chicken breast, 4 slices of bacon fried till crispy and chopped, and 1 cup of diced tomatoes with 1 cup of chopped romaine lettuce.

Adding 1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion really gave it a nice crunch, and I even tossed in 1 diced avocado for a creamy texture. I stirred in 1/2 cup mayonnaise along with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and 1 minced garlic clove to bring a tangy, garlicky kick.

I seasoned it with salt and pepper to taste. This salad not only tastes amazing but also packs good protein and fiber making it a healthy lunch option for a summer chicken salad, a great idea for any sandwich buffet or picnic.

I love that it’s easy to make and perfect for a quick chicken dinner too.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because the crispy bacon and tender chicken make every bite super flavorful, the fresh tomatoes and crunchy lettuce keep it light, and the creamy dressing with lemon and garlic pulls everything together in the best way ever. Another reason is that it’s really easy to make even on a busy day so I can still enjoy a delicious meal without spending loads of time in the kitchen.

I gotta say, BLT Chicken Salad is like a cool new twist on the classic chicken salad I grew up with. Its mix of bacon, chicken, and crisp veggies gives it a fun flavor upgrade and makes it just perfect for a low carb lunch. The recipe might not be fancy but its easy steps and bold taste make it a dish i’m always excited to eat.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast supplies good protein and light flavour, making salad satisfying.
• Bacon adds crunch and salty richness, though its fat is not for everyone.
• Tomatoes bring natural sweetness, vitamins, and a colorful pop to every bite.
• Romaine lettuce gives crunch and fiber that helps keep things balanced.
• Avocado offers creamy texture and healthy fats for an extra smooth flavor.
• Red onion provides a crisp bite and mild spice that enhances salad complexity.
• Mayonnaise adds a tangy creaminess that ties all the ingredients together.
• Lemon juice and garlic give a zesty kick that livens up the mix.
• Salt and pepper finish off the salad with perfect seasoning every time.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
• 4 slices bacon, fried till crispy and chopped
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
• 1 avocado, diced (optional, but adds a nice creaminess)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make this

1. Start by gathering all your ingredients so you have everything on hand.

2. Make sure the chicken is cooked and shredded, and the bacon is fried till crispy and chopped.

3. In a big bowl, combine the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, diced tomatoes, chopped romaine lettuce, and thinly sliced red onions.

4. If you’re using avocado, dice it up and add it to the bowl too.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

6. Pour the dressing over the chicken and veggies.

7. Toss everything together gently so every bit gets some of that tasty dressing.

8. Give it a quick taste and add a bit more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.

9. Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes in the fridge to let the flavors blend.

10. Serve it up and enjoy your BLT Chicken Salad as a perfect low carb lunch!

Equipment Needed

1. Large bowl for mixing the chicken, bacon, and veggies
2. Small bowl for whisking the dressing
3. Knife for chopping tomatoes, lettuce, red onion, and avocado
4. Cutting board for safe chopping
5. Whisk for blending the mayo, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper
6. Measuring cups and spoons for accurate amounts
7. Spoon or spatula for tossing the salad ingredients
8. Fridge for chilling the salad to blend the flavors

FAQ

• Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
  A: Yeah, you can prep most of the ingredients in advance. Just make sure to mix the lettuce and tomatoes right before serving so they stay crisp.
• Q: Can I swap the mayo for something else?
  A: Sure, you could use greek yogurt or even a light vinaigrette if you’re looking to cut down on calories.
• Q: Why do we need the bacon to be crispy?
  A: Crispy bacon adds a great texture and contrast to the salad, so it’s worth frying it until it’s nice and crunchy.
• Q: Is the avocado necessary?
  A: It’s optional. The avocado gives it a creamier texture, but if you’re not a fan or dont have one, the salad still tastes awesome.
• Q: What should I do if I want more flavor?
  A: You can experiment with extra lemon juice or even a pinch of smoked paprika. Tweak it until you get the flavor you prefer.

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• You can swap bacon with turkey bacon or even a bit of crispy smoked ham if you’re trying to keep it lighter
• If you dont have romaine lettuce, you can use fresh spinach or mixed greens to still add that nice crunch
• If you run out of diced tomatoes, try halved cherry tomatoes which bring a sweeter twist
• Instead of red onion, a few chopped scallions or a milder sweet onion works just as well
• If avocado isn’t doing the trick, a dollop of Greek yogurt can help add that creamy texture

Pro Tips

1. Try letting the salad chill in the fridge for a little while not just after you mix it; it helps the flavors really get to know each other, which makes a huge difference in taste.

2. When frying the bacon, keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn. Crisp bacon adds the best crunch, and if it’s too dark it might make the whole thing taste bitter.

3. Give the dressing a taste before you pour it over the mix. Sometimes a tiny bit more lemon juice or salt can really bring everything together in a balanced way.

4. If youre adding avocado, be sure to check if it’s ripe enough. If you add it too early or use one that’s not ripe, it might turn all mushy and lose its smooth texture.