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After a long, busy day filled with errands, there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of whipping up a meal that’s both effortless and delicious. Enter my Low Carb BLT Chicken Salad—a refreshing twist on a classic that captures all the flavors of your favorite BLT but with the added heartiness of shredded chicken. With a medley of crispy bacon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and crunchy celery, this salad is vibrant and nourishing, perfect for a quick lunch or a delightful picnic treat.

The genius of this dish lies in its simplicity; it can be thrown together in mere minutes, allowing you to savor a satisfying meal without the fuss of complicated cooking. Whether you’re in need of a healthy recipe to break the fast food cycle or simply want something that can easily impress lunch guests, this BLT Chicken Salad ticks all the boxes. Load up your bowl, grab a fork, and enjoy a delightful escape from bland meals!

Why is the BLT Chicken Salad a Must-Try?

Simplicity: This recipe comes together in just minutes, making it accessible for even the busiest of days.
Flavor Explosion: Featuring the perfect blend of crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy dressing, every bite bursts with deliciousness.
Versatility: Enjoy it on croissants, in lettuce wraps, or straight from the bowl—there’s a serving style for everyone!
Low-Carb Delight: For those keeping an eye on carbs, this salad satisfies cravings without the guilt. Whether you’re looking for a meal to break free from fast food or just want something delicious, the BLT Chicken Salad is your perfect solution.
Family-Friendly: This salad is a hit with both kids and adults, ensuring that everyone at the table will leave happy.

BLT Chicken Salad Ingredients

• Get ready to create a flavorful masterpiece!

For the Salad

Cooked Chicken – 3 cups shredded; this is the nourishing base of your salad, perfect for quick prep using boiled or rotisserie chicken.
Bacon – 1 pound diced and cooked until crisp; this savory component adds a rich, smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
Cherry Tomatoes – 1 cup, halved; these juicy gems replace traditional grapes, giving a fresh pop of flavor in every bite.
Red Onion – 1/2 small, diced; finely dicing ensures a balanced sharpness and crunch in each mouthful.
Celery – 2 stalks, diced; enhances the crunch factor with its mild flavor, making the salad wonderfully textured.

For the Dressing

Mayonnaise – 1/2 cup (light recommended); this is your creamy dressing component—feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste!
Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon; it brightens up the flavors, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and can be swapped with vinegar if needed.
Salt – 1/2 teaspoon; essential for enhancing all the scrumptious flavors in your BLT Chicken Salad.
Garlic Powder – 1/2 teaspoon; this optional ingredient adds a savory depth that can elevate the overall flavor.
Onion Powder – 1/2 teaspoon; complements the fresh onion and enhances the salad with additional flavor notes, but feel free to skip it if desired.
Black Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon; adds that perfect hint of seasoning—adjust to your personal preference.

Embrace the joy of crafting this delightful BLT Chicken Salad that shines as a low-carb lunch option or a picnic favorite!

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, toss together the cooked shredded chicken, crispy bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced red onion, and diced celery. Ensure everything is evenly dispersed for balanced flavors.
Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed for your personal preference.
Mix Together: Pour the creamy dressing over your chicken mixture and gently stir until all ingredients are well coated, ensuring a deliciously uniform flavor throughout.
Serve: Enjoy your vibrant salad immediately or transfer it to an airtight container for storage. It’s good in the fridge for 3 to 5 days, but be sure to discard any leftovers left out for more than 2 hours.

Optional: Serve on lettuce wraps for a refreshing, low-carb option.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

BLT Chicken Salad Variations

Feel free to let your creativity shine and customize this delightful salad just the way you like it!

Vegetarian: Substitute shredded chicken with chickpeas for a protein-packed, meatless option that still feels hearty.
Low-Fat: Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version that still delivers creamy goodness.
Herb-Infused: Stir in fresh herbs such as dill or parsley to elevate the flavor profile; you’ll love the aromatic freshness.
Avocado Boost: Add creamy diced avocado for extra richness and healthy fats; it transforms the salad into a luscious treat.
Spicy Kick: Kick up the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing for a zingy twist.
Crunchy Seed Topping: Sprinkle sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds over your salad to add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
Fruit Fusion: Toss in diced apple or pear for a surprising sweetness that balances the savory elements perfectly.
Crispy Veggie Crunch: Incorporate shredded carrots or chopped bell peppers for added color, crunch, and extra nutrients.

Expert Tips for BLT Chicken Salad

Chicken Safety: Ensure your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
Bacon Crispiness: Cook your bacon just until golden brown to maintain that satisfying crunch. Overcooking can lead to sogginess.
Adjust Creaminess: Start with less mayonnaise, gradually adding more until you reach your desired creaminess for the BLT Chicken Salad.
Keep Tomatoes Fresh: If making ahead, add cherry tomatoes just before serving to preserve their taste and texture.
Season to Taste: Don’t be shy—taste the salad and adjust the seasonings, especially salt and pepper, based on your personal preference for a more flavorful result.

Make Ahead Options

These delicious BLT Chicken Salad preparations are perfect for busy weeknights! You can prep the cooked chicken, crispy bacon, and diced vegetables (tomatoes, onion, and celery) up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To maintain freshness and crunch, avoid mixing the dressing until you’re ready to serve the salad. Simply combine all the prepped components and add the dressing right before enjoying, ensuring every bite is as delightful as if it were freshly made. With this strategy, you’ll have a fast, satisfying meal ready in minutes anytime you need it!

How to Store and Freeze BLT Chicken Salad

Fridge: Store your BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container for up to 5 days. This ensures freshness and prevents contamination.

Freezer: Although it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for future meals. Place in an airtight container for up to 2 months, but note that the texture may change.

Reheating: If you’ve frozen the salad, thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving. Enjoy it cold for the best flavor—no reheating necessary!

Serving Tip: Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings, as flavors may mellow during storage.

What to Serve with BLT Chicken Salad?

A refreshing meal deserves perfect companions to elevate your dining experience.

Crispy Lettuce Wraps: Light and crunchy, lettuce wraps offer a fresh vessel for your BLT Chicken Salad, making each bite invigorating. Wrap it up for a satisfying low-carb option.
Creamy Avocado Slices: The buttery texture of ripe avocado adds richness that complements the salad beautifully. Plus, it brings healthy fats to the table, making it a perfect addition.
Garlic Breadsticks: A warm, crunchy side adds a delightful contrast to the cool, creamy salad. Dip your breadsticks into the excess dressing for a tasty treat!
Zesty Coleslaw: The crunch of cabbage and tangy dressing in coleslaw mirrors the salad’s textures, enhancing your plate with more vivid flavors and crunch.
Chilled White Wine: A crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully, balancing the saltiness of bacon with refreshing acidity. Perfect for enjoying that delightful picnic vibe!
Fresh Fruit Salad: A light, fruity option can cleanse the palate. Include sweet melons and berries for a vibrant accompaniment to the savory salad.
Pickles or Olives: A zesty tang from pickles or olives provides an enjoyable burst of flavor that enhances the overall meal experience with its briny crunch.
Chocolate Mousse: For dessert, a rich chocolate mousse adds a decadent finish to your meal. Its smoothness creates a lovely contrast to the textures of the salad.

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs

What type of chicken should I use for the BLT Chicken Salad?
You can use shredded cooked chicken from a rotisserie for ease or boil your chicken breasts until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding. Whichever method you choose, make sure it’s seasoned well for maximum flavor!

How long can I store the BLT Chicken Salad in the fridge?
Your salad will stay fresh in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Just remember to check for any odor or changes in texture before diving back in—if it smells off or looks slimy, it’s best to discard it.

Can I freeze my BLT Chicken Salad?
Absolutely! While the salad is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Place it in an airtight container, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Just note that this may impact the texture, particularly the freshness of the vegetables.

What can I do if my salad seems too dry?
If your BLT Chicken Salad is too dry for your liking, don’t worry! Simply add a little more mayonnaise or a splash of lemon juice, adjusting to taste until you achieve the creaminess you desire. Remember, the best salads are all about personal preference!

Are there any allergies I should consider when making this salad?
Yes! If you’re serving others, be mindful of common allergens. This salad contains chicken, bacon, and mayonnaise, which often include eggs. For egg-free options, consider using a vegan mayonnaise. You might also want to check for bacon allergies, and if you’re preparing for vegetarians, chickpeas make a great substitute for chicken!

Can I make any substitutions in the salad?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to lighten it up, consider substituting Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise. Additionally, you can add flavor by including fresh herbs like dill or parsley, or even diced avocado for a delightful creaminess. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!