Oh, the humble BLT! It’s one of those sandwiches that just screams comfort, right? The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce it’s a perfect trio. Well, imagine taking all that goodness and turning it into the most amazing BLT chicken salad you’ve ever tasted! Seriously, I’ve been making salads for years, and this one is a total game changer. It’s got all the classic flavors of a BLT but in a creamy, dreamy chicken salad form that’s just *chef’s kiss*! I whipped this up for a picnic last weekend, and people were raving!
Why You’ll Love This BLT Chicken Salad
Seriously easy to whip up – perfect for a quick lunch or potluck.
All the amazing flavors of a classic BLT, but in a super creamy salad!
So versatile! Enjoy it on bread, in wraps, or even spooned over greens.
Uses simple, fresh ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients for Your BLT Chicken Salad
Alright, let’s get to the good stuff – what you need for this incredible BLT chicken salad! I always like to have everything prepped before I start mixing, it just makes things go so much smoother.
For the Chicken Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken: I usually just shred or dice up some leftover chicken, but rotisserie chicken works like a charm too!
- 4 slices bacon: Cook it up until it’s nice and crispy, then crumble it. This is non-negotiable for that authentic BLT flavor!
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes: Halve these little guys so you get those juicy bursts in every bite.
- 1/4 cup celery: Finely chopped, for a little bit of that classic crunch.
- 1/4 cup red onion: Again, finely chopped! It adds just the right bite without being overpowering.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Use your favorite kind; this is what brings it all together into that creamy goodness.
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: For a little tang that really wakes up all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Chopped, for a bit of fresh green color and flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste, of course!
Optional Additions:
- 1/4 cup shredded lettuce: If you want to go full sandwich mode in your salad, this is a fun addition!
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A little squeeze can brighten everything up if you like.
Essential Equipment for Making BLT Chicken Salad
You really don’t need much for this BLT chicken salad, which is part of why I love it so much! Just a good old large bowl to mix everything in, and a smaller one for your dressing. Grab a whisk, your favorite knife, and a cutting board, and you’re pretty much good to go!
Step-by-Step Guide to Preparing BLT Chicken Salad
Okay, so making this amazing BLT chicken salad is honestly a piece of cake – well, a piece of chicken salad! It’s super straightforward, and you’ll have a delicious result in no time. Get everything prepped, and let’s do this!
Combining the Main Ingredients for BLT Chicken Salad
First things first, grab your biggest bowl. Toss in that cooked chicken, the perfectly crumbled bacon (the star, right?), those bright halved cherry tomatoes, your finely chopped celery, and that little bit of red onion. Just give it a gentle stir to make sure everything’s distributed nicely. It’s already starting to look like a party!
Crafting the Creamy Dressing
Now for the creamy magic! In a separate, smaller bowl, get your mayonnaise, that zesty Dijon mustard, and the fresh parsley. If you’re feeling a little extra zing, now’s the time to add that tablespoon of lemon juice! Whisk it all up until it’s smooth. Don’t forget to add your salt and pepper – taste as you go!
Bringing It All Together and Chilling
Time to unite the troops! Pour that gorgeous dressing right over your chicken and veggie mixture in the big bowl. Gently fold it all together until everything is nicely coated. If you’re adding that shredded lettuce, fold it in now too. The MOST important part? Cover it up and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Trust me on this – that chilling time lets all those flavors really get friendly!
Serving Your Delicious BLT Chicken Salad
And there you have it! Your incredible BLT chicken salad is ready to shine. Serve it up chilled on some toasted bread for a classic sandwich, spoon it into crisp lettuce cups for a lighter option, or just enjoy it with your favorite crackers. So good!
Tips for Perfect BLT Chicken Salad
Okay, so you’ve got your ingredients and you’re ready to make this amazing BLT chicken salad. Here are a few little tricks I’ve picked up along the way to make it absolutely *perfect* every single time. First off, use good quality bacon – it makes such a difference in flavor! And don’t skimp on the fresh veggies; they add that essential crunch and freshness. I always find that shredding the chicken instead of dicing it gives a creamier texture, but honestly, either works!
Ingredient Variations and Substitutions
You know, the best part about a recipe like this BLT chicken salad is how easy it is to make it your own! If you’re not a fan of red onion, try a little bit of finely minced green onion or even some shallots – they’re a bit milder. For the tomatoes, if you don’t have cherry ones, just dice up a ripe regular tomato, but maybe scoop out some of the seeds so it doesn’t make the salad too watery. And if you want a little spice kick? A tiny pinch of cayenne pepper in the dressing works wonders!
Frequently Asked Questions about BLT Chicken Salad
Got questions about this delicious BLT chicken salad? I’ve got answers!
Can I make this BLT Chicken Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had a chance to meld in the fridge for a few hours. Just make it up to a day in advance.
What is the best way to store leftover BLT Chicken Salad?
Just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and yummy for about 3-4 days.
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
You bet! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for this recipe. It’s already cooked and usually has great flavor, so just shred or dice it up and you’re good to go!
Nutritional Information Disclaimer
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this BLT chicken salad is just an estimate, okay? It can really change depending on the brands you use, how big your portions are, and any little tweaks you make. So, think of it as a general guideline!
BLT Chicken Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. If using, add lemon juice.
- Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine. If using, fold in the shredded lettuce.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve chilled on bread, in lettuce cups, or with crackers.