BLT Chicken Salad

Ciao a tutti, from Maria, Lucia, and Teresa here at Nonna’s Dishes! We’re so glad you’ve joined us at our virtual kitchen table today. 

BLT Chicken Salad: A Delightful Dinner Salad

BLT Chicken Salad is one of those dishes that brings a smile to everyone’s face, especially when the warmer days arrive and you crave something fresh but truly satisfying. Here in our New York kitchens, we’ve come to adore this classic American combination. It reminds us of picnics in the park with our growing families and the simple joy of good food shared with loved ones. This BLT Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal; it’s a moment of delicious comfort, easy to prepare but rich in flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering.

Why You Will Love This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

We know you’re busy, just like our own children and grandchildren! That’s why we adore this particular BLT chicken salad recipe. It’s an easy chicken salad meal that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day, but only takes a little time. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and ripe tomatoes with tender chicken is simply irresistible. This isn’t just a salad; it’s a hearty dinner salad that will keep everyone happy and full. We remember first trying a bacon lettuce tomato chicken salad at a family gathering decades ago and thinking, “Mamma mia, this is good!” It’s a wonderful way to enjoy classic flavors in a fresh, new way.

Ingredients Needed for This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Gather your ingredients, amici! Freshness is always key, just like Nonna always says.

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (we love using leftover rotisserie chicken!)
• 8 strips thick cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (good quality makes a difference!)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste, especially with salty bacon)
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (for serving)

How to Make This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

This easy BLT chicken salad recipe comes together in a snap, leaving you more time for laughter and conversation.

1. 1. If you don’t have cooked chicken ready, cook about 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. You can boil, bake, or grill them until cooked through, then shred or dice once cooled.
2. 2. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until wonderfully crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces.
3. 3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, crumbled bacon, and halved cherry tomatoes.
4. 4. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, red onion, fresh parsley, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt until smooth. This is your creamy dressing for the bacon lettuce tomato chicken salad.
5. 5. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture in the large bowl. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are well coated.
6. 6. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Sometimes a little more salt or pepper makes all the difference!
7. 7. Chill the BLT Chicken Salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Serve This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

This protein packed salad is so versatile, you can serve it in many delicious ways! We love to pile generous scoops of the creamy BLT Chicken Salad over a bed of crisp, fresh romaine lettuce. You can also serve it in lettuce cups for a lighter option, or as a hearty sandwich filling on toasted bread or a croissant. For a touch of Nonna’s flair, you might even offer it with some crusty Italian bread on the side for dipping!

How to Store This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

To keep your BLT Chicken Salad fresh and delicious, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay wonderful for up to 3 to 4 days. We don’t recommend freezing this BLT chicken salad recipe, as the mayonnaise based dressing can separate and the lettuce (if mixed in) can become watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh!

Tips to Make This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

A few little secrets from Nonna’s kitchen always make a dish shine! For the best bacon lettuce tomato chicken salad, always use good quality ingredients. Freshly cooked bacon is a must; don’t use pre cooked bacon bits here. If you want to make it even easier, you can prepare the chicken and bacon a day ahead. For an extra pop of flavor in your BLT chicken salad recipe, try adding a tiny pinch of smoked paprika to the dressing.

Helpful Notes for This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

When selecting your chicken for this easy chicken salad meal, aim for boneless, skinless cuts. If using store bought rotisserie chicken, remove the skin for a cleaner flavor profile. Remember, the quality of your mayonnaise truly impacts the final taste of this BLT Chicken Salad, so choose your favorite brand! If you prefer a milder onion flavor, soak the chopped red onion in a little cold water for 10 minutes, then drain well before adding to the dressing.

Variation of This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Feel like a little something different with your BLT chicken salad recipe? You can easily add a diced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats. Some of our friends enjoy adding a bit of finely chopped celery for crunch, or even a sprinkle of chopped chives for a delicate oniony touch. For a twist on the traditional bacon lettuce tomato chicken salad, consider using grilled chicken for a smoky flavor.

FAQs About This BLT Chicken Salad Recipe

Q: Can I use turkey bacon for this BLT Chicken Salad?
A: Yes, absolutely! If you prefer, you can swap out the pork bacon for turkey bacon. Just cook it until crispy and crumble it as directed in the BLT chicken salad recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
Q: How can I make this BLT Chicken Salad spicier?
A: If you like a little heat in your bacon lettuce tomato chicken salad, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing. A dash of hot sauce also works wonderfully to give it a little kick!
Q: What kind of lettuce is best for serving this BLT Chicken Salad?
A: We love using crisp romaine lettuce for serving because it holds up well and has a lovely crunch. However, butter lettuce, green leaf, or even Boston lettuce would also be wonderful choices for this hearty dinner salad.

Conclusion

We hope this BLT Chicken Salad brings a taste of comfort and joy to your home. It’s a simple, protein packed salad that our families love, and we know yours will too. Give this easy chicken salad meal a try, and let us know what you think in the comments below. From our kitchen to yours, with care and tradition, enjoy your BLT Chicken Salad!