If you’re a fan of the classic BLT but crave something heartier and bursting with crisp, fresh flavors, you’re going to adore this BLT Chicken Salad. It brings together juicy chicken, smoky bacon, sweet tomatoes, crisp greens, and a tangy, creamy dressing—all the magic of your favorite sandwich in a vibrant, satisfying salad that you’ll want to make on repeat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple—no fancy ingredients, just classic staples that absolutely shine when combined. Every element adds not only to the flavor but also to the color and texture, making BLT Chicken Salad a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.

Chicken Breast: Use cooked, diced chicken breast for lean protein that soaks up all the flavors. Rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken works perfectly.
Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon delivers that unmistakable smoky note and a welcome crunch in every bite.
Tomato: A fresh, ripe tomato brings juiciness and bright acidity—don’t skip this, it’s the heart of the “T” in BLT Chicken Salad.
Mixed Salad Greens: These greens give the salad plenty of volume, color, and fresh crunch; a mix with romaine, arugula, or baby spinach is ideal.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for just a hint of zing and color contrast; soak briefly in cold water if you want to tame their sharpness.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Just a sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds richness and a pop of yellow against the greens.
Mayonnaise: The base of your creamy dressing lends an indulgent, luscious texture to every forkful.
Ranch Dressing: This classic favorite boosts the herby, tangy flavors of the dressing.
Olive Oil: Adds smooth body to the dressing, tying together all the creamy and acidic elements.
Balsamic Vinegar: For a hit of mellow, tangy sweetness that rounds out the dressing beautifully.
Black Pepper: A little freshly cracked pepper brightens everything up without overpowering the other flavors.
Salt: Just enough to lift and sharpen all the ingredients, but not so much it overwhelms the freshness.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by getting all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. Measure, dice, and slice everything as noted—having everything within reach will make building this salad a total breeze and ensure every part of the BLT Chicken Salad is perfectly fresh.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Dressing

In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ranch dressing, stirring thoroughly until silky smooth. This duo forms the base for a dressing that’s creamy, herby, and impossible to resist.

Step 3: Whisk in Oil and Vinegar

Add olive oil and balsamic vinegar to your creamy base, stirring gently until everything is fully incorporated. This step adds subtle depth and a tangy backbone to the BLT Chicken Salad dressing.

Step 4: Season the Dressing

Season the dressing with black pepper and salt, mixing well to ensure every spoonful of this salad is deliciously well-balanced. Taste as you go so you get the perfect amount of seasoning.

Step 5: Prepare the Chicken and Bacon

Dice your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces and toss them into a large mixing bowl. Crumble the cooked bacon delicately—this way, every bite of BLT Chicken Salad will have that salty, savory crunch.

Step 6: Add the Veggies

Add diced tomato and thinly sliced red onion to the bowl with chicken and bacon. The mixture should already look and smell incredible!

Step 7: Layer in the Greens

Top everything with a generous heap of mixed salad greens. The fresh crunch and vibrant color really take this salad up a notch.

Step 8: Dress the Salad

Drizzle your luscious prepared dressing evenly over the salad ingredients, making sure no pocket of flavor gets left behind.

Step 9: Add Cheddar Magic

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese right over the top for an extra punch of sharp, creamy goodness. This is the secret touch that makes each bite pop.

Step 10: Toss Gently and Taste

Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together so your BLT Chicken Salad is fully coated and colorful. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—this is your moment to make it perfect.

Step 11: Chill or Serve

You can serve the BLT Chicken Salad right away for those who can’t wait, or let it chill in the fridge for up to an hour to let the flavors meld. Either way, get ready for rave reviews.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad

Garnishes

For a presentation that will have everyone reaching for seconds, top your BLT Chicken Salad with a few extra bacon crumbles, an extra sprinkle of cheese, or even a handful of fresh chives or parsley. A final crack of black pepper never hurts, and a few sliced cherry tomatoes make it look extra fresh and inviting.

Side Dishes

This hearty salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, homemade croutons, or garlic toast for scooping and savoring every last bit. If you want to lean into summer flavors, add a bowl of chilled melon, some kettle-cooked chips, or a zippy lemonade alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving BLT Chicken Salad stuffed inside hollowed tomatoes or avocados for a stunning lunch spread. Make it the star filling for lettuce wraps or whole-grain pita pockets, or layer it over quinoa or wild rice for a protein-packed dinner bowl. However you serve it, you can count on it being a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover BLT Chicken Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed within 24 hours, since the greens can start to wilt, but the flavors stay delicious and fresh during that window.

Freezing

This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the fresh vegetables and dressing. The texture of the greens and tomatoes won’t survive the freeze-thaw process, so enjoy your BLT Chicken Salad fresh or keep leftovers in the fridge for short-term storage only.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad—BLT Chicken Salad is best enjoyed chilled straight from the fridge. If you want it at room temperature, simply let it sit out for fifteen minutes before serving, and it’ll be perfect.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breast?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic, time-saving shortcut and works perfectly in BLT Chicken Salad. Just dice or shred it, and you’re good to go.

What’s a good substitute for ranch dressing?

If you’re not a fan of ranch, try plain Greek yogurt with a sprinkle of dried herbs and garlic powder for a fresh and creamy alternative that pairs beautifully with the other BLT Chicken Salad flavors.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the cheddar cheese with your favorite dairy-free cheese or leave it out entirely. Also, use a dairy-free ranch and mayo for a BLT Chicken Salad everyone can enjoy.

Which greens work best in this salad?

A mix of crisp romaine, tender baby spinach, or even peppery arugula makes a wonderful base. Don’t be afraid to mix and match depending on what looks freshest at the market.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy if making ahead?

To avoid soggy greens, store the dressing separately and toss it with the salad just before serving. This trick will keep the BLT Chicken Salad looking and tasting freshly made every time.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves hearty, flavor-packed salads that are as easy to throw together as they are to devour. Give it a go and see how quickly it becomes a new staple at your table—you’ll love sharing this one just as much as eating it!