BLT Salad with Chicken

This BLT salad with chicken is a fresh, budget-friendly way to turn the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato combo into a satisfying and filling salad. This BLT salad uses simple ingredients, including leftover-friendly shredded chicken and chopped bacon, and a homemade creamy dressing.

This salad tastes restaurant-quality, but costs far less than ordering a similar take-out salad. If you love BLT flavors but want something a bit healthier, this chicken BLT salad delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This BLT Salad with Chicken

This BLT salad with chicken might become a new favorite because:

• Wholesome and filling: This gluten-free BLT salad with chicken works as a complete meal in one bowl, with about 600 calories, 32 grams of protein, and only around 8 net carbs per serving, making it satisfying and filling, without feeling heavy.
• Cost-conscious: Chicken breast, iceberg lettuce, and bacon are affordable staples that will stretch into multiple servings.
• Restaurant-quality flavor: The homemade BLT salad dressing adds loads of flavor without feeling heavy.
• Great for leftovers and meal prep: This is an easy way to use a large batch of Instant Pot shredded chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken.
• Quick and simple: Minimal prep and straightforward cooking make this ideal for busy weeknights or quick and easy lunches for work.
• Flexible servings: Serve it as a main-dish salad or in smaller portions as a side. It’s also great for gatherings or as a summer barbecue salad.
• Crisp and balanced: Crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory bacon, and tender chicken all blend together perfectly to make a unique salad.

BLT Salad Ingredients

This BLT salad with chicken uses simple ingredients that work well together.

• Iceberg lettuce: My favorite and a classic choice. It’s inexpensive, stays fresh longer, and gives the salad that familiar BLT crunch. You could also use Romaine lettuce or a spring mix.
• Roma tomatoes: Hold their shape well and don’t water down the salad as much as larger slicing tomatoes.
• Bacon: Adds saltiness, texture, and loads of flavor. Plus, the rendered fat is used in the dressing for extra flavor.
• Shredded chicken: Turns this from a side salad into a filling, protein-rich meal. Leftover chicken works especially well here.

BLT Salad Dressing Ingredients

This simple BLT salad dressing is made with everyday ingredients that deliver big flavor.

• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing. It adds richness and body
• Warm bacon fat: Brings classic BLT flavor into the dressing itself. Using rendered bacon fat is a cost-conscious move that adds depth and smokiness without buying extra oils or flavor boosters.
• Apple cider vinegar: Balances the richness of the mayo and bacon fat. The acidity brightens the dressing.
• Salt and black pepper: Enhance the savory elements. Since bacon already adds salt, it’s best to season gradually and adjust to taste.
• Sugar, honey, or a sweetener: Adds a subtle touch of sweetness that rounds out the acidity. Only a small amount is needed to balance the flavors without making the dressing too sweet.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

• Chicken: You can use homemade or store-bought rotisserie chicken, or even leftover grilled chicken. You can also use chicken thighs if preferred, or even canned chicken breast.
• Bacon: To make this recipe even easier, you could use pre-cooked crumbled bacon instead of cooking your own.
• Lettuce: Romaine or butter lettuce can be used if you don’t have iceberg.
• Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes are a good substitute for Roma tomatoes.
• Extra crunch: Add sliced green onions or chopped cucumbers if desired.
• Spicy twist: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce to the dressing.

Dietary Substitutions

• Low-carb or keto: Skip the sugar or use a keto-friendly sweetener in the dressing.
• Dairy-free: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise for the dressing.

How to Make BLT Salad with Chicken

1. Prepare about 2 cups (12-ounces) of shredded chicken ahead of time. You can use my Instant Pot shredded chicken or Slow Cooker shredded chicken recipes, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
2. Cook 8 ounces of bacon using your preferred method until fully crisp. You can pan-cook it over medium heat, or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once if needed. Drain the bacon on paper towels and reserve 2 tablespoons of warm bacon fat for the dressing.
3. Chop 2 heads of iceberg lettuce and dice 4 Roma tomatoes. Set aside in a large bowl, or separate serving bowls or containers.
4. In a bowl, whisk together ¾ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons warm bacon fat, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, honey, or sweetener, and salt and pepper to taste. Add 1–2 teaspoons of water to thin the dressing as needed.
5. Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the salad base. Crumble the bacon over the top, then drizzle with the BLT dressing just before serving. Toss gently to combine and finish with extra black pepper if desired.

How to Meal Prep BLT Salad with Chicken

To meal prep this BLT salad, store each component separately for the best texture. Keep the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, cooked bacon, shredded chicken, and dressing in separate airtight containers. Assemble the salad just before eating so the lettuce stays crisp and the salad doesn’t become soggy.

For grab-and-go lunches, layer lettuce first, then chicken and bacon, and keep the dressing in a small container to add right before serving, and mix everything together.

Tips for This BLT Salad Recipe

• Crisp the bacon: It’s best to cook the bacon longer until well crisp, so it won’t soften too quickly when mixed into the salad.
• Use warm bacon fat: Warm fat blends smoothly into the dressing without clumping and separating.
• Season lightly: Bacon adds salt, so taste the dressing first, then add more salt as desired.
• Chop lettuce last: Freshly chopped lettuce stays crisp and avoids wilting.
• Add dressing right before serving: This keeps the salad fresh and crunchy. If serving as leftovers or taking to work for lunch, I recommend storing the dressing separately, then adding just before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BLT salad with chicken the same as chicken salad?

No. This is a lettuce-based salad with chopped lettuce, bacon, tomatoes, and chicken. Traditional chicken salad is mayo-based and much creamier, and usually doesn’t contain lettuce. This recipe uses much less mayonnaise, keeping everything fresh and layered.

What lettuce is best for a BLT salad?

Iceberg lettuce is the best choice for a BLT salad because it’s crisp and holds up well when mixed with dressing. Spring mix, Romaine, or butter lettuce also work if you prefer a softer texture, but iceberg delivers the classic crunch that pairs best with bacon and tomatoes.

Can I make BLT salad for leftovers?

Yes, you can prep the salad, bacon, and dressing ahead of time. You can store the salad ingredients assembled, but keep the dressing separate to prevent everything from getting soggy. Mix in the dressing just before serving.

What’s the best dressing for a BLT salad?

A creamy dressing works best. You could use ranch, blue cheese, or even a lighter vinaigrette dressing. You can also make a simple homemade slaw-based dressing. made with mayo, bacon fat, vinegar, salt, and pepper. It complements the bacon without overpowering the vegetables.

Easy dressing for BLT salad: Try a simple mixture of ¾ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons warm bacon fat, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon sugar, and salt and pepper, which works great with any BLT salad.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely. Rotisserie chicken makes this BLT salad faster and easier. A whole chicken can often be as cheap as chicken breast pieces by the pound. You could even use canned chicken breast to simplify this recipe.

How do you cook bacon for a BLT salad?

For the best texture in a BLT salad, cook the bacon until fully crisp and browned. On medium-high heat, this will be about 10 to 12 minutes. This will prevent it from softening once it’s mixed with the lettuce and dressing. Pan-cooking or air frying both work well, as long as the bacon is cooked evenly and drained on paper towels before using.

Is it better to pan-fry or air fry bacon for salad?

Both methods work well, but they give slightly different results. Pan-frying bacon over medium-high heat lets you control doneness and easily save the bacon fat for the dressing. Air frying bacon at 375°F for 10–12 minutes is hands-off and produces evenly crisp bacon with less splatter. Choose the method that fits your kitchen setup and timing.

Should I use warm or cold bacon in a BLT salad?

Using either would work, but each gives a slightly different experience. Using warm bacon (and chicken) creates a richer, more savory flavor and helps the dressing melt slightly, which can make the salad feel more indulgent. A downside is that warm ingredients can soften the lettuce too much.

Using fully cooled bacon and chicken keeps the salad crisp and closer to the classic BLT sandwich experience. If you want maximum crunch and freshness, let everything cool before assembling.

How do I keep BLT salad from getting soggy?

Keep the dressing separate until serving, especially if meal prepping or packing leftovers.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store salad components separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Freezing is not recommended, as lettuce and tomatoes do not freeze well.
• Serving warm: Reheat chicken and bacon gently if desired, then assemble the salad fresh.
• Serve cold: This salad is best served cold, especially for lunches and leftovers.

More Salad Recipes You Might Like

• BLT Coleslaw Salad
• Summer Strawberry Salad with Strawberry Dressing
• Black Rice, Roasted Beet and Kale Salad
• Tropical Chicken Salad
• Mozzarella Avocado Caprese Salad
• Mexican Street Corn Salad

View all salad recipes on Plating Pixels.

BLT Salad with Chicken Recipe

Written by Matt | Plating Pixels

This BLT salad with chicken is a fresh, budget-friendly twist on the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato combination. Crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, tender chicken, and smoky bacon are tossed with a simple homemade BLT dressing for a restaurant-quality salad that’s easy to make at home and perfect for quick dinners or easy lunches.

Recipe Cost: $10.40 | Cost Per Serving: ~$2.60

5 from 6 votes

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 595 kcal

Equipment

• Non-Stick Pan
• Air Fryer optional
• Large bowl
• Small Bowl

Ingredients

  

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Salad Base

• 12 ounces cooked shredded chicken about 2 cups
• 8 ounces bacon about 8 slices
• 2 heads iceberg lettuce
• 4 medium Roma tomatoes

Slaw Dressing for BLT Salad

• ¾ cup mayo
• 2 tablespoons warm bacon fat
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoons sugar honey, or sweetener
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 to 2 teaspoons water to thin as needed

Instructions

 

• Prepare about 2 cups (12-ounces) of shredded cooked chicken ahead of time. You can use my Instant Pot shredded chicken or Slow Cooker shredded chicken recipes, or use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Cook the bacon using your preferred method until fully crisp. You can pan-cook it over medium heat, or air fry at 375°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
• Drain the bacon on paper towels and reserve 2 tablespoons of warm bacon fat for the dressing.
• Chop theiceberg lettuce and dice the Roma tomatoes. Set aside in a large bowl, or separate serving bowls or containers.
• In a bowl, whisk together salad dressing ingredients, adding water to thin the dressing as needed.
• Add the cooked, shredded chicken to the salad base. Crumble the bacon over the top, then drizzle with the BLT dressing just before serving. Toss gently to combine and finish with extra black pepper if desired.

Notes

• Add extra cooking time if not using leftover chicken breast
• Cook bacon until fully crisp, so it holds up in the salad
• Let bacon and chicken cool slightly to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy
• Use warm bacon fat when mixing the dressing for a smoother texture and to prevent clumping
• Season the dressing gradually since bacon adds salt
• Add dressing just before serving to prevent soggy lettuce
• Store salad mix separately and add the dressing just before serving if meal prepping or packing for work lunches

Nutrition Facts

BLT Salad with Chicken Recipe

Serving Size

 

1 salad

Amount per Serving

Calories

595

% Daily Value*

Fat

 

45

g

69

%

Saturated Fat

 

12

g

75

%

Trans Fat

 

0.1

g

Polyunsaturated Fat

 

11

g

Monounsaturated Fat

 

19

g

Cholesterol

 

108

mg

36

%

Sodium

 

817

mg

36

%

Potassium

 

853

mg

24

%

Carbohydrates

 

12

g

4

%

Fiber

 

4

g

17

%

Sugar

 

9

g

10

%

Protein

 

32

g

64

%

Vitamin A

 

1955

IU

39

%

Vitamin C

 

16

mg

19

%

Calcium

 

71

mg

7

%

Iron

 

3

mg

17

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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