Name: Savory BLT Chicken Salad
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

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I started making this salad when weeknights got busy. I often had cooked chicken and a few bits of bacon. The mix came together fast and filled plates in under 15 minutes. It became a regular lunch and a quick dinner fix at my house.

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I keep a small container in the fridge for ready meals. The salad stays good for a couple of days. I use it for packed lunches and light dinners. It saves time and cuts food waste.

This recipe is a cold chicken salad made with bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. It tastes salty from bacon, creamy from mayo, and bright from fresh tomatoes. People often make it for quick lunches, weeknight meals, or picnic bowls. It fits well on bread, as a side, or on greens. For a different taste idea, try the chicken shawarma crispy rice salad.

Why make this recipe

This dish is fast to make and uses simple parts. It needs no oven if you have cooked chicken and bacon ready. The flavors are familiar, so most people like it. You can change amounts to match taste or what you have on hand. It works for solo meals, family plates, or for a quick potluck bring. The salad is flexible and lets you use left-over chicken and quick pantry items.

How to make Savory BLT Chicken Salad

Start by getting your cooked chicken, bacon, and veggies ready. Mix the cool ingredients in a bowl so they stay crisp. Stir the mayo and mustard in a small bowl until smooth. Pour the dressing over the chicken mix and toss gently. Chill or serve right away. Expect the salad to be moist but not soggy. The steps link cleanly: prep, mix dressing, toss, and serve.

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded, 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved, 1 cup romaine lettuce, chopped, 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard, Salt and pepper to taste

Cooked chicken gives the salad its main protein and texture. Bacon adds crunch and a smoky, salty note. Cherry tomatoes add juice and a bright taste. Romaine gives fresh crunch and body. Mayonnaise and Dijon bind the mix and add a mild tang. Salt and pepper bring the flavors together. For another simple chicken salad idea, you can compare with a cranberry chicken salad.

Directions

In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cherry tomatoes, and chopped romaine lettuce. In a separate small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper. Pour the dressing over the chicken mixture and toss until everything is well coated. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes: Keep the chicken and bacon cool before mixing to keep the lettuce crisp. Mix the dressing first so it blends quickly. Toss gently to avoid breaking the tomatoes. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.

How to serve this recipe

Serve on toasted bread for a classic sandwich. You can also spoon it over extra greens for a fuller salad plate. It works on crackers for a snack or in a wrap for a hand meal. For a picnic, pack the dressing separate and toss just before eating to keep lettuce crisp. For a side dish, add a few slices of avocado and lemon. If you want another sweet side idea, see the creamy grape salad for a pairing.

How to store this recipe

Put the salad in an airtight container and cool it before sealing. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days for best texture. If you want longer storage, keep the chicken alone in the freezer, then thaw and mix fresh. Do not freeze the salad with mayo; it breaks when frozen. Use shallow containers to chill fast. When ready to eat, stir and taste. Discard if it smells off or the lettuce looks soggy.

Tips to make Savory BLT Chicken Salad

Use leftover roasted chicken to save time. Crisp the bacon well so it stays crunchy in the salad. Dry tomatoes on a paper towel if they are very juicy. If the salad looks dry, add a little more mayo or a splash of lemon juice. Avoid overmixing so the lettuce stays crisp. If it sits a while, toss again before serving. These small moves keep the salad fresh and balanced.

FAQs

Q: Can I use rotisserie chicken? A: Yes. Rotisserie chicken works well and saves time.

Q: Is this salad good without bacon? A: Yes. Leave bacon out or use turkey bacon for less salt.

Q: Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo? A: You can swap half or all of the mayo for yogurt for a lighter taste.

Q: How long does it keep in the fridge? A: It keeps 2–3 days in a sealed container if chilled promptly.

Conclusion

This recipe makes a quick, useful meal for busy days. It uses common items and comes together fast. The salad stays flexible, so you can tweak dressings, veggies, or amounts. Make a batch for lunches or a simple dinner. It saves time and turns left-over chicken into a steady go-to meal.