BLT Chicken Salad

If you need an easy meal prep idea, this BLT Chicken Salad is a must! It’s made with juicy chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and a creamy mayo dressing. Serve it in lettuce cups for a light, high-protein meal that actually keeps you full.

BLT sandwiches have always been one of my favorite sandwiches—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and that classic combo of flavors never gets old. Lately, I’ve also been loving chicken salad for easy lunches, so I thought, why not combine the two? This crispy bacon, lettuce, and tomato chicken salad has all the best parts of a BLT, plus shredded chicken for a protein boost. I usually use rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken to make it even easier.

It’s super refreshing, especially when served in crunchy lettuce cups. You get the salty crunch from the bacon, a little sweetness from the tomatoes, and creamy mayo to bring it all together. The chicken makes it more satisfying, so it’s light but still filling.

The best part? It’s so easy to make. Just mix everything in one bowl, pop it in the fridge, and lunch is ready to go in under 5 minutes. It’s perfect for meal prep and even better the next day!

Why you'll love this recipe:

It’s quick and easy. You can throw everything together in one bowl using rotisserie chicken or leftovers, making it perfect for busy days.
Packed with flavor. The combo of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayo makes every bite taste like a classic BLT, just with a protein-packed twist.
Light but filling. Served in lettuce cups, this salad is refreshing and satisfying without being too heavy.
Great for meal prep. It holds up well in the fridge, so you can make a batch and enjoy it for lunch all week long.

The ingredients

all ingredients in BLT Chicken Salad including cooked chicken, salt, pepper, bacon, iceberg lettuce, celery, mayo, tomatoes, green onion

Cooked chicken. I recommend using rotisserie chicken because it’s super tender, flavorful, and saves so much time. Leftover baked or grilled chicken works too!

Bacon. Adds that salty crunch and classic BLT flavor. I like to cook it until extra crispy for the best texture.

Celery. For a little crunch and freshness in every bite. It balances out the creaminess.

Grape tomatoes. They are sweet and juicy and give the salad that signature BLT tomato flavor.

Green onions. Add a mild onion flavor without overpowering the salad. Plus, they make a great garnish.

Mayo. Creamy, classic, and the perfect binder to bring everything together.

Lettuce cups. I love using butter or iceberg lettuce for a crisp, refreshing base. They turn this into a fun, low-carb lunch!

Check out the Substitutions & Variations section below if you have any ingredient questions! Otherwise, the full recipe with measurements is at the bottom of the page.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad

cooked chicken, crispy bacon, celery, green onion, mayo, and tomatoes in a bowl

Add the chicken, bacon, celery, tomatoes, green onions, and mayo to a large bowl.

Mix until everything is well combined. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

Spoon the BLT chicken salad into lettuce cups and enjoy!

Top Tips

Use rotisserie chicken for the best flavor and convenience. It’s already cooked, juicy, and packed with flavor, saving you time and effort.
Crisp up your bacon extra well. The crunchier, the better! It adds that perfect texture to balance the creamy mayo and juicy tomatoes.

Equipment

Large bowl
Knife
Cutting board
Spoon or spatula

Substations & Variations

Make it Gluten-Free: This BLT chicken salad is already gluten-free.
Make it Dairy-Free: Swap the mayo for a dairy-free alternative like avocado mayo or a vegan mayo. You can also add a bit of mashed avocado for creaminess without the dairy.
Poach your Chicken: You can also poach your own chicken for a leaner, fresher option. While rotisserie chicken is super convenient, poaching gives you more control over flavor and texture, plus it’s a great way to add extra juiciness.
Bacon: Try turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Mayo: Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or a dairy-free alternative like avocado mayo for a lighter version.
Lettuce: Use any sturdy lettuce, like romaine or even collard greens, if you prefer a larger wrap.
Add-ins: Toss in some shredded cheese, sliced cucumbers, or even a little avocado for extra flavor and creaminess.
Make it spicy: Add a few dashes of hot sauce or some sliced jalapeños for a little heat.
Make it a wrap or sandwich: Use a gluten-free wrap or two slices of toasted bread instead of lettuce cups for a more filling meal.

How to Store & Meal Prep

Store the BLT chicken salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the lettuce cups separate until you’re ready to serve so they stay fresh and crisp. You can make the chicken salad ahead of time and portion it out for easy lunches throughout the week. Just keep the dressing and lettuce separate if you're prepping for a few days to avoid sogginess. When ready to eat, scoop the salad into lettuce cups or enjoy it on a wrap, toast, or crackers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of mayo?

You can use Greek yogurt, avocado mayo, or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.

What to serve with BLT Chicken Salad?

You can serve this BLT Chicken Salad with something simple like club crackers, tortilla chips, or cucumber slices for a nice crunch. For a lighter option, try using lettuce wraps or romaine boats instead. No matter how you serve it, this chicken salad is the perfect mix of creamy, salty, and crunchy flavors that everyone will love.

How long will this chicken salad keep in the fridge?

The chicken salad will last up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container. Keep the lettuce cups separate until you're ready to serve to prevent wilting.

Can I freeze this chicken salad?

It’s not ideal to freeze chicken salad, especially with mayo, as the texture can change when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Can I make it healthier?

You can make this BLT Chicken Salad healthier with a few easy swaps. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for extra protein and fewer calories. Try turkey bacon for a leaner option while still getting that crispy crunch. Add more veggies like spinach or cucumbers to boost the fiber and nutrients. For a creamy texture, swap mayo or yogurt with mashed avocado for healthy fats. If you want a more filling meal, use whole-grain wraps instead of lettuce cups to add fiber and whole grains.

What is the best way to cook bacon for this salad?

I like to dice the bacon into small pieces for easier mixing, but you can keep it in strips if you prefer. Add the diced bacon to a preheated pan and cook, stirring regularly, until it's crispy. Remove from the heat using a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. This method ensures the bacon stays crispy without being too greasy.

bacon lettuce tomato Chicken Salad in a lettuce cup

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