B L T Chicken Salad
B L T Chicken Salad combines tender chopped chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce, all coated in a flavorful barbecue mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a hearty lunch or light dinner, it offers a delightful mix of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors that satisfy and refresh.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise ⓘ
- 1/4 cup commercial barbecue sauce ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons grated onion ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 8 cups torn leaf lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- 3 cups chopped cooked chicken ⓘ
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled ⓘ
- 2 hard-cooked eggs, sliced ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, barbecue sauce, grated onion, lemon juice, and pepper in a small bowl; stir well.
- Cover and chill the dressing mixture thoroughly.
- Press chopped tomatoes between several layers of paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Arrange torn lettuce on individual salad plates.
- Top each serving with chopped tomatoes and cooked, chopped chicken.
- Just before serving, spoon the dressing mixture over salads.
- Sprinkle with crumbled bacon and garnish with sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade mayonnaise or a flavored barbecue sauce. You can substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a healthier option. If you prefer a bit of crunch, mix in some diced celery or bell peppers. Make sure to press the tomatoes well to avoid a watery salad, enhancing the overall texture.
Serving Suggestions
This BLT Chicken Salad is perfect as a light lunch on its own or served alongside crusty bread or a fresh fruit salad. It pairs beautifully with Chicken-Avocado Salad for a delightful summer meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it with baked potatoes or a refreshing cucumber salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain crispness, keep the dressing separate until ready to serve. If reheating, warm the chicken gently in the microwave to avoid drying it out, but it's best served cold.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of B L T Chicken Salad contains roughly 1582 calories, with 18g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 157g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (35% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1856mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of lettuce for this salad?
Absolutely! While leaf or iceberg lettuce works well, you can also use romaine or even spinach for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure the greens are fresh and crisp for the best results.
What can I substitute for bacon in this recipe?
If you're looking for a bacon substitute, consider using turkey bacon or a plant-based bacon alternative for a lighter option. You could also try crispy chickpeas or toasted nuts for a different crunch.
How can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the chicken, dressing, and vegetables a day in advance. Store each component separately in the refrigerator, mixing them together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and vibrant.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).