Irresistible BLT Chicken Salad: The Ultimate Creamy, Crunchy Lunch

There’s a reason the classic BLT sandwich holds a special place in our hearts: the harmonious combination of crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and sweet, juicy tomatoes. Now, imagine all those beloved flavors perfectly blended into a creamy, satisfying chicken salad. This BLT Chicken Salad recipe takes everything you adore about the iconic sandwich and transforms it into an incredibly versatile dish, elevated with a touch of creamy avocado for extra goodness. It’s perfect for a quick lunch, a delightful picnic, or a light dinner, delivering a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. This isn’t just another chicken salad; it’s a culinary experience designed to become your new favorite go-to recipe.

Served in a croissant BLT Chicken Salad and chips for lunch.

What makes this BLT Chicken Salad truly irresistible? It’s the perfect symphony of textures and tastes. You get the unmistakable crunch of perfectly cooked bacon and crisp iceberg lettuce, complemented by the vibrant sweetness of ripe tomatoes. The tender, shredded chicken acts as the ideal canvas, binding all these elements together with a rich, tangy dressing. And for an added layer of creaminess and healthy fats, we introduce a delightful twist: a touch of fresh avocado, transforming this classic into a “BLTA” chicken salad that’s simply out of this world. This addition not only enhances the flavor profile but also contributes to a more satisfying and visually appealing dish. Whether you’re a long-time chicken salad enthusiast or new to the game, this recipe promises to impress with its fresh ingredients and comforting flavors.

Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect BLT Chicken Salad

Crafting the best BLT Chicken Salad starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Beyond the namesake bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, each component plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect balance of flavor and texture. For the star of the show, the chicken, you have a couple of excellent options. You can prepare your own poached chicken, which allows you to control the seasoning and tenderness, ensuring it’s perfectly moist and easy to shred. Alternatively, for a quicker and incredibly convenient solution, shredding a store-bought rotisserie chicken works beautifully, saving you valuable time without compromising on flavor.

My personal touch that elevates this recipe from a simple BLT to a truly exceptional experience is the inclusion of avocado. While technically transforming it into a BLTA (Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Avocado) Chicken Salad, the creamy texture and subtle nutty flavor of avocado add a dimension of richness that is simply unmatched. It provides a wonderful contrast to the crispiness of the bacon and lettuce, making each bite more complex and satisfying. Don’t worry about the semantics; your taste buds will thank you for this delicious deviation!

Ingredients needed to make BLT Chicken Salad.

Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing BLT Chicken Salad, including key components for the dressing:

Red Onion: Adds a delightful sharpness and a subtle crunch. Dicing it finely is key.
Avocado: For an extra layer of creaminess and healthy fats, transforming it into a BLTA experience.
Apple Cider Vinegar: Crucial for ‘quick pickling’ the onions and preserving the avocado’s vibrant color.
Kosher Salt & Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors.
Mayonnaise: Forms the rich, creamy base of our dressing, binding all ingredients together.
Sour Cream: Contributes a tangy note and an additional layer of creaminess, balancing the richness of the mayo.
Ranch Seasoning: A secret weapon for a burst of savory, herbaceous flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Cooked Bacon: The irreplaceable crispy, salty element. Crumbled into bite-sized pieces.
Iceberg Lettuce: Chosen for its signature crisp texture and refreshing bite.
Grape or Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet, juicy bursts of flavor, halved for easy eating.
Shredded Chicken: Your choice of poached or rotisserie chicken, shredded for perfect integration.
Chives: Fresh, mild oniony notes, perfect for mixing in and as a garnish.
Croissants: The ideal vessel for serving this luxurious chicken salad, offering a buttery, flaky contrast.

Always refer to the complete recipe card below for precise quantities and additional details.

Step-by-Step Method for Crafting Your BLT Chicken Salad

Creating this BLT Chicken Salad is a straightforward process, but each step is designed to maximize flavor and texture. Follow these simple instructions for a perfect salad every time.

Preparation of Aromatics and the Avocado

Begin by finely dicing your red onion and avocado. Once diced, combine them in a large mixing bowl with the apple cider vinegar. Toss everything together gently to ensure an even coating. This initial step is more than just mixing; the vinegar works its magic by “quick pickling” the onions slightly, mellowing their raw bite and infusing them with a subtle tang. Crucially, the vinegar also acts as a natural preservative for the avocado, preventing it from browning and maintaining its beautiful green hue. Let this mixture rest for about 5 minutes while you prepare the next components.

Whisking the Creamy Dressing Base

To the bowl containing the onion and avocado mixture, add the backbone of your BLT Chicken Salad’s flavor: the mayonnaise, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir these ingredients together thoroughly until they are well combined and form a smooth, luscious dressing base. This creamy foundation will lovingly coat every piece of chicken and vegetable, ensuring a harmonious blend of flavors.

Mixing the onion and avocado with the vinegar to let them marinate and pickle for a few minutes.

Adding in the mayo and seasonings to a large bowl with the onion and avocado mixture to make the dressing. Before mixing

Assembling the BLT Chicken Salad

Now it’s time to bring all the glorious BLT components together. Add the shredded chicken, diced tomatoes, crisp chopped iceberg lettuce, crumbled cooked bacon, and about half of the fresh chives to the bowl with your creamy dressing base. Gently toss all the ingredients together until everything is evenly coated in the dressing. Be mindful not to overmix, especially with the lettuce, to maintain its crispness. This stage is where the magic truly happens, as the individual flavors begin to meld into a cohesive, delicious whole.

Adding the chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and chives to the large bowl with the dressing. Before mixing.

Adding the chicken, tomatoes, lettuce, bacon, and chives to the large bowl with the dressing. After mixing.

While this BLT Chicken Salad can be served immediately for instant gratification, I highly recommend allowing it to chill in the fridge for a few hours. This resting period allows the flavors to truly meld and deepen, resulting in an even more delicious and cohesive salad. The ingredients get to know each other, so to speak, creating a richer and more satisfying experience. However, if time is of the essence, rest assured it’s still wonderfully tasty right after mixing!

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

One of the beauties of this BLT Chicken Salad is its versatility. While it’s fantastic on its own, how you choose to serve it can elevate your meal even further. My absolute favorite way to enjoy this BLT Chicken Salad is nestled within a fluffy, buttery croissant. The delicate sweetness and flaky texture of the croissant perfectly complement the savory, creamy salad, creating a heavenly bite that feels both indulgent and satisfying. It’s an unbeatable combination for a gourmet lunch!

Looking at a BLT Chicken Salad served on a Croissant.

Beyond croissants, there are numerous other delicious ways to serve this BLT Chicken Salad:

Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter, low-carb option, spoon the chicken salad into crisp lettuce cups (such as butter lettuce or endive). This is a fresh and crunchy alternative that really highlights the salad’s flavors.
On Toasted Bread: Serve it on your favorite toasted bread – sourdough, whole wheat, or a classic white bread slice – for a heartier sandwich experience.
With Crackers or Pita Chips: A fantastic appetizer or snack option! Simply serve a bowl of the BLT Chicken Salad with a side of your favorite crackers, pita chips, or even vegetable sticks for dipping.
As a Side Dish: This chicken salad makes an excellent side dish for a barbecue, potluck, or any gathering. Its vibrant colors and robust flavors are always a hit.
In a Bell Pepper: Hollow out a bell pepper (any color!) and fill it with the chicken salad for a vibrant, healthy, and edible bowl.

Dare I say, this might just be the finest chicken salad I’ve ever created! I’ve experimented with and shared several different chicken salad recipes here before, each with its unique charm. From my foundational Simple Chicken Salad, to the more adventurous Green Goddess Chicken Salad, and the sophisticated Cobb Chicken Salad. I even had a bit of fun developing a Martini Chicken Salad, inspired by my Martini Monday segments on Instagram. And to round out the collection with one of my favorite cuisines, there’s also my Greek Style Chicken Salad. This BLT version, however, truly stands out for its perfect blend of classic comfort and exciting textures.

Expert Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad

To ensure your BLT Chicken Salad turns out perfectly every time, consider these expert tips:

Quality of Ingredients: Freshness makes a huge difference. Use ripe, flavorful tomatoes, crisp iceberg lettuce, and high-quality bacon for the best results.
Perfectly Cooked Bacon: Don’t undercook or overcook your bacon. Aim for a perfect crispness that crumbles easily but isn’t burnt. Oven baking or air frying can yield consistent results.
Chicken Preparation: If poaching your chicken, ensure it’s cooked through but still tender. Overcooked chicken can be dry. If using rotisserie, choose a plain or lightly seasoned one to allow the BLT flavors to shine.
Don’t Skip the Vinegar Step: The apple cider vinegar with the onion and avocado is key. It takes the harsh edge off the raw onion and keeps your avocado bright green, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
Chill Time is Your Friend: While delicious immediately, letting the salad chill for at least an hour (or even a few) in the refrigerator allows the flavors to deepen and meld, making it even more enjoyable.
Gentle Mixing: Especially when adding the lettuce and tomatoes, mix gently to avoid bruising the ingredients and maintain the integrity of their texture.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste your dressing and the final salad before serving. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or even a tiny bit more ranch seasoning to suit your preference.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This BLT Chicken Salad is wonderfully convenient for meal prep or gatherings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Due to the fresh lettuce and avocado, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe to maintain optimal freshness and texture. If you plan to make it ahead for a party, I recommend preparing the dressing and shredding the chicken a day in advance. On the day of serving, simply mix in the fresh bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado just before chilling to keep everything as crisp and vibrant as possible.

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📖 Recipe

Yield: about 8 cups

BLT Chicken Salad

Prep Time:
15 minutes

Total Time:
15 minutes

What’s not to love about this BLT Chicken Salad? Crispy bacon & iceberg, perfectly ripe, sweet tomatoes, and a little avocado for a little extra goodness.

Ingredients

½ cup Red Onion, small diced
1 Avocado, small diced
2 tablespoons Apple Cider Vinegar
1 teaspoon Kosher Salt, Morton’s
¼ teaspoon Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
1 cup Mayonnaise
¼ cup Sour Cream
2 tablespoons Ranch Seasoning
1 cup Cooked Bacon, crumbled
¼ head Iceberg Lettuce, chopped
2 cups Grape or Cherry Tomatoes, halved
3 cups Shredded Chicken, Poached or Rotisserie
2 tablespoons Chives, half to mix in, half for topping
Croissants, for serving

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the red onion, avocado, and vinegar, toss to coat. Let rest 5 minutes to allow the onions to pickle slightly and take the raw bite off of them.

Season with the salt and pepper, then add the mayo, sour cream, and ranch seasoning to the bowl and stir together till well combined.

Place the shredded chicken, bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes, and half the chives into the bowl and toss to coat with the dressing.

Finish with the remaining chives on top and load it up into a split croissant and dive in for the perfect bite!

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days in an airtight container.

Notes

While this BLT Chicken Salad can be served immediately, if you can let it marinate in the fridge for a couple of hours, the flavors just get better with time.

This recipe is best the day it is made, because of the lettuce, but it does hold up for up to 48 hours. Just keep it in a well-sealed container in the fridge.

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Crispy BLT Chicken Salad