Irresistible BLT Chicken Salad Recipe for Summer Picnics

There’s nothing quite like the tantalizing aroma of freshly grilled chicken mingling with the crispness of lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky bacon in a BLT chicken salad. This dish is a glorious celebration of flavors and textures that will have your taste buds dancing. The delightful crunch of veggies paired with the tender chicken creates a symphony of deliciousness that’s hard to resist.

I remember the first time I prepared this BLT chicken salad for a sunny picnic with friends. Laughter filled the air as we devoured this colorful bowl of goodness, and I realized it was the perfect recipe for any occasion—be it a summer barbecue, a casual lunch, or simply an excuse to indulge in something scrumptious.

I once served this dish at my family reunion, and the kids were so enthusiastic they practically inhaled it!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Using about 3-4 chicken breasts gives you enough protein while remaining manageable for cooking.

• Fresh Romaine Lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, this lettuce adds a nice crunch but feel free to mix in some spinach for variety!

• Ripe Tomatoes: Choose juicy tomatoes; they bring sweetness and moisture to balance the salad’s texture.

• Crispy Bacon: Opt for thick-cut bacon for that irresistible crunch; it elevates every bite.

• Mayonnaise: A creamy dressing base is essential; consider using Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the mayo.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those delicious flavors in your salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Chicken: Start by preheating your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them on your hot grill. Cook until no longer pink inside—about 6-7 minutes per side—until they are beautifully charred.

Prepare the Bacon: While your chicken cooks, fry up some crispy bacon in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Once cooked, drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

Chop Your Veggies: After removing the cooked chicken from heat, let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Meanwhile, chop your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dice those juicy tomatoes.

Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Add salt and pepper to taste; if you like tangy flavors, don’t be shy with that lemon juice!

Toss It All Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced chicken, crumbled bacon, and dressing. Gently toss everything together until well coated for maximum flavor.

Serve and Enjoy!: Scoop generous portions into bowls or onto plates. Serve immediately for optimal freshness; if desired, garnish with extra bacon or herbs for that chef-like touch!

Now that you have created this beautiful BLT chicken salad masterpiece, sit back and relish every savory bite! Enjoying this dish is not only about satisfying hunger but also about sharing joyful moments with people you love—what could be better?

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by cooking your chicken breast in a hot pan until golden brown, then chop it into bite-sized pieces. While the chicken cools, cook the bacon until crispy to enhance flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to customize this recipe with your favorite ingredients—try adding avocado, swapping the dressing for ranch, or using turkey bacon for a lighter version.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain texture and flavor.

Sharing this recipe brings back memories of summer picnics where everyone devoured my salads while debating whether bacon could ever be too crispy.

FAQ

Can I make BLT chicken salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance for flavors to meld beautifully.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise?

Greek yogurt works well as a creamy, healthier alternative to mayonnaise in this salad.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It’s great for meal prep as it stores well and stays delicious over several days.

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BLT Chicken Salad

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• Author: Maria Del
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of a BLT chicken salad, where tender grilled chicken meets crispy bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. This vibrant dish is perfect for any occasion—from summer picnics to weeknight dinners—offering a delightful crunch and creamy dressing that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Easy to prepare and customizable, this salad is not only delicious but also a healthy option that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 4 cups fresh romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or stovetop pan over medium heat.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill for 6-7 minutes per side until cooked through.
3. While the chicken is cooking, fry the bacon in a skillet until crispy; drain on paper towels.
4. Let the grilled chicken rest, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
5. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper.
6. In a large mixing bowl, toss together romaine lettuce, tomatoes, sliced chicken, crumbled bacon, and dressing until well combined.
7. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Grilling/Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salad (300g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 90mg