Description
A creamy, crunchy BLT-inspired chicken salad that’s packed with fresh flavor and perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or lettuce cups.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, chopped (about 1 pound raw)
- 1 pound bacon, diced and cooked until crisp
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, cut in half
- ½ small red onion, diced small
- 2 stalks celery, diced
- ½ cup mayonnaise (light or regular)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Dice the bacon into ½-inch pieces.
Add to a preheated skillet and cook over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally.
Remove bacon using a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Prepare the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed (note: bacon adds saltiness, so be conservative).
Combine the Salad
In a large bowl, add the cooked chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, and crispy bacon.
Pour the dressing over the mixture.
Gently stir until all ingredients are well coated.
Chill or Serve
Serve immediately or refrigerate for 1 hour for flavors to meld.
Enjoy as a sandwich filling, lettuce wrap, or on its own.
Notes
For homemade shredded chicken: Boil chicken breasts in water until internal temp reaches 165°F, then shred.
Cherry tomatoes are best for this salad—they hold their shape and flavor well.
Dice all veggies evenly for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (if chicken and bacon are already cooked)
- Category: Salad / Main Course
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken salad, BLT salad, bacon chicken salad, lunch salad, meal prep