As I rummaged through my fridge one Sunday morning, I stumbled upon a beautiful rotisserie chicken and imagined a wholesome week ahead. That’s when I knew it was time to whip up a delightful BLT Chicken Salad for meal prep. This vibrant twist on the classic sandwich brings together tender chicken, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes, all draped in a creamy dressing that’s so satisfying, you’ll forget it’s healthy! Perfect for bustling workdays or a quick lunch, this recipe not only saves time but also tantalizes your taste buds. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile; feel free to mix in your favorite ingredients or adapt the recipe to your dietary needs. Are you ready to uncover a delicious way to power through your week? Let’s dive into this refreshing bowl of goodness!

Why is BLT Chicken Salad a Must-Try?

Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is designed for both seasoned chefs and busy food lovers, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor.

Healthy Indulgence: Packed with protein from rotisserie chicken and Greek yogurt, it offers a guilt-free way to enjoy rich, savory flavors.

Versatile Ingredients: Customize easily by swapping ingredients or adding your favorites—try chickpeas for a veggie twist or nuts for a crunch!

Meal Prep Marvel: Perfect for a Sunday prep, this salad stays fresh in the fridge for days. Pair it with Honey BBQ Chicken for even more meal options throughout the week.

Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Whether served in a lettuce wrap or on toasted bread, it’s a standout dish that your family and friends will adore!

BLT Chicken Salad Ingredients

For the Salad
• Rotisserie Chicken – A flavorful and moist primary protein source; warm it slightly for easy shredding.
• Crispy Bacon – Adds the perfect crunch and smoky flavor; for meal prep, store it separately to retain crispiness.
• Diced Tomatoes – Fresh and vibrant, making the salad colorful and juicy; consider using cherry tomatoes for a sweeter option.
• Green Onions – Adds a mild onion flavor and freshness; regular onions can be used as a substitute if needed.
• Avocado – Provides creaminess and healthy fats; add this just before serving to prevent browning.

For the Dressing
• Greek Yogurt – Creates a creamy base while adding a protein boost; substitute with sour cream for a richer consistency.
• Mayonnaise – Enhances creaminess in your dressing; using light mayo offers a lower-calorie choice.
• Seasonings – Customize with salt, pepper, or your favorite herbs to amplify flavor; don’t forget to adjust as you taste!

This BLT Chicken Salad isn’t just a meal, it’s a delicious way to elevate your week while keeping it healthy!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing
In a large mixing bowl, combine ½ cup of Greek yogurt and ¼ cup of mayonnaise. Whisk them together until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This dressing will form the base of your BLT Chicken Salad. Make sure there are no lumps to ensure even distribution of flavors throughout the salad.

Step 2: Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in a pinch of salt, pepper, and any other preferred seasonings to your dressing mixture. Whisk again until everything is well incorporated, creating a flavorful dressing that enhances the salad. Taste the dressing to ensure it meets your flavor preference, adjusting as needed.

Step 3: Incorporate Chicken and Bacon
Add 2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken into the dressing, followed by ½ cup of crispy, crumbled bacon. Use a large spoon to fold the mixture together gently, ensuring that each piece of chicken is coated in that creamy dressing. The rotisserie chicken provides a savory depth that complements the crispy bacon perfectly.

Step 4: Mix in Green Onions
Chop ¼ cup of green onions and gently fold them into the mixture. The green onions will add a fresh, mild flavor that balances the richness of the dressing and bacon. Be careful not to overmix; you want to maintain a light texture in your BLT Chicken Salad.

Step 5: Add Diced Tomatoes
Now, fold in 1 cup of diced tomatoes carefully into your salad mixture. Make sure the tomatoes remain intact to preserve their juicy texture and vibrant color. This step adds a refreshing burst of flavor and keeps your salad looking appetizing.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning
Taste your BLT Chicken Salad and make any necessary adjustments to the seasoning. If it needs more salt or a dash of pepper, go ahead and add it. This is your chance to make it perfect for your individual preference, ensuring every bite is flavorful and satisfying.

Step 7: Incorporate Avocado
Right before serving, dice 1 avocado and gently fold it into the salad, or arrange it on top for a beautiful presentation. The avocado adds a creamy richness and healthy fats to your dish. If meal prepping, consider serving the avocado separately to keep it fresh for longer.

Step 8: Chill and Serve
Cover your BLT Chicken Salad and place it in the fridge for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully. Serving chilled enhances the refreshing aspect of the salad. Once ready, enjoy it as a light meal or in a wrap, and relish the delightful mix of textures and tastes!

Make Ahead Options

These BLT Chicken Salads are a lifesaver for busy home cooks! You can prepare the dressing and combine the shredded rotisserie chicken with crispy bacon up to 24 hours in advance for a streamlined meal prep experience. Store the creamy mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and keep the diced tomatoes and avocado separate until you’re ready to serve them; this prevents browning and ensures freshness. To finish, simply fold in the tomatoes and avocado just before enjoying your salad, and you’ll have a delightful, satisfying meal that tastes just as good as if you made it from scratch that day!

What to Serve with Healthy BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep

Experience the delectable harmony of flavors and textures as you enhance your BLT Chicken Salad with these scrumptious sides.

Crusty Bread: Perfect for mopping up the creamy dressing, a slice of warm sourdough adds a rustic touch to your meal.
Crispy Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and crunchy exterior balance the savory flavors of the salad, creating an inviting contrast with every bite.
Zesty Coleslaw: A crunch-filled side that complements the salad’s texture, coleslaw adds a refreshing tanginess that awakens your palate.
Fruit Salad: Bright, juicy pieces of seasonal fruit offer a sweet finish, cleansing your palate and rounding out a full meal beautifully.
Sparkling Water: A refreshing, bubbly drink enhances the meal without overpowering it, keeping your taste buds engaged and invigorated.
Chocolate Chip Cookies: For a delightful finish, these warm, gooey cookies bring a playful sweetness to your lunch spread that everyone will love.

Helpful Tricks for BLT Chicken Salad

Fresh Chicken Tip: Use warm rotisserie chicken for easy shredding. Cold chicken can be tough to pull apart, affecting your salad’s texture.
Bacon Storage: Keep crispy bacon separate when meal prepping. This preserves its crunch and prevents it from getting soggy in the salad.
Avocado Addition: Add diced avocado just before serving to prevent browning. Including it too early can lead to a less appetizing appearance and taste.
Seasoning Adjustment: Don’t skip the tasting step. Your BLT Chicken Salad’s flavor should reflect your personal preferences; adjust seasonings as necessary for maximum enjoyment.
Ingredient Flexibility: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand. This makes the BLT Chicken Salad adaptable to your dietary needs and keeps things exciting!

How to Store and Freeze BLT Chicken Salad

Fridge: Keep your BLT Chicken Salad stored in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. This helps retain its fresh flavors and creamy texture, perfect for quick meal access.

Airtight Packaging: When meal prepping, consider storing ingredients separately (like bacon and tomatoes) until you’re ready to eat. This prevents sogginess and maintains crunchiness in the salad.

Freezing: For longer storage, avoid freezing the salad as the creamy dressing and fresh ingredients do not hold up well. Instead, freeze components like cooked chicken or bacon separately to use later.

Reheating: If you’ve stored prepped components in the fridge, simply assemble your salad anew. Freshly combining all ingredients right before eating keeps everything flavorful and appealing!

BLT Chicken Salad Variations

Feel free to get creative and customize your BLT Chicken Salad to suit your tastes and dietary needs!

Greek Yogurt Swap: Replace mayonnaise entirely with Greek yogurt for a healthier dressing that’s packed with protein. This option will keep your salad creamy and delicious while cutting calories.
Nutty Crunch: Toss in a handful of walnuts or almonds for an exciting crunch and added nutrition. Nuts not only enhance texture, but they also provide healthy fats that will keep you satisfied longer.
Vegetarian Version: Substitute the rotisserie chicken with chickpeas or black beans for a satisfying vegetarian option. This offers a delightful twist while maintaining the protein boost needed for a hearty meal.
Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce to bring some heat to your salad. The spicy elements pair wonderfully with the creamy dressing, creating a flavor explosion!
Herbed Delight: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley for an aromatic lift. These herbs not only add flavor but also brighten the entire dish, making it feel vibrant and fresh.
Cheesy Addition: Sprinkle some crumbled feta or shredded cheese on top for a rich and savory flavor. Cheese not only enhances the taste but adds a nice creamy texture that pairs beautifully with the other ingredients.
Summer Twist: Toss in some fresh corn or diced cucumber for a refreshing summer version. These ingredients add a delightful crunch and sweetness that contrast beautifully with the smoky bacon.
Dressing Variations: Experiment with different dressings, like pesto or ranch, to switch up the flavor. A new dressing can transform your salad entirely while still being a quick and convenient meal option.

By exploring these variations, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy your delicious BLT Chicken Salad. Pair it with a side of Garlic Parmesan Chicken to elevate your meal prep even further!

BLT Chicken Salad Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the best rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! When selecting a rotisserie chicken, look for one with a golden-brown skin and a fresh appearance. It should feel warm and moist. If possible, choose a chicken that was freshly cooked that day for the best flavor and texture in your salad.

How should I store leftovers of my BLT Chicken Salad?
To keep your salad fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you’re meal prepping, keeping ingredients like diced tomatoes and bacon separate until serving will help maintain texture and flavor.

Can I freeze BLT Chicken Salad?
Very! However, I recommend not freezing the assembled salad, as the creamy dressing and fresh veggies can become watery and lose their texture. Instead, you can freeze the shredded rotisserie chicken or bacon separately in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Just thaw them in the fridge before assembling your salad fresh!

What if my dressing is too thick?
If your dressing turns out thick, no worries! You can add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. Start with a tablespoon, whisk it in, and add more if needed until you reach your desired consistency. This will keep your salad creamy without sacrificing flavor!

Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Of course! Swap out the rotisserie chicken for chickpeas or diced tofu, and omit the bacon, or substitute it with crispy chickpeas for a delicious crunch. This keeps the spirit of the BLT Chicken Salad while catering to dietary preferences.

Are there any allergy considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! As with any recipe, always consider allergies when sharing food. This salad includes dairy from Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, and bacon, which some people may need to avoid. If you have dairy or nut allergies, check your labels carefully or adjust the recipe to suit your dietary needs.