If you’re like me—a busy mom with two hungry kids—then you know the struggle of finding meals that are both quick to whip up and delicious enough to keep everyone coming back for more. Enter the BLT salad with chicken: a fresh, hearty twist on the classic BLT sandwich.

This salad is the perfect mix of crisp veggies, savory chicken, smoky turkey, and that tangy bite of creamy dressing that pulls everything together. It’s not just your average salad—it’s a satisfying meal that feels indulgent but is packed with nutritious ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner idea, a crowd-pleasing side, or a way to elevate your lunch game, this dish hits all the right notes.

What is BLT Salad with Chicken?

The BLT chicken salad is a delightful blend of everything you love about a traditional BLT sandwich—turkey, lettuce, and tomatoes—plus the added protein and heartiness of grilled chicken. The star of the dish is, of course, the turkey, which provides a smoky crunch, while the lettuce offers a refreshing crispness, and the tomatoes add a juicy burst of flavor.

What makes this salad stand out is how these classic ingredients are paired with succulent chicken breast, turning it into a protein-packed meal. Topped with a creamy, tangy dressing and perhaps a few creative extras like avocado or a sprinkle of cheese, this is more than just a salad—it’s an experience.

Ingredients List for BLT Salad with Chicken Recipe

Here’s everything you’ll need to create your own BLT chicken salad at home. This recipe is easy to adjust based on your family’s tastes or what you have in your pantry:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (grilled or pan-seared)
6 slices of turkey (cooked until crispy)
4 cups of chopped Romaine lettuce (or your favorite greens)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
1 avocado, diced (optional, but highly recommended for that creamy touch)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup croutons (for crunch)
1/4 cup ranch or Caesar dressing (or a homemade dressing if you’re feeling fancy)
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional extras:

Hard-boiled eggs, for additional protein
Cucumber slices or radishes, for extra crunch
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives, for garnish

Substitutions and Variations

One of the best parts about this BLT chicken salad recipe is how versatile it is. Whether you’re catering to different dietary needs or looking to change things up a bit, here are a few ideas:

Keto BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: Swap out the croutons for extra avocado or a handful of sunflower seeds to keep things low-carb.
Dairy-Free: Skip the cheese and use a dairy-free ranch dressing to make this salad friendly for those avoiding dairy.
Vegetarian Option: Simply omit the chicken and turkey for a vegetarian BLT-inspired salad, or replace the turkey with crispy, smoky tempeh strips.
BLT Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps: For a fun twist, serve the salad in large Romaine lettuce leaves, creating healthy lettuce wraps!
Classic Chicken Salad: Want to stick to the classic? Replace the turkey with more shredded chicken for a simpler chicken salad version.

BLT Salad with Chicken Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s break down the process to make this simple BLT chicken salad recipe. It’s quick, straightforward, and you can even prepare some components ahead of time!

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill them on a medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Alternatively, you can pan-sear them in a bit of olive oil. Once cooked, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing them into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Turkey

While the chicken is cooking, fry your turkey in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crispy. Once done, transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off excess fat, then crumble it into small pieces.

Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables

Wash and chop your lettuce, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. If you’re using avocado or additional toppings like hard-boiled eggs or cucumbers, prep those now too.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

In a large bowl, toss together the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and croutons. Add the sliced chicken and crumbled turkey on top, followed by any extra toppings like avocado or cheese.

Step 5: Dress and Serve

Drizzle your chosen dressing over the top (ranch or Caesar works wonderfully), and give everything a gentle toss to coat. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and your BLT chicken salad is ready to serve!

Common Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing BLT Salad with Chicken

Even simple recipes can have their hiccups. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making this chicken BLT salad:

Overcooking the Chicken: Dry, overcooked chicken can ruin the texture of your salad. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to avoid this.
Using Wilted Lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce is key for this salad. Make sure to use high-quality greens for the best crunch.
Skipping the Resting Time: Letting your chicken rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy and easier to slice.
Overdressing the Salad: It’s easy to get carried away with dressing, but too much can make your salad soggy. Start with a little and add more as needed.

BLT Salad with Chicken Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can make even a simple dish feel special. Try these ideas to serve your BLT chicken salad with flair:

Serve in a Large Shallow Bowl: This allows you to layer the ingredients beautifully, with the turkey and chicken on top.
Add a Sprinkle of Fresh Herbs: Chopped parsley or chives add a burst of color and flavor.
Use Avocado Fans: If you’re using avocado, slice it thinly and fan it out across the top for a visually stunning garnish.

How to Serve BLT Salad with Chicken

This salad can stand alone as a hearty main dish, but here are a few ways you can serve it:

Alongside Grilled Bread or a Panini: Add some crispy grilled bread or a chicken BLT sandwich on the side for a more filling meal.
As a Low-Carb Option: Serve it in lettuce wraps for a light, keto-friendly version.
With a Soup: Pair it with a light soup for a balanced lunch or dinner option.

Extra Recipe Tips for BLT Salad with Chicken

Here are a few extra tips to ensure your salad is the best it can be:

Make Ahead: You can cook the chicken and turkey ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage: Store any leftover salad (without the dressing) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Add Extra Protein: If you’re feeding a crowd or just want to bulk up the meal, hard-boiled eggs or even an extra chicken breast will do the trick.

FAQs

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly here.

Is there a low-fat option for this BLT salad?
Yes! Simply use a light or yogurt-based dressing, and opt for turkey turkey to reduce the fat content.

What’s the best dressing for a BLT chicken salad?
A creamy ranch or Caesar is classic, but a tangy vinaigrette would also work beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This BLT chicken salad recipe is not only a fresh and hearty meal but also a perfect way to take everyday ingredients and turn them into something special.

Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, prepping it for a lunchbox, or serving it as a side dish for your next get-together, this salad will leave everyone satisfied and asking for more. Give it a try—you might just find it’s your new favorite go-to recipe!