Name: Blt Chicken Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken chopped (see notes in the post for how to cook shredded chicken); 1 pound bacon diced and cooked until crisp; 1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used light); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half; 1/2 small red onion diced small; 2 stalks celery diced

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups cooked chicken chopped (see notes in the post for how to cook shredded chicken)
1 pound bacon diced and cooked until crisp
1/2 cup mayonnaise (I used light)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
1/2 small red onion diced small
2 stalks celery diced

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Instructions

Cook the bacon: Start by cooking the bacon until it’s crispy. I like to cook mine in the oven on a wire rack over a baking sheet—it keeps the bacon flat and less greasy. Just set the oven to 400°F and cook for about 15-20 minutes. Drain on paper towels and let it cool before chopping.
Prep the veggies: While the bacon cooks, chop up the tomatoes, celery, and red onion. Keep the pieces small so they mix evenly with the chicken and bacon. (Pro tip: If your onion is too strong, soak the diced pieces in cold water for 10 minutes, then drain. This takes the edge off without losing flavor.)
Mix the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, lemon juice, and seasonings. Give it a taste before adding it to the salad—you might want a bit more salt or pepper, depending on your preference.
Combine everything: In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, bacon, veggies, and dressing. Toss everything together until it’s evenly coated. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! I often adjust the seasoning one last time before serving.
Chill or serve: You can serve the salad right away, but if you let it sit in the fridge for about 30 minutes, the flavors really come together. Just be sure not to leave it out for more than two hours to avoid any food safety issues.

Notes

Serving ideas: how to make it shine

For a beautiful presentation, I like to serve this salad in a large bowl with a sprinkle of extra bacon bits and a few halved cherry tomatoes on top for color. You could also plate it on a bed of lettuce to give it a more substantial look.

Author: Lily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes (for bacon)
Category: Dinner