Tangy Shredded BLT Chicken Salad Recipe: A Fresh Twist

Crisp lettuce and juicy chicken come together in a mouthwatering shredded BLT chicken salad that bursts with flavor.

Bacon crumbles add a smoky crunch to this classic combination.

Tender shredded chicken brings protein-packed goodness to every bite.

The creamy dressing ties all the ingredients into a delightful harmony of tastes.

Fresh vegetables add brightness and texture to this satisfying meal.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of crispy, creamy, and savory elements.

You’ll love how quickly this salad comes together for a delicious lunch or light dinner.

What Makes BLT Chicken Salad Stand Out

• Packed with protein from chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy dressing, this salad offers a balanced mix of nutrients that keeps you satisfied and energized throughout the day.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings to match your taste preferences, making it a versatile dish for various dietary needs and cravings.
• Enjoy as a standalone dish, stuff into sandwiches, wrap in lettuce, or serve over greens, providing multiple eating options for different meal scenarios and preferences.

Ingredients for Shredded BLT Chicken Salad

• Chicken Breasts: Tender meat that forms the foundation of the salad and provides a lean protein source.
• Bacon: Crispy, flavorful meat that adds a smoky and salty dimension to the salad.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that brings a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
• Greek Yogurt: Tangy dairy component that helps create a smooth and creamy dressing.
• Mayonnaise: Adds richness and helps bind the dressing together.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy elements that provide brightness to the salad.
• Red Onion: Sharp and crisp vegetable that introduces a zesty flavor.
• Chives: Fresh herb that offers a mild onion-like garnish and flavor boost.
• Lemon Juice: Citrus ingredient that adds a tangy brightness to the dressing.
• Dijon Mustard, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the salad.
• Water: Used to adjust the dressing consistency for perfect texture.

Making Shredded BLT Chicken Salad

Step 1: Boil and Shred the Chicken

Place chicken breasts in a pot of water over medium heat.

Cook for 15-20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Remove from water and let cool slightly.

Using two forks, shred the chicken into tender, bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare Flavor Boosters

• Slice cherry tomatoes in half
• Cook bacon until crispy and crumble into small pieces
• Drain bacon on paper towels to remove excess oil
• Grate cheddar cheese
• Finely dice red onion

Step 3: Create Creamy Dressing

• Greek yogurt
• Mayonnaise
• Chopped chives
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Dijon mustard
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Kosher salt
• Cracked black pepper

Whisk ingredients together.

If needed, add water to achieve desired consistency.

Step 4: Mix Salad Components

• Shredded chicken
• Halved cherry tomatoes
• Crumbled bacon
• Grated cheddar
• Diced red onion

Sprinkle with kosher salt and cracked black pepper.

Pour dressing over the mixture and gently toss to coat evenly.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual plates.

Sprinkle additional chives on top for extra flavor and visual appeal.

Serve as a standalone dish, with fresh greens, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Tips for Great BLT Chicken Salad

• Boil chicken breasts in water at medium heat, ensuring they reach 165F internal temperature for maximum juiciness and easy shredding.
• Pat crispy bacon on paper towels to remove excess grease, preventing the salad from becoming soggy and maintaining a perfect crunch.
• Add water gradually to the yogurt-mayo mixture, creating a smooth, pourable dressing that coats ingredients evenly without being too thick or thin.
• Season with fresh cracked black pepper and kosher salt at multiple stages – while cooking chicken and during final assembly – to build complex, layered taste.
• Enjoy as a standalone dish, atop fresh greens, in a sandwich, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a low-carb alternative that suits different dietary preferences.

Reheating and Storage for BLT Chicken Salad

• Store the BLT chicken salad in a sealed container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dressing separate to prevent the salad from becoming soggy.
• Pack salad into freezer-safe containers, excluding fresh ingredients like tomatoes. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before consuming.
• Warm the chicken salad in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of Greek yogurt to restore moisture if needed.
• Sprinkle fresh chives, crumbled bacon, and a drizzle of dressing to revive the salad's flavors and texture after storing.

Tasty Sides for BLT Chicken Salad

• Pairing Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy dressing and balance the salad's rich bacon and cheese flavors.
• Serve Rustic Sourdough Toast: Create a crunchy side with lightly toasted sourdough bread, brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with herbs to match the salad's tangy profile.
• Refresh with Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light cucumber salad with fresh dill and a light vinaigrette to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the hearty BLT chicken salad.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Enhance the meal with a zesty sparkling water infused with lemon or lime, cutting through the richness and cleansing the palate between bites.

BLT Chicken Salad Style Swaps

• Low-Carb Lettuce Wrap Version: Replace bread or greens with large lettuce leaves like butter or romaine for a carb-conscious meal. Wrap the chicken salad inside crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, lighter alternative.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based protein option. Use smoked paprika and nutritional yeast to mimic bacon's savory flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Replace Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese with coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast. Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayonnaise to create a creamy, allergen-friendly version of the salad.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Transformation: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and swap chives for fresh oregano. Include diced cucumber for extra freshness and Mediterranean flair.

FAQs

• Is this BLT chicken salad healthy?

Yes, it’s a protein-packed dish with lean chicken, low-fat Greek yogurt, and fresh vegetables. The salad offers a balanced mix of nutrients while keeping calories in check.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken, bacon, and dressing separately and store them in the refrigerator. Mix the ingredients just before serving to maintain the salad’s crisp texture.

• What if I don't have Greek yogurt?

No problem. You can substitute with sour cream or mayonnaise. Just keep the same measurement to maintain the creamy consistency of the dressing.

• How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace the chicken and bacon with grilled tofu or tempeh. You’ll still get a protein-rich salad with the same delicious flavor profile.

Shredded Blt Chicken Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mouthwatering BLT chicken salad delivers classic sandwich flavors in a light, refreshing bowl. Crisp bacon, juicy chicken, and zesty dressing make this salad a perfect summer meal you’ll devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken breasts boiled and shredded
• 6 slices bacon about 1/2 cup (118 ml), cooked and crumbled

Vegetables and Cheese:

• 1 cup (236 ml) cherry tomatoes halved
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) sharp white cheddar freshly grated
• 1/3 cup (79 ml) red onion finely diced

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup (118 ml) 0% Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons chives chopped small
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
• 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pinch kosher salt to season
• few turns cracked black pepper to season
• few turns cracked black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons water to thin dressing, adjust accordingly

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Instructions

1. Poach chicken breasts in simmering water at medium heat for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove and let cool briefly before shredding into delicate, bite-sized pieces using two forks.
2. While chicken cooks, prepare supporting ingredients. Halve cherry tomatoes to release natural sweetness. Crisp bacon in skillet until golden brown, then drain on paper towels and crumble into rustic fragments. Grate cheddar cheese and mince red onion into fine, uniform pieces.
3. Craft the dressing by whisking Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, chives, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a compact bowl. Incorporate water gradually to achieve desired consistency, creating a silky, vibrant sauce.
4. Merge ingredients in spacious mixing bowl. Combine shredded chicken, tomato halves, bacon crumbles, cheese, and onion. Season with salt and pepper. Generously drizzle dressing over mixture, gently folding to ensure comprehensive coating and flavor distribution.
5. Transfer salad to serving platter or individual plates. Garnish with additional chives for visual appeal. Versatile presentation allows enjoyment as standalone dish, atop fresh greens, inside sandwich, or wrapped in crisp lettuce leaves. Relish the harmonious blend of textures and robust flavors.

Notes

• Avoid overcooking by using a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches exactly 165°F, keeping it juicy and tender without becoming dry.
• Pat bacon dry with paper towels before crumbling to maintain maximum crunchiness and prevent soggy salad texture.
• Swap Greek yogurt with sour cream or mayonnaise for different dietary preferences, keeping the creamy consistency intact.
• Replace traditional dressing with a lighter vinaigrette or use Greek yogurt as a base for a protein-packed, low-calorie alternative that maintains rich flavor profiles.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg