I’m so happy to share this BLT Salad with Chicken recipe with you because it tastes like your favorite sandwich in a fresher, lighter way. You get crunchy lettuce, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken all mixed together in one simple bowl. The homemade vinaigrette ties everything together with a bright and smooth flavor. It is quick to make, easy to toss together, and perfect for days when you want something filling but not heavy.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 15 minutes
Prep Time: about 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes if using cooked bacon and chicken
Yield: about 2 servings
Course: Lunch
Cuisine: American
I still remember the first time I tried turning a classic BLT into a salad. It felt fun to take something familiar and turn it into a big bowl that you could eat with a fork. The flavors stayed the same, but everything felt fresher and a little lighter.
This version adds chicken and cheese to make the salad feel more like a meal. The lettuce gives a cool crunch, the bacon adds a warm smoky taste, and the tomatoes bring juicy bites that brighten everything. The simple vinaigrette coat the pieces so each bite feels balanced and full of flavor.
It is perfect for quick lunches, simple dinners, or days when you want something easy but still satisfying. You can use store bought shortcuts or make your own parts at home, and it always turns out tasty.
How to Make BLT Salad with Chicken
This salad mixes the classic BLT taste with tender chicken and a tangy dressing that brings everything together. Here is how the whole dish works:
• Fresh romaine lettuce cut into small pieces
• A simple vinaigrette that adds brightness
• Crispy cooked bacon for smoky crunch
• Bite sized chicken pieces for extra protein
• Juicy grape tomatoes for sweetness
• Shredded Cheddar cheese to make the salad more filling
When everything is tossed together, you get a simple salad with big flavor that comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
• 8 cups packed cut romaine lettuce
• 1/2 to 3/4 cup vinaigrette, to taste
• 8 slices cooked bacon
• 1 heaping cup bite sized cooked chicken
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
- Prepare the Lettuce:
- Place the romaine in a large bowl.
- Pour about 1/2 cup of vinaigrette over the lettuce and toss gently until the leaves look lightly coated.
- Adjust the Dressing:
- Taste a piece of lettuce to check the flavor.
- Add a few more tablespoons of dressing if you like a stronger taste.
- Add the Bacon:
- Break the cooked bacon into bite sized pieces.
- Sprinkle it evenly over the dressed lettuce.
- Add the Chicken:
- Add the cooked chicken pieces on top of the salad.
- Spread them out so each bite has a bit of chicken.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Place the halved grape tomatoes into the bowl.
- Try to spread them through the salad instead of keeping them in one spot.
- Add the Cheese:
- Sprinkle the shredded Cheddar over the bowl.
- This helps the salad feel rich and satisfying.
- Toss and Serve:
- Gently toss everything together so the flavors mix without crushing the ingredients.
- Serve with extra dressing on the side if you want more.
Process Details
• Balancing the Dressing: Lightly coating the lettuce first helps the salad taste even from the very beginning.
• Keeping Things Bite Sized: Small pieces make the salad easier to eat and help each bite include all the flavors.
• Using Cooked Bacon and Chicken: This keeps the recipe quick and lets you build the salad with almost no cooking time.
• Gentle Tossing: Soft ingredients like tomatoes can break easily, so slow mixing keeps the salad looking fresh.
Tips for Success
• Use pre washed romaine to save time.
• If you want extra crunch, chill the lettuce before mixing.
• Try rotisserie chicken if you want a simple shortcut.
• Swap Cheddar for another cheese you like, such as Monterey Jack.
• Make the vinaigrette ahead of time so it is ready to use.
• Add avocado for a creamy twist if you enjoy it.
Serving Ideas
• Serve in a big bowl for a simple lunch or dinner.
• Pair with warm bread or rolls.
• Add a small cup of soup on the side for a cozy meal.
• Spoon the salad into wraps for a quick handheld option.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for about 1 day. The lettuce will soften as it sits, so it is best enjoyed fresh.
• Storing Dressing: Keep extra vinaigrette in the fridge for a few days. Shake before using.
• Freezing: This salad does not freeze well because the lettuce and tomatoes lose their texture.
• Reheating: No reheating is needed since this salad is served cold.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: about 700
• Protein: about 35g
• Carbohydrates: about 12g
• Fat: about 55g
• Fiber: about 4g
• Sodium: about 900mg
• Sugar: about 5g
This BLT Salad with Chicken brings all the classic BLT flavors into a bowl that feels fresh, filling, and very easy to make. The mix of cool lettuce, warm bacon, tender chicken, and simple vinaigrette creates a tasty meal that works for busy days or simple nights at home.
I hope you enjoy making this salad as much as I do. It is quick, friendly, and full of familiar flavors that always taste good. Enjoy every bite.
