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Savory BLT Chicken Salad with Creamy Dressing

Savory BLT Chicken Salad - featured image

A quick and easy chicken salad featuring crispy bacon, fresh romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy creamy dressing. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
  • 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup celery, diced
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
  2. If not using pre-cooked chicken, poach or grill about 2 chicken breasts until cooked through, then let cool and chop or shred.
  3. Chop romaine lettuce, halve cherry tomatoes, thinly slice red onion, and dice celery. Place all in a large mixing bowl.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
  5. Add chopped chicken and crumbled bacon to the bowl with veggies. Pour the dressing over everything.
  6. Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated. Garnish with optional chopped fresh chives or parsley and serve.

Notes

For best results, cook bacon in a cast-iron skillet or bake on a foil-lined sheet at 400°F for 15-18 minutes. Use rotisserie chicken for a quick option. Store dressing separately if making ahead to keep lettuce crisp.

Nutrition

Keywords: BLT chicken salad, creamy dressing, bacon salad, quick lunch, easy chicken salad, savory salad