The Story Behind the Recipe – A Fresh Take on a Classic Favorite 💛
Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad- There are some recipes that never go out of style — like a good old BLT sandwich. Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes layered between two slices of toasted bread. It’s comforting, simple, and always hits the spot.
But here’s the thing — sometimes life calls for something lighter, fresher, and a little bit more modern.
It all started one warm Saturday afternoon when my family came in from working in the yard. We were hungry, but the heat made us crave something cold and crisp. I opened the fridge and saw a bowl of grilled chicken from last night’s dinner, some cherry tomatoes begging to be used, and a few strips of leftover bacon (a rare occurrence in this house!).
That’s when inspiration struck: what if I turned that classic BLT into a Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad — hearty enough to fill you up, but light enough to leave you feeling refreshed?
I quickly started chopping, mixing, and whisking a creamy dressing from scratch. Within minutes, we were sitting around the kitchen table, forks in hand, enjoying a dish that was everything a BLT should be — but better.
The smokiness of the bacon, the sweetness of the tomatoes, the creaminess of avocado, and the juiciness of tender chicken — all tossed together with crisp lettuce and a silky homemade dressing. It was pure magic.
Since then, this Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad has become one of our family’s go-to meals. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner, a make-ahead lunch, or a refreshing summer potluck dish, it never disappoints.
There’s something so satisfying about the way each bite gives you a little bit of everything — the crunch, the creaminess, the freshness, and that irresistible smoky bacon flavor that ties it all together.
It’s the kind of recipe that reminds you that sometimes, simple really is best. 💚
What Makes Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe Special 🌟
- 🥓 All the BLT Flavors You Love – Smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, but in salad form!
- 🍗 Protein-Packed & Filling – The addition of chicken turns this into a full, satisfying meal.
- 🥬 Crispy, Fresh & Colorful – Every ingredient adds texture and visual appeal.
- 🍯 Homemade Creamy Dressing – A rich, tangy, slightly sweet dressing that ties it all together.
- 🕒 Quick & Easy – Ready in about 20 minutes — no complicated steps.
- 🧺 Meal Prep Friendly – Perfect for lunches throughout the week.
This salad truly has it all — flavor, freshness, and that comforting feeling of home-cooked goodness. It’s one of those meals you can make again and again without ever getting tired of it.
Ingredients For This Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad– Fresh, Simple & Full of Flavor 🍴
🥗 For the Salad:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, chopped (grilled, baked, or rotisserie works best)
- 4 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped
- 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or iceberg for an extra crunch)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, but adds a nice sharp flavor)
- ¼ red onion, thinly sliced (optional for a zesty bite)
🥣 For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (for balance)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon milk or water (optional, to thin if needed)
🌿 Optional Add-Ons:
- Croutons or crispy tortilla strips
- Chopped fresh herbs (like parsley, chives, or dill)
- A sprinkle of paprika or cracked black pepper on top
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions For This Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad👩🍳
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Lay the bacon strips on a cold skillet and cook over medium heat until crispy. Flip occasionally so they cook evenly.
Once done, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the extra grease.
Pro Tip: Save a teaspoon of that flavorful bacon fat to mix into the dressing for an extra smoky touch!
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
If using leftover grilled or rotisserie chicken, just chop it into bite-sized pieces.
If starting fresh, season raw chicken breasts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of garlic powder. Grill or pan-sear until golden brown and cooked through.
Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing — this keeps it juicy and tender.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, and season with salt and pepper.
Adjust the texture with a splash of milk or water if you like it thinner.
The flavor should be creamy, tangy, and a touch sweet — the perfect balance to the smoky bacon and savory chicken.
Step 4: Chop the Vegetables
Chop the romaine lettuce into small, bite-sized pieces — this is a chopped salad, after all!
Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the avocado, and thinly slice the red onion.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large serving bowl, add the lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, chicken, and bacon.
Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and pour the dressing over the top.
Gently toss everything together so the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
Top with extra bacon crumbles (because let’s be real, you can never have too much bacon 😋), a few herbs, and maybe a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Serve immediately, and get ready for the compliments to roll in.
Serving Suggestions – What to Pair It With 🍽️
This Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad can easily stand on its own as a main dish, but it also pairs beautifully with other meals.
Here are a few delicious pairings:
- 🥣 Soup Pairings: Tomato basil soup, potato leek soup, or creamy corn chowder.
- 🍞 Bread Pairings: Homemade garlic bread, herbed focaccia, or a buttery croissant.
- 🧃 Drinks: Iced lemonade, mint iced tea, or a sparkling water with lime.
- 🍷 Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or light rosé complements it perfectly.
- 🧁 Dessert Idea: Finish with something light, like a lemon bar or fruit salad.
This salad is perfect for picnics, potlucks, brunches, or even as a weekday work lunch.
Customization & Variations 🎨
This salad is endlessly adaptable! Here are some fun ways to make it your own:
- 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or drizzle with spicy ranch.
- 🧀 Cheesy Delight: Try feta, goat cheese, or Monterey Jack instead of cheddar.
- 🥑 Tex-Mex Twist: Add black beans, corn, cilantro, and a lime crema dressing.
- 🍗 Buffalo Style: Toss the chicken in buffalo sauce and use ranch dressing instead.
- 🥬 More Veggies: Add cucumbers, roasted corn, or bell peppers for extra crunch.
- 🥓 Breakfast Version: Top with a fried egg and serve it as a brunch salad!
- 🧄 Health Boost: Add quinoa, chickpeas, or a handful of spinach.
Once you try it, you’ll see how easy it is to make it fit any craving or season.
Storing & Reheating For This Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe🧊
One of the best things about this salad is how well it stores!
- Storage: Keep components separate (especially dressing) to maintain freshness.
- Fridge Life: Salad ingredients last up to 2 days when stored in airtight containers.
- Dressing: Can be made 3–4 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
- Reheat: If using leftover chicken, gently reheat before assembling for a warm-cold contrast.
- Meal Prep Tip: Portion everything into mason jars — lettuce on the bottom, dressing on top — and shake before eating!
Nutritional Snapshot (Per Serving – Approx.)
Here Are The Nutritional Snapshot Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Vitamin A: 80% DV
- Vitamin C: 40% DV
- Calcium: 12% DV
This salad packs serious nutrition — it’s high in protein, full of fiber, and rich in healthy fats (thanks to avocado). It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy all your favorite BLT flavors in a wholesome form.
Reader Q&A – Common Questions 💬
1. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It’s a great shortcut and adds extra juiciness.
2. Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes — just keep the dressing and avocado separate until serving.
3. What lettuce works best?
Romaine or iceberg are ideal for crunch. For a softer option, try spinach or butter lettuce.
4. Can I use turkey bacon?
Totally — it’s leaner but still flavorful.
5. How can I make it vegetarian?
Swap bacon for smoky tempeh or coconut bacon, and use roasted chickpeas instead of chicken.
6. How do I keep avocado from turning brown?
Toss it with lemon juice right after dicing — it’ll stay fresh longer.
7. Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! This salad scales beautifully for parties or potlucks.
8. Can I use store-bought dressing?
Of course — but homemade really makes it shine! Try ranch or honey mustard if you’re short on time.
9. Is it gluten-free?
Yes — just skip croutons or use gluten-free ones.
10. Can I add eggs?
Absolutely! Hard-boiled eggs make this salad extra hearty and protein-rich.
Final Thoughts 🍽️
This Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad is everything comfort food should be — familiar, satisfying, and full of flavor, but with a modern, fresh twist.
It’s a salad that proves healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. You get creamy dressing, crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and tender chicken all in one bowl of deliciousness.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding your family after a long day, or simply craving something refreshing and hearty, this salad is a guaranteed hit.
So go ahead — grab your chopping board, crisp up that bacon, and toss together something truly special.
Because a salad made with love, a little crunch, and a whole lot of flavor? That’s what MamaCooksDinner is all about. 💚
Tried This Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad Recipe?
If you tried this Easy BLT Chicken Chopped Salad recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your thoughts in the comments, tag your photos, or pin it for later. Don’t forget to follow mamacooksdinner on Pinterest for more cozy, comforting recipes that bring families together — one delicious dish at a time.
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Hi, I’m Sayan, the creator behind Mamacooksdinner.com. I’m passionate about making home cooking easy and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef, my goal is to help you create delicious meals with simple ingredients.