This is the best BLT chicken salad! It has all the flavors you crave in a classic BLT and is loaded with extra toppings like avocado and asparagus. Plus, it's topped with an easy dairy-free ranch dressing.
This BLT chicken salad is even better than a classic BLT sandwich. Crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, chicken, and so much more. Plus, there is an option to make with my easy homemade dairy-free ranch dressing.
I'm all about hearty and delicious salads for lunch and dinner. I love a simple bowl full of protein, veggies, and healthy fats. Keeps you full and I love knowing that I'm feeding my body a plate of clean, nutrient packed foods.
This salad is Whole 30 and Paleo friendly (gluten free, dairy free, grain free) and low in carbs. And not to mention extra nutritious thanks to the extra toppings like avocado and asparagus. If you can't tell, I'm all about packing in the veggies on my salads!
If you love salads as much as I do, check out my healthy broccoli kale salad, vegan Mediterranean buddha bowls, superfood salad, cucumber radish salad, and cashew chicken salad.
Ingredients
You will need:
cooked chicken
ranch dressing (dairy free)
mixed greens
cooked and crumbled bacon
cherry tomatoes
roasted asparagus
red onion
avocado
How to Cook the Chicken
For this recipe, I like to cook my chicken in a cast iron skillet on the stovetop (I use chicken breasts). But you can use baked chicken, rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or even poached chicken.
However you cook it, I recommend seasoning with salt, pepper, garlic, and onion powder.
Clean food tip: Quality meat is very important to me. Choose organic if you can. Chicken that's been certified organic has not been given antibiotics and has been fed organic feed. I also like to look for certifications like "Certified Humane Raised and Handled", "Global Animal Partnership" or "Animal Welfare Approved." This ensures quality treatment of the animals.
How to Cook the Bacon
You can't have a BLT salad without the bacon! I like to throw mine in the oven to cook. To do so, place on a baking sheet lined with tinfoil at 400 degrees F and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until desired crispiness is reached (thicker bacon will take longer). I like extra crispy bacon for this salad.
You can also cook on the stovetop. Using a cast iron skillet works best to get the bacon nice and crispy.
Regardless of how you cook it, transfer cooked bacon to a paper towel lined plate to allow the bacon to cool.
Clean food tip: Look for uncured bacon, which means it's processed without added nitrates or nitrites, and preferably organic bacon (or a label stating no antibiotics were used).
If wanting to keep this BLT chicken salad Whole 30/Paleo, you need to buy bacon without any added sugar. Both Applegate and Niman Ranch have great options.
How to Make
This BLT chicken salad is simple to make! Grab your lettuce/mixed greens, chicken, bacon, tomatoes and other toppings and divide between 2 salad bowls/plates or arrange on a large salad plate (or in a large bowl).
How to Prep Ahead
This BLT salad can easily be prepped ahead of time for a quick an easy lunch or easy dinner when you're on the go!
You can either assemble a couple of salads in separate containers (perfect for lunches), or you can keep ingredients in a container and assemble right before you eat.
To assemble in separate containers: Divide lettuce, cooked chicken, sliced onions, sliced cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and cooked bacon between two airtight containers. Add avocado and dressing right before eating.
To prep ingredients separately: Store cooked chicken, cooked bacon, sliced onions, sliced cherry tomatoes, and asparagus in one container. Then simply add to a plate/salad bowl with lettuce and top with avocado and dressing when ready to eat.
Tips & Tricks
Make it a chopped salad - Chop all ingredients and then toss all ingredients with the dressing so you get the perfect amount of classic BLT flavor in every bite!
For even more nutrients, try adding some chopped walnuts or chopped almonds.
Don't want chicken? Try this salad with air fryer salmon from frozen instead!
FAQs
Can I prep ahead of time?
Absolutely! See the above section on prepping head of time for details.
You can't go wrong with my easy dairy-free ranch, but I also think a balsamic vinegar would be great. For an easy store-bought dressing, try anything by Primal Kitchen.
You bet! Shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even blue cheese would be delish. Just know if you are looking to keep this Whole 30 or Paleo, you don't want to add any cheese.
After ingredients are prepared, the ingredients will stay fresh for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. If you are fully assembling the salads, I would eat within 48 hours to avoid the lettuce getting soggy.
More Recipes with Chicken
If you make this recipe, please let me know what you think! I would so appreciate you leaving a star rating and/or comment below. And don't forget to share a photo on Instagram or Facebook and mention @CleanPlateMama!
Eat Clean.Be Well!
-Sara
BLT Chicken Salad
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Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed greens
- .75-1 lb. cooked chicken, diced or cut into strips (you can use any amount of chicken you'd like)
- 6 stripes bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ bunch asparagus, roasted
- ½ cup sliced cherry tomatoes
- ¼ cup sliced red onion
- ½ an avocado
- ranch dressing (or any of you favorite dressings)
Instructions
- Divide ingredients between 2 salad plates or salad bowls.
- Top with desired amount of dressing and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Save This Recipe For Later!
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later. Plus, enjoy weekly clean eating recipes as a bonus.
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