Easy Grilled Chicken BLT Salad for Summer
If you’re craving a refreshing, satisfying dish that captures all the classic flavors of a BLT and combines them with perfectly seasoned grilled chicken, you’re in for a treat. This Grilled Chicken BLT Salad is fresh and flavorful, ideal for those warm summer days when you want something quick, healthy, and bursting with familiar, mouthwatering tastes in every bite. Crisp lettuce, juicy grilled chicken, smoky bacon, and ripe tomatoes come together with a light dressing to make a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic flavors with a twist: Brings the beloved BLT sandwich elements into a fresh, cool salad format.
- Healthy but hearty: Packed with protein from grilled chicken and fiber from fresh veggies for a balanced meal.
- Easy and quick prep: Perfect for busy summer days when you want something simple yet impressive.
- Customizable: Adaptable with various greens, dressings, or extras to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Vibrant and colorful: A feast for your eyes as much as for your taste buds, perfect for summer entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in making this Grilled Chicken BLT Salad sing with freshness and flavor. From the smoky savory bacon to the crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes, this recipe uses simple pantry staples that combine to create an unforgettable dish.
- Grilled chicken breasts: Provide lean protein with a delicious smoky char from the grill.
- Romaine lettuce or mixed greens: Bring crisp texture and a fresh, green base to the salad.
- Ripe tomatoes: Add juicy sweetness and vibrant color to every bite.
- Crispy bacon strips: Offer smoky, salty crunch that’s essential for any BLT-inspired dish.
- Avocado (optional): Adds creamy richness that balances the savory flavors.
- Red onion slices: Provide a subtle bite and extra depth of flavor.
- Mayonnaise or dressing of choice: Binds the salad together and complements the ingredients with tanginess.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all components.
- Olive oil and lemon juice: Combine to make a light, zesty dressing that lifts the salad.
Variations for Grilled Chicken BLT Salad
This Grilled Chicken BLT Salad is incredibly versatile and easy to tailor to any dietary preference or pantry availability, making it a great go-to recipe for summer. Feel free to experiment with these variations to keep things exciting.
- Swap greens: Use spinach, arugula, or kale for a different flavor and nutrient boost.
- Vegetarian twist: Replace bacon with smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas for a plant-based crunch.
- Different protein options: Try grilled shrimp, turkey bacon, or tofu for variety.
- Add grains: Toss in quinoa or farro for extra bulk and texture.
- Alternative dressings: Use ranch, honey mustard, or a balsamic glaze for a new flavor profile.
How to Make Grilled Chicken BLT Salad
Step 1: Prepare and Grill the Chicken
Start by seasoning boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and juicy with beautiful grill marks. Let it rest a few minutes, then slice it thinly for the salad.
Step 2: Crisp the Bacon
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon strips until crisp and golden. Drain on paper towels to remove excess fat and break into bite-sized pieces. This smoky bacon will add essential flavor and crunch to your salad.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop the romaine lettuce or mixed greens, slice ripe tomatoes into wedges, peel and slice red onions thinly, and slice or cube avocado if using. Fresh veggies provide the perfect base and texture contrast for your salad.
Step 4: Make the Dressing
Whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a little mayonnaise or Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified. This light dressing balances all the savory and fresh components.
Step 5: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, toss the greens with half the dressing, then layer on the sliced grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, red onion, and avocado. Drizzle with the remaining dressing and give it a gentle toss just before serving.
Pro Tips for Making Grilled Chicken BLT Salad
- Choose fresh ingredients: The quality of your tomatoes and lettuce makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep it juicy by grilling to an internal temperature of 165°F and resting before slicing.
- Cook bacon in advance: Make bacon ahead and store in the fridge for quick meal assembly.
- Dress just before serving: Tossing salad with dressing too early can wilt the greens.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensures perfectly cooked chicken without guesswork.
How to Serve Grilled Chicken BLT Salad
Garnishes
Finish your salad with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and brightness. A sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper or a light shaving of Parmesan cheese can also elevate the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
Complement this salad with light summer sides such as crusty bread, garlic butter rolls, or grilled corn on the cob. For a fuller meal, consider serving alongside creamy potato salad or roasted sweet potatoes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salad in individual mason jars layered for a visually appealing presentation, perfect for picnics or outdoor gatherings. Alternatively, plate it on large wooden boards for a family-style meal that invites sharing and conversation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover salad components separately in airtight containers to maintain freshness—store grilled chicken and bacon in the fridge for up to 3 days, while keeping greens and dressing apart to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While the grilled chicken and bacon freeze well, fresh lettuce and tomatoes do not freeze successfully and will become mushy, so omit freezing the fully assembled salad.
Reheating
Gently reheat the grilled chicken and bacon in a skillet or microwave until warm, then assemble your salad fresh with newly washed greens and fresh veggies for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the bacon with plant-based alternatives like smoked tempeh or roasted chickpeas, and skip the chicken for a hearty vegetarian version.
What type of lettuce works best for this salad?
Romaine lettuce is a great choice for its crunch and sturdiness, but mixed greens, spinach, or kale are fantastic alternatives depending on your texture preference.
How long does grilled chicken last in the fridge?
Cooked grilled chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days when kept in an airtight container.
Can I prepare the salad dressing ahead of time?
Yes, the dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just whisk it again before serving to re-emulsify.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! Keep ingredients separate until you’re ready to eat to maintain freshness, especially the greens and dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Chicken BLT Salad is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying meal that perfectly suits those sunny summer days when you want to eat well without spending hours in the kitchen. Its blend of smoky bacon, juicy grilled chicken, fresh greens, and ripe tomatoes makes it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Give it a try next time you want a quick, healthy meal with all the deliciousness of a BLT!
