Smoky Grilled Chicken & Crispy Bacon BLT Salad

Why You’ll Adore This Grilled Chicken BLT Salad

This isn’t just another chicken salad; it’s a culinary experience designed for convenience and maximum enjoyment. Here’s why this Grilled Chicken BLT Salad will quickly become a favorite in your recipe repertoire:

• Quick & Effortless Preparation: Life gets busy, but delicious and healthy meals don’t have to be a compromise. This grilled chicken BLT salad comes together in under 30 minutes, requiring minimal prep time. With just a few simple steps, you can have a gourmet-quality meal on the table, perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Bursting with Dynamic Flavor: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors. The robust taste of smoky, crispy bacon pairs beautifully with tender, juicy grilled chicken. Fresh, vibrant lettuce and ripe, sweet tomatoes provide a refreshing counterpoint, all brought together by an irresistible creamy pesto ranch dressing. Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.
• Remarkably Customizable: One of the best aspects of this BLT chicken salad recipe is its flexibility. Whether you have specific dietary needs, picky eaters at the table, or simply want to use ingredients you have on hand, this recipe adapts effortlessly. Easily add or adjust toppings, switch up your greens, or experiment with different cheeses to create a personalized masterpiece every time.
• A Healthy and Satisfying Option: Packed with lean protein from the grilled chicken, healthy fats from avocado, and a wealth of vitamins and minerals from fresh vegetables, this salad is a fantastic choice for those seeking a nutritious yet deeply satisfying meal. It’s light enough for a summer lunch but hearty enough for dinner.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: From a casual backyard barbecue to a light dinner party, this grilled chicken BLT salad fits perfectly. Its vibrant colors and appealing flavors make it a crowd-pleaser, and its ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your company.

Essential Ingredients for Your BLT Chicken Salad

The secret to a truly outstanding Grilled Chicken BLT Salad lies in selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips:

• Avocado Oil: I prefer avocado oil for grilling and marinades due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, which allows the other ingredients to shine. Extra virgin olive oil is also an excellent substitute, offering a slightly fruitier note.
• Lemon Juice: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice. Its bright, zesty acidity is crucial for tenderizing the chicken and adding a vibrant flavor to the marinade, far superior to bottled alternatives.
• Italian Seasoning Mix: This seasoning blend, often found in the salad dressing aisle alongside ranch packets, provides a convenient and balanced mix of herbs and spices. Good Seasons Italian Seasoning Mix is a reliable choice, or you can easily substitute with your favorite ranch dressing mix for a different herbal base.
• Avocados: Creamy, rich avocados add a wonderful texture and healthy fats to the salad. Slice or cube them just before serving to prevent browning. Choose ripe avocados that yield slightly to gentle pressure.
• Tomatoes: The “T” in BLT! Any of your favorite tomatoes will work beautifully. Halved cherry or grape tomatoes offer bursts of sweetness and are easy to prepare. Alternatively, a large, ripe beefsteak or Roma tomato, cut into substantial chunks, adds a different dimension.
• Bacon: Crispy, savory bacon is non-negotiable for a true BLT experience. Cut thick-cut bacon into ½-inch chunks and cook until golden brown and perfectly crisp. For a quicker option, pre-cooked bacon bits can be warmed in the microwave for about a minute on a paper plate until crunchy.
• String Cheese: String cheese sticks are perfect for this salad as they can be easily cut into bite-sized pieces, adding a mild, creamy texture. You can also use small mozzarella cheese balls (bocconcini) or freshly shredded mozzarella for a similar effect. Feel free to experiment with other mild cheeses like provolone or Monterey Jack.
• Lettuce: The foundation of any great salad! Romaine lettuce offers a crisp texture and mild flavor. Butter lettuce provides a softer, more delicate bite, while mixed greens or spring mix can add a variety of textures and subtle bitterness. Choose whatever greens you love most for your grilled chicken BLT salad.
• Pesto Ranch Dressing: This homemade dressing is the star that ties all the flavors together. It’s incredibly simple yet impactful. Just combine ⅓ pesto with ⅔ creamy ranch dressing. The herbaceous notes of the pesto perfectly complement the tang and creaminess of the ranch, creating a dressing that’s fantastic not only on this salad but also as a dip for fresh vegetables or a spread for sandwiches.
• Homemade Croutons (Optional): While optional, homemade croutons add an amazing crunch and can be customized with various seasonings to perfectly match your preferences. Simply cube some day-old bread, toss with olive oil and your favorite spices, then toast until golden brown.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making This Chicken BLT Salad

Creating this flavorful grilled chicken BLT salad is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by tenderizing your chicken breasts. Place each breast in a large Ziploc bag or between two sheets of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, meat mallet, or even a heavy-bottomed pan, gently pound the thickest parts of the chicken until it’s an even thickness (about ¾ inch). This ensures even cooking and helps the chicken remain moist and tender.
2. Marinate for Flavor: In the same Ziploc bag (or a bowl), combine the avocado oil, fresh lemon juice, and Italian seasoning mix. Add the tenderized chicken breasts, ensuring they are thoroughly coated in the marinade. Seal the bag, gently roll it around to distribute the marinade evenly, and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, or ideally, 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Grill to Perfection: When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat (approximately 350°F). Remove the marinated chicken from the bag, discarding any excess marinade. Place the chicken breasts directly on the hot grill. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side. The exact cooking time may vary based on thickness, so use a digital meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
4. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the grilled chicken to a plate or platter. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in exceptionally tender and juicy chicken.
5. Slice and Serve: After resting, slice the chicken either into strips or bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
6. Assemble Your Salad: In a large serving bowl, combine your fresh chopped lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon bits, sliced string cheese, and diced avocado. Arrange the sliced grilled chicken on top of the salad.
7. Drizzle with Dressing: Generously drizzle the creamy pesto ranch dressing over the entire salad. Toss gently to combine all ingredients, ensuring every component is coated with the delicious dressing. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade grilled chicken BLT salad!

Exciting BLT Salad Recipe Variations

While the classic Grilled Chicken BLT Salad is perfect as is, it also serves as an excellent canvas for creativity. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your own twists and transform this dish to suit different tastes or dietary preferences. No matter which variation you choose, you can be sure it will be a delicious and satisfying meal that everyone loves.

• Buffalo BLT Chicken Salad: For those who love a kick, simply substitute the creamy Pesto Ranch dressing with a tangy buffalo sauce. You can also toss the grilled chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the salad for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles would perfectly complement this spicy rendition.
• Mexican BLT Chicken Salad: Infuse your salad with vibrant Latin American flavors. Add chili powder, cumin, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to your chicken marinade for a unique and spicy twist. Incorporate black beans, corn, diced red onion, and a sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese. A cilantro-lime vinaigrette would be an ideal dressing.
• Asian BLT Chicken Salad: Transport your taste buds to Asia with this aromatic variation. Add thinly sliced almonds, toasted sesame seeds, and edamame for texture and flavor. Instead of pesto ranch, use a delicious sesame ginger dressing. Shredded carrots, bell peppers, and snap peas would also make wonderful additions.
• Vegetarian “BLT” Salad: For a delightful plant-based version, simply omit the chicken and bacon. Instead, use seasoned roasted chickpeas for protein and texture, and crispy vegan bacon (or even smoked tofu) to retain that essential smoky flavor. Grilled halloumi cheese also makes a fantastic vegetarian protein option.
• Mediterranean BLT Salad: Introduce fresh Mediterranean flavors by adding sliced cucumbers, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and a light lemon-herb vinaigrette. The grilled chicken marinated with oregano and garlic would be a perfect fit here.
• Summer Berry BLT Salad: For a surprising sweet and savory combination, add fresh seasonal berries like sliced strawberries or blueberries. A light balsamic vinaigrette would complement the fruit beautifully, creating a refreshing and unique BLT salad experience.

Achieving really tender, juicy grilled chicken breasts is simpler than you might think! The key is three-fold: always tenderize the chicken breast to an even thickness before marinating, ensure you marinate the meat for an adequate period to infuse flavor and moisture, and most importantly, avoid overcooking. Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), it’s perfectly done. Resting the chicken for 5 minutes after grilling also helps juices redistribute, ensuring maximum moisture.

Tenderizing your chicken makes a significant difference in both texture and cooking consistency. It’s incredibly easy and takes just a couple of minutes. A common method is to place the chicken breast between two sheets of parchment paper or in a gallon Ziplock bag. Then, use a rolling pin, the flat side of a meat tenderizer, or even a heavy-bottomed pan to gently pound the thickest part of the chicken. The goal is to even out the thickness of the meat, not to smash it thin. This helps the chicken cook much more evenly and prevents the thinner parts from drying out while the thicker parts finish cooking. A few good, firm whacks are usually sufficient; be careful not to over-pound the meat.

You have the flexibility to serve the grilled chicken in this BLT salad either warm or cold – it’s entirely up to your preference! Warm chicken straight off the grill adds a comforting element, especially if you’re serving it immediately. Chilled chicken is refreshing and perfect for meal prep or a lighter summer meal. Both options are delicious, so feel free to choose what suits your taste and timing best.

Absolutely! This grilled chicken BLT salad is great for meal prep. You can marinate and grill the chicken a day or two in advance. Cook and crisp the bacon, then store it separately in an airtight container. Prepare your pesto ranch dressing and keep it in the fridge. Chop your lettuce and other hardy vegetables (like bell peppers or cucumbers if using) and store them separately. The only ingredient best cut right before serving is the avocado, to prevent browning.

This hearty salad can certainly stand alone as a complete meal. However, if you’re looking for complementary side dishes, consider serving it with a crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up any extra dressing. A simple fruit salad would add a refreshing touch, or a light soup could make for a more substantial lunch. For a backyard BBQ, corn on the cob or a potato salad would be excellent companions.

Storing Your Grilled Chicken BLT Salad

To maintain the freshness and quality of your grilled chicken BLT salad, proper storage is key:

• Refrigerator: To maximize freshness and prevent sogginess, it’s best to store the individual components of the salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This includes the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, prepared vegetables (excluding avocado), and the pesto ranch dressing. Remember, do not cut the avocado ahead of time, as it will brown quickly once exposed to air. Assemble the salad just before serving.
• To Reheat Chicken: If you prefer your grilled chicken warm, you can gently reheat it. Either microwave the sliced chicken pieces in short bursts until warmed through, or spread them on a baking sheet and warm in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, until heated. Ensure it does not dry out.

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