BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep Recipe

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious, satisfying meal that you can easily prep in advance, you simply have to try this BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep. It’s a flavorful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, combining tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, fresh tomatoes, and creamy avocado all tied together with a luscious, homemade dressing. Perfectly balanced and packed with textures and vibrant colors, this salad is a meal prep superstar that keeps lunch exciting and wholesome throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each chosen to bring its own unique burst of flavor, texture, and color. From the crispness of bacon to the creaminess of avocado, these ingredients come together to create a salad that feels indulgent but still fresh and light.

• 4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Provides a juicy, tender protein base with a rich, savory flavor.
• 8 pieces of center-cut bacon, chopped: Adds irresistible crunch and smoky depth.
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Offers a tangy creaminess and a healthy twist in place of all mayo.
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise: Ensures the salad stays indulgently creamy and smooth.
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix: Brings a zesty herb flavor that ties all the elements together.
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper: Adds a little spicy kick to balance the richness.
• 1/3 cup diced green onions: Gives a mild onion bite and a nice pop of green color.
• 2/3 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered: Bursting with juicy sweetness and vibrant red hues.
• 1 diced avocado: Brings creamy richness and a buttery texture to every bite.

How to Make BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep

Step 1: Prepare the Dressing

Begin by creating your salad’s creamy base. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth and well combined. This creamy blend makes the salad rich without feeling too heavy. Next, sprinkle in the ranch seasoning mix and freshly cracked black pepper. Whisk once more to evenly distribute the flavors through your dressing, setting the stage for a perfectly balanced salad.

Step 2: Combine the Main Ingredients

Now, add your shredded rotisserie chicken, crispy chopped bacon, and diced green onions to the bowl with the dressing. Gently fold the ingredients together so every morsel is luxuriously coated with the creamy dressing. This melding of textures—the juicy chicken and crunchy bacon covered in herb-infused creaminess—is the heart of your BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep.

Step 3: Incorporate the Tomatoes

Time to bring in some fresh brightness. Fold in the halved or quartered cherry tomatoes with care so they don’t get crushed but still spread evenly throughout. These juicy bursts of flavor and vivid red color add freshness that perfectly balances the richness of the chicken and bacon.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Before moving on, take a moment to taste your salad. This step is key—season to your liking, whether that means adding a pinch more black pepper, a bit of salt, or an extra sprinkle of ranch seasoning. A perfectly seasoned BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep is what makes each bite sing.

Step 5: Add Avocado and Serve

The final touch is the creamy avocado. When you’re ready to enjoy your salad, gently fold in diced avocado or arrange it as a fresh layer on top of your portion. The avocado adds a buttery texture that makes the salad feel like a special treat while keeping it wholesome and satisfying.

Step 6: Chill and Store

Transfer the salad into an airtight container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This resting time allows all of the wonderful flavors to blend and settle, resulting in a fully harmonious dish that’s perfect for lunchboxes and quick dinners alike.

How to Serve BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep

Garnishes

Brighten up your salad servings with some additional crunch and color by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley or extra green onions on top. A dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice can also elevate the flavors beautifully. These simple garnishes make each serving pop with freshness and appetizing appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair your BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep with light sides that complement but don’t overpower it. Crisp cucumber slices, a small green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, or whole-grain crackers add textural variety and keep your meal balanced and satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

This salad is versatile when it comes to presentation. Serve it stuffed into crisp lettuce cups for a refreshing crunch, layer it atop toasted whole-grain bread for an open-faced sandwich experience, or scoop it onto baked sweet potatoes for a nutritious twist. Changing up how you serve it keeps things exciting and encourages creativity at mealtime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep stores beautifully in the fridge. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the avocado from browning too quickly. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

While this salad is best fresh or refrigerated, if you want to freeze the chicken salad, do so without the avocado. Freeze the salad in a freezer-safe container for up to a month, then thaw in the refrigerator. Add fresh diced avocado just before serving to maintain the perfect texture and flavor.

Reheating

Since BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep is typically served cold, reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer it warm, remove the avocado, and gently warm the salad in a microwave-safe dish for about a minute, then add the avocado back just before eating. This keeps the creamy texture of the avocado intact.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken?

Absolutely! While shredded rotisserie chicken is convenient and flavorful, you can use grilled, baked, or even leftover chicken breast. Just ensure the chicken is shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces for the best texture.

Is there a substitute for the ranch seasoning mix?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, a combination of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt works wonderfully to replicate those flavors.

How do I keep the avocado from browning?

To slow browning, toss avocado with a little lemon or lime juice before incorporating it into the salad, or add it fresh when serving, rather than mixing it in during storage.

Can I make the salad vegan or vegetarian?

For a vegetarian or vegan version, substitute the chicken and bacon with plant-based alternatives like chickpeas or smoked tempeh, and use vegan mayo and yogurt replacements. The flavor might differ slightly, but it’s still delicious.

What’s the best way to serve this salad for meal prep?

Divide the salad into individual containers for grab-and-go lunches, keeping avocado separate if possible. Pair with a side of fresh veggies or whole-grain crackers for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

This BLT Chicken Salad for Meal Prep has quickly become one of my all-time favorites because it delivers so much flavor, texture, and satisfaction without any fuss. Whether you’re planning weekday lunches, need a quick dinner, or want something that feels indulgent but healthy, this salad ticks all the boxes. Give it a try and let it take your meal prep game to a whole new level of delicious!

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