Go Back
A close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy chicken bacon salad, tomatoes, and red onions.

Savory BLT Chicken Salad Healthy Salad Recipe

Enjoy a fresh and satisfying twist on the classic BLT with this healthy chicken salad, featuring tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, ripe tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, all tossed in a light, creamy Greek yogurt dressing. It's perfect for a wholesome lunch or light dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts approx. 6 oz each, or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
For the Crispy Turkey Bacon
  • 6 slices turkey bacon or regular bacon, cooked crispy
For the Salad Base
  • 5 oz mixed greens or romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/2 cup cucumber diced
  • 1/4 cup red onion thinly sliced
For the Light BLT Dressing
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt 2% or full-fat
  • 2 tbsp light mayonnaise or avocado mayo
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 tsp dried dill optional
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Large Mixing Bowl
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Small Whisk

Method
 

Prepare the Chicken (Group)
  1. If using raw chicken breasts, pat them dry with paper towels. Rub each breast with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Place in the air fryer basket and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (Alternatively, grill or bake until cooked through.) Let the chicken cool slightly, then shred or dice it.
  2. If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, simply shred it and set aside.
Cook the Turkey Bacon (Group)
  1. While the chicken cooks or cools (or if using rotisserie chicken, start now), arrange the turkey bacon in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry at 380°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy, flipping halfway through. (Alternatively, cook in a skillet over medium heat until crispy.) Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
Prepare Vegetables and Dressing (Group)
  1. Wash and prepare all the vegetables: halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, light mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, dried dill (if using), salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble and Serve (Group)
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, crumbled crispy turkey bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
  2. Pour the light BLT dressing over the chicken mixture and toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
  3. Serve the Savory BLT Chicken Salad immediately over a bed of fresh mixed greens. Enjoy!

Notes

This salad is best enjoyed fresh to maintain the crispness of the bacon and freshness of the vegetables. For meal prep, store the chicken mixture, dressing, and mixed greens separately. Combine them just before serving to prevent sogginess. For an added boost of healthy fats and creaminess, consider adding sliced avocado to your finished salad.