If you’re looking for a fresh, hearty, and flavor-packed salad that’s easy to make, look no further! This Chicken BLT Caesar Salad combines the best of a BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken—with the creamy, tangy richness of a Caesar salad. It’s a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep. Plus, we’re making it with a homemade Caesar dressing that takes the flavor to the next level—without the need for anchovies!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken BLT Caesar Salad
- Quick & Easy – This salad comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Protein-Packed – Loaded with lean chicken breast and bacon, this salad keeps you full and satisfied.
- Homemade Caesar Dressing – Skip the store-bought dressing! This easy Caesar dressing is creamy, tangy, and bursting with fresh flavors.
- Versatile & Customizable – Swap ingredients to fit your preferences, such as using turkey bacon, grilled shrimp, or adding avocado.
Chicken BLT Caesar Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
- 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup croutons
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Homemade Caesar Dressing:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar until smooth. While whisking, slowly drizzle in the olive oil to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Prepare the Salad Base: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and croutons.
- Add the Protein: Layer the sliced chicken and crumbled bacon on top of the salad.
- Dress the Salad: Drizzle the homemade Caesar dressing over the salad and toss to coat everything evenly. Taste and season with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the top and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of brightness.
- Serve & Enjoy: Divide the salad into bowls or plates and enjoy your Chicken BLT Caesar Salad with the best creamy homemade dressing—no sardines required!
Tips for the Best Chicken BLT Caesar Salad
- Make It Lighter: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter dressing option.
- Grilled Chicken for Extra Flavor: Marinate your chicken in olive oil, garlic, and lemon juice before grilling for extra flavor.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Keep the dressing separate and store everything in airtight containers for an easy grab-and-go meal.
- Add Some Crunch: Top with toasted nuts or seeds for extra texture.
Pairing Suggestions
This Chicken BLT Caesar Salad pairs well with:
- A side of garlic bread or homemade focaccia
- A light, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc
- A refreshing iced tea or lemonade
Why Homemade Caesar Dressing?
Store-bought dressings often contain preservatives and artificial flavors. Making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor. Plus, this version skips anchovies, making it more approachable for picky eaters!
This Chicken BLT Caesar Salad is the perfect balance of fresh, hearty, and satisfying flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit.
