BLT Chicken Salad Jar Recipe

There’s something about the classic BLT combination that never goes out of style — smoky bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and creamy dressing.

I decided to take that timeless trio and give it a meal prep twist with these BLT Chicken Salad Jars.

It’s like your favorite BLT sandwich reinvented — layered with grilled chicken, crispy bacon, cherry tomatoes, and romaine lettuce, all drizzled with a creamy ranch or mayo-based dressing.

The result? A protein-packed, flavor-loaded salad that’s perfect for grab-and-go lunches, weekend picnics, or even light dinners.

These jars are visually stunning, stay fresh for several days, and bring a comforting familiarity that people love.

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Recipe Highlights

This recipe delivers all the comfort of a BLT in a healthier, portable way. The creamy dressing at the base blends beautifully with the bacon and chicken once shaken, creating a flavor-packed bite every time.

You can customize these jars with avocado, cheddar, or even swap the dressing to lighten it up — but no matter what, they stay irresistibly delicious.

Highlights:

• Classic BLT flavor in a convenient jar format

• High in protein and easy to customize

• Perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and fresh textures

• Ideal for meal prep — stays crisp up to 4 days

Ingredient Notes

• Grilled Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and a touch of olive oil. They add lean protein and soak up the dressing perfectly.
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• Bacon: Crispy, smoky bacon adds crunch and richness. Let it cool completely before layering to prevent sogginess.
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• Ranch or Mayo-Based Dressing: Either creamy ranch or a homemade mix of mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Adds that signature BLT creaminess.
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• Romaine Lettuce: Keeps the salad light, crisp, and refreshing — the perfect contrast to rich bacon.
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• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy — the classic BLT flavor hero.
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• Cheddar Cheese (Optional): A sprinkle of shredded cheddar makes the salad heartier and adds a subtle sharpness.
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• Avocado (Optional): Creamy avocado takes this salad to another level of flavor and texture.
  

How to Make My BLT Chicken Salad Jars

1. Cook the Bacon: Fry or bake until crispy. Drain on paper towels and cool completely.
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2. Grill the Chicken: Season with salt, pepper, and olive oil. Grill until golden brown and cooked through. Let cool and slice thinly.
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3. Prepare the Dressing: Add ranch or a simple mayo-yogurt blend to the bottom of each jar (about 2 tablespoons).
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4. Layer the Ingredients: Start with the dressing, then cherry tomatoes, chicken slices, bacon pieces (optional), and finish with romaine lettuce.
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5. Seal & Store: Close jars tightly and refrigerate. Shake before eating or pour into a bowl and toss lightly.

Serving Suggestions

These BLT Chicken Salad Jars are incredibly versatile — enjoy them straight from the jar or with:

• A slice of toasted sourdough or baguette for dipping

• Croutons or pita chips for added crunch

• A side of fresh fruit or iced tea for a light lunch combo

• A drizzle of extra dressing or hot sauce for extra flavor

Tips for the Best BLT Chicken Salad Jars

Cool your bacon and chicken fully before layering to avoid steam and sogginess. Keep dressing at the bottom, lettuce on top.

If adding avocado, brush slices with lemon juice to prevent browning. These jars last up to 4 days refrigerated, making them perfect for Sunday meal prep.

Storage and Warming of Leftovers

• Store sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Do not freeze.

• Best served cold or at room temperature.

• Add avocado fresh when serving to prevent browning.