BLT Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BLT Salad takes all the classic flavors of a beloved BLT sandwich—crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes—and transforms them into a refreshing, hearty salad. It’s a perfect option for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish. With a creamy dressing and crunchy croutons, every bite delivers a satisfying balance of textures and flavors.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

romaine lettucecherry tomatoescrispy baconbread slices or croutonsmayonnaisebuttermilklemon juicegarlic powdersaltpepper

directions

Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels.

Cut the bread into cubes and toast them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) until golden and crisp to make croutons.

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.

Chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes.

In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and croutons.

Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving and toss gently to coat.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add slices of avocado for extra creaminess.

Top with grilled chicken to turn it into a more filling meal.

Use a ranch dressing instead of the homemade version for a shortcut.

Mix in shredded cheddar cheese for a richer flavor.

Use spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine for a different texture.

storage/reheating

Store any leftover undressed salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.Store the dressing separately to keep the salad from becoming soggy.Croutons should be stored in a separate airtight container at room temperature for maximum crispness.

FAQs

Can I make BLT Salad ahead of time?

You can prep the ingredients in advance but wait to assemble and dress the salad until just before serving.

What kind of bacon works best?

Thick-cut bacon provides the best crunch and flavor.

Can I use store-bought croutons?

Yes, store-bought croutons are a convenient alternative.

Is there a low-fat version?

Use turkey bacon and a light mayonnaise or yogurt-based dressing for a lighter option.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely, cucumbers, avocados, or red onions work well.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can substitute with milk mixed with a little lemon juice or vinegar.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Skip the bacon and add smoky-flavored tempeh or roasted chickpeas for crunch.

Can I use a different dressing?

Yes, blue cheese or vinaigrette dressings also pair nicely.

Is this salad gluten-free?

Use gluten-free bread or croutons to make it gluten-free.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dressing or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the salad.

Conclusion

BLT Salad offers all the comforting, familiar flavors of a classic sandwich in a lighter, more refreshing form. It’s easy to customize, quick to prepare, and deliciously satisfying, making it an ideal choice for any meal of the day. Enjoy the crispy, creamy, savory goodness with every forkful!

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