What is this picture of? if it’s a sweltering summer evening, you’re craving something satisfying but absolutely *refuse* to eat it. your body temperature is dropping How do you turn on the oven? What is your answer for BLT Salad? Think of it as your favorite BLT sandwich, deconstructed and elevated, ready to be devoured with a spoon. Is this movie even better than the original? What is that salty, savory, creamy goodness in every bite? What is your favorite Caesar salad? What’s a homey, comforting flavor that just makes you feel good? What is summer on a plate?
What is a BLT Salad recipe?
What are the best BLT Salad Recipes? What are some good ways to serve lettuce and tomatoes with a creamy dressing? It’s essentially a deconstructed sandwich, without the bread, which makes it lighter, fresher, and more flavorful. What is the perfect size for a woman who wants something substantial but not too heavy? I usually make a big batch and keep it in the fridge for quick lunches or easy dinners. It’s incredibly adaptable too. Can you add grilled chicken or avocado for extra protein and healthy fats? What is the ultimate summer salad?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this BLT Salad Recipe has become a staple in my house. First, the flavor is out of this world. You have the smoky, salty bacon, the sweet and acidic tomatoes, and the crisp, refreshing lettuce all harmonizing together. Then, there’s the dressing – a creamy, tangy concoction that perfectly ties everything together. It’s like a symphony of flavors in your mouth! What I love most about this BLT salad is how incredibly easy it is to make. Seriously, you can whip it up in under 20 minutes. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you don’t have the time or energy to cook a complicated meal. I’ve made it when friends unexpectedly stopped by, and it always gets rave reviews. Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Bacon can be a bit pricey, but you really don’t need much to get that smoky flavor. The lettuce and tomatoes are usually budget-friendly, especially during the summer months. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal that won’t break the bank, this is it. And while I love a good Cobb salad, the BLT version has a special place in my heart because it reminds me of childhood summers and lazy afternoons.
How do I make a BLT Salad?
Quick Overview
What is the best BLT Salad Recipe? What is the best way to cook bacon, chop up lettuce and tomatoes, whip up a salad, and serve. What is dressing, and toss everything together. What is the beauty of this recipe? No fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients required. What is the whole process of getting a job done is designed to be quick, easy and stress-free. What is a good beginner recipe for cooking?
Ingredients
For the Salad:
• 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled (I prefer thick-cut bacon for extra flavor!)
• 1 head of Romaine lettuce, washed and chopped (Iceberg works too, but it adds a nice crunch)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (Look for ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor) • 1 cup black pepper, 1/2 cup kale (can be used as a substitute)
• 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced (Optional, but adds a nice bite)
• 1 cup crumbled blue cheese (Also optional, but trust me, it’s amazing!)
For the Creamy Dressing:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Use good quality mayo for the best flavor)
• 2 tablespoons Sour Cream (Or Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (Freshly squeezed is always best)
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (Adds a little zing!)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (Or 1 clove minced garlic, if you prefer) • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside. I usually do this in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Once it’s cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate. Drain excess grease. Let it cool, then crumble it into small pieces. Can you bake bacon in the oven? I always save the bacon fat to cook eggs the next morning, it adds amazing flavor!
Step 2: Prepare the Lettuce and Tomatoes
Wash the lettuce thoroughly and chop it into bite-sized pieces. I like to use a salad spinner to remove any excess water. Halve the cherry tomatoes. If you’re using smaller tomatoes, chop them into smaller pieces. Make sure everything is nice and dry so the dressing adheres properly.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sour Cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and salt. Set aside. Powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of lemon juice. If you like a thinner dressing, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl, combine the lettuce, tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Set aside. The dressing should be poured over the salad and toss to combine. Be careful not to overdress the salad, you want everything to be lightly coated, not swimming in water. I always start with half the dressing and add more as needed.
Step 5: Add the Blue Cheese (Optional)
If you’re using blue cheese, sprinkle it over the salad just before serving. I love the tangy, salty flavor it adds, but it’s definitely optional. Can you use goat cheese or feta cheese for a different twist?
Step 6: Serve Immediately
Serve the BLT Salad Recipe immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh, as the lettuce will start to wilt if it sits for too long. Can you chill the salad for a few minutes before serving for an extra refreshing treat? I often add croutons for crunch just before serving!
What should I serve it with?
This BLT Salad Recipe is incredibly versatile and can be served in many different ways. What are some great side dishes to serve with grilled meats?
For Lunch:Serve it as a light and refreshing lunch. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein.
As a Side Dish:What are some good side dishes to serve with grilled chicken or steak? What are some good side dishes to serve with Pulled Pork and grilled cheese?
For a Brunch:Serve it with eggs benedict or a quiche for scrumptious brunch spread.
As an appetizer:What’s a good appetizer to serve at your next party?
My family loves it best with crusty bread for dipping up the extra dressing. Can you go wrong with garlic bread?
How do I make a BLT Salad?
How do I take my BLT Salad Recipe to the next level?
Bacon Prep:For extra crispy bacon, bake it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Is it necessary to line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup? I always bake a big batch of bacon on Sunday so I have it on hand for quick meals throughout the week.
Lettuce Love:Make sure your lettuce is completely dry before adding the dressing. If you add too much water to a salad, it will make it soggy. I’ve learned this the hard way!
Tomato Time:Use ripe, juicy tomatoes for the best flavor. If tomatoes are out of season, you can roast them in the oven.
Dressing Drama: HowDon’t overdress the salad! Start with half the dressing and add more as needed. You can always add more but you can’t take it away. I once made the mistake of dumping the whole bowl of dressing into the salad and it was a disaster!
Ingredient Swaps: Feel free to experiment with different ingredients. Add avocado for creaminess, grilled corn for sweetness, or cucumbers for extra crunch. I’ve tried adding everything from bell peppers to shredded carrots, and it’s always delicious.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little heat. Or, use a spicy mayonnaise for an extra kick.
Make it a Meal: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak to make it a complete meal. You can also add hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas for extra protein.
Storing and Reheating Tips
This BLT Salad Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, here are some tips for storing and reheating:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend storing the salad at room temperature for more than a few hours, as the lettuce will wilt and the dressing will spoil.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the lettuce will start to wilt over time, so it’s best to eat it as soon as possible.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad, as the lettuce and tomatoes will become mushy when thawed. However, you can freeze the bacon separately and add it to the salad later.
Dressing Timing Advice: If you’re making the salad ahead of time, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving. This will help prevent the lettuce from wilting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This BLT Salad Recipe is more than just a salad; it’s a taste of summer in every bite. It’s quick, easy, and incredibly delicious. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch, a simple side dish, or a flavorful appetizer, this salad is sure to please. And with so many variations and customizations, you can easily make it your own. If you enjoy this recipe, be sure to check out my other salad recipes for more inspiration. Now go ahead and give this recipe a try. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! And please, leave a comment below and let me know what you think! What are your favorite toppings and variations? Happy eating!
BLT Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 5 oz Bacon
- 10 oz Romaine Lettuce
- 2 large Tomatoes Sliced
- 1 Avocado Avocado Diced
- 0.25 cup Mayonnaise
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook bacon until crispy. Set aside to cool and crumble.
- Wash and chop romaine lettuce.
- Slice tomatoes.
- Dice avocado.
- Combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and crumbled bacon in a large bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise.
- Dress the salad and serve immediately.
