BLT Salad

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

BLT Salad takes the classic flavors of the beloved bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and transforms them into a fresh, satisfying salad. It’s crunchy, smoky, creamy, and perfect for a light lunch, dinner side, or picnic dish. With crisp bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and a tangy dressing, it offers all the comfort of a BLT with the lightness of a salad.

ingredients

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

romaine lettucecherry tomatoescrispy bacon (cooked and crumbled)croutonsmayonnaisebuttermilkgarlic powderonion powderdijon mustardlemon juicefresh chives (optional)salt and pepper

directions

Wash and chop the romaine lettuce, then place it in a large salad bowl.

Halve the cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl.

Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain and crumble it over the salad.

Add croutons for crunch and texture.

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

Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Sprinkle with fresh chives if desired and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time (for bacon): 10 minutesTotal time: 25 minutes

Variations

Add diced avocado for extra creaminess.

Swap romaine for butter lettuce or mixed greens.

Use turkey bacon or pancetta for a twist on flavor.

Top with a poached or boiled egg to make it more filling.

Add grilled chicken to turn it into a main course.

storage/reheating

Store undressed salad ingredients in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.Store the dressing separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.Do not store tossed salad, as it will become soggy.

FAQs

What type of lettuce works best?

Romaine is ideal for its crunch, but iceberg or butter lettuce also work well.

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.

Is the dressing like ranch?

It’s similar but tangier and a bit thicker due to the mayo and buttermilk base.

Can I make this salad dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the buttermilk with a dairy-free alternative or use a vinaigrette.

What’s the best way to cook bacon for this?

Baking it in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes ensures evenly crispy pieces.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

Yes, but homemade adds a fresher and more personalized flavor.

How can I make it vegetarian?

Omit the bacon or use a plant-based alternative.

Can I add cheese?

Absolutely—crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar works well.

Conclusion

BLT Salad delivers everything you love about the sandwich in a fresh, crunchy, and crave-worthy form. It’s easy to throw together, endlessly customizable, and perfect for any season. Whether you’re looking for a light lunch or a hearty side, this salad hits all the right notes.

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