BLT Salad
A Delicious BLT Salad Recipe You’ll Love
You might already be familiar with the classic BLT sandwich, but have you ever tried a BLT salad? This delightful dish combines all your favorite components of the beloved sandwich into a fresh, colorful salad bursting with flavor. With crispy turkey bacon, crunchy romaine lettuce, sweet cherry tomatoes, and a creamy homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight dinner. You may also find 15 Minute Mediterranean Chickpea Salad useful.
Whether you’re looking for a hearty side or a light main course, this BLT salad satisfies cravings while keeping things healthy. If you’re on the hunt for something fresh and fulfilling, you might also enjoy trying an apple cucumber salad that offers a refreshing contrast.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
There are plenty of reasons to love this BLT salad. First, it comes together quickly—perfect for those busy weeknights. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, especially if you make the croutons from day-old bread you already have at home. Another highlight is its versatility; you can enjoy it as a full meal or pair it with grilled chicken for extra protein. You may also find Apple Salad useful.
"I made this salad for a family gathering, and it was a hit! Everyone loved the crispness of the lettuce and the smoky flavor of the bacon." You may also find Asian Chicken Crunch Salad useful.
This salad is also great for those warm summer days when you want something light yet satisfying.
Preparing the BLT Salad
Making this BLT salad is easier than you might think. Begin by gathering your ingredients and preparing the dressing. You’ll want to blend the ingredients seamlessly for that creamy texture. The next steps involve toasting your croutons perfectly in the oven and cooking the turkey bacon until it’s crispy. These steps create the signature crunch that everyone craves in a salad.
What You’ll Need
To make this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 strips of turkey bacon, chopped and cooked
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2 heads)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Jack cheese, grated
- 2 cups croutons
- Ranch Dressing made with:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 green onion, roughly chopped
- 1 garlic clove, smashed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
- A pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper
- 2 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Directions to Follow
- Prepare the Dressing: Start by blending all the ingredients for the dressing in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Bake the Croutons: Place the chopped day-old bread cubes onto a cookie sheet, drizzle olive oil over them, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toss them to ensure they are coated. Bake for 5-7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown, flipping once during baking to avoid burning.
- Cook the Bacon: Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and fry the chopped turkey bacon pieces for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the chopped romaine, crispy bacon, grated cheeses, cherry tomatoes, and croutons.
- Dress the Salad: Just before serving, drizzle the salad with the dressing and sprinkle freshly cracked pepper on top. Toss well to combine.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
The BLT salad can be served beautifully as a standalone dish or with grilled chicken for that extra protein punch. For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding diced avocado or even a sprinkle of candied walnuts for some crunch. Pair it with a light white wine or sparkling water to complete the meal.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until just before serving to maintain the salad’s crispness. This way, you can enjoy this flavorful salad another day without loss of texture.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- If you want to save time, make your dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.
- Try experimenting with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for a unique twist on the salad.
- For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add some jalapeños or hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Creative Flavors and Variations
You can easily customize this BLT salad by using different kinds of lettuce or adding fruits like apples or berries. Swap the turkey bacon for regular bacon or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version. If you’re looking for another delicious salad, consider trying an Asian pasta salad that brings different textures and tastes to the table.
FAQs
How long does the salad last in the fridge?
The salad is best enjoyed fresh but can last up to three days in an airtight container. Be sure to keep the dressing separate.
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Regular bacon will give you that traditional savory flavor, and just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make homemade croutons?
You can make croutons at home by toasting cubes of stale bread with olive oil and your favorite seasonings in the oven.
Conclusion
This BLT salad is not only a delightful and refreshing meal but also offers a variety of textures and flavors that everyone will enjoy. For an excellent BLT salad recipe complete with a fantastic dressing, check out Natasha’s Kitchen. You can also explore a unique take on this classic with Samin Nosrat’s BLT salad that you might find intriguing.
BLT Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad
- 8 strips turkey bacon, chopped and cooked
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2 heads)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Jack cheese, grated
- 2 cups croutons
For the Dressing
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 green onion, roughly chopped
- 1 clove garlic, smashed and roughly chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup water
For the Croutons
- 2 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnishing
- sea salt and cracked pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Blend all the ingredients for the dressing in a blender until smooth and set aside.
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
- Place the chopped day-old bread cubes onto a cookie sheet, drizzle olive oil over them, and sprinkle with garlic powder. Toss to ensure they are coated.
- Bake croutons for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, flipping once to avoid burning.
- Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet and fry the chopped turkey bacon pieces for about 5-7 minutes until crispy.
Assembly
- In a large bowl, mix the chopped romaine, crispy bacon, grated cheeses, cherry tomatoes, and croutons.
- Just before serving, drizzle the salad with the dressing and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper. Toss well to combine.
