BLT Salad

The crisp sound of croutons crunching as you dive into a refreshing bowl of salad is a moment to relish. This BLT Salad, which can be prepared in just 30 minutes, combines the heartiness of turkey bacon with the freshness of greens and vegetables, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a light yet filling dish, making it an excellent choice for warm-weather lunches or casual dinners. You can even make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The juxtaposition of crispy croutons and crunchy lettuce creates a delightful texture.
• Turkey bacon adds a smoky flavor without the heaviness of traditional bacon.
• Making your own dressing elevates the salad and ensures freshness.
• Quick to prepare, this salad is a time-saving option for busy weeknights.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to make the perfect salad:

For the Salad

• 4 cups Romain lettuce, chopped (about 2 heads)
• 8 strips of turkey bacon, chopped and cooked
• 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 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
• Pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper

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

Day-old bread is ideal for croutons; fresh will be too soft.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use regular bacon instead of turkey for a richer flavor.
• Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the dressing for a lighter option.
• Any leafy green works instead of romaine, like kale or spinach.
• Use a blend of cheeses for varied flavor.

How to Make It

Create a beautiful BLT Salad with these easy steps:

Blend the dressing

1. Blend all of the ingredients for the dressing in a blender until smooth and well combined.

Preheat the oven

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Prepare the croutons

3. Chop day-old bread into cubes and place on a cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the bread cubes, sprinkle with garlic powder, and toss with your fingers or a rubber spatula.

Bake the croutons

4. Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown. Turn once during bake time to prevent them from burning.

Cook the bacon

5. Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a skillet and fry the bacon pieces until they turn crispy, about 5-7 minutes.

Assemble the salad

6. Add the chopped Romaine lettuce, chopped bacon, grated cheese, tomatoes, and croutons to a large bowl and toss.

Dress and season

7. Just before serving, dress the salad and season with freshly cracked pepper.

How to Store It

Fridge: store in an airtight container for 3 days.
Freezer: no, dressing doesn’t freeze well.
Reheat: serve cold; no reheating needed.

Tips for Best Results

• Ensure bacon is extra crispy for optimal flavor.
• Make the dressing a day ahead for enhanced taste.
• Use parchment paper for easy cleanup when baking croutons.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with grilled chicken for a hearty meal.
• Serve as a side for summer barbecues.
• Enjoy alongside a chilled glass of white wine.