Crisp Garden BLT Salad Recipe: Fresh Twist on a Classic

Crisp lettuce and smoky bacon dance together in this irresistible BLT salad recipe that brings classic sandwich flavors to a fresh, vibrant plate.

Packed with summer-ripe tomatoes and golden croutons, this salad delivers maximum flavor in every bite.

Creamy dressing weaves through layers of crisp ingredients, creating a harmonious blend of textures.

Bacon crumbles add a salty crunch that elevates the entire dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful promises a delightful mix of greens, proteins, and tangy notes that capture the essence of a beloved sandwich.

This quick and easy recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that works perfectly for lunch or dinner.

Savor the delicious symphony of flavors and watch as everyone around the table asks for seconds.

Why BLT Salad Is a Light and Crunchy Favorite

• Combine classic BLT sandwich ingredients into a refreshing salad that transforms traditional comfort food into a lighter, veggie-packed meal.
• Requires minimal cooking skills with straightforward steps, making it perfect for beginners or busy home cooks who want a quick and delicious dish.
• Adaptable recipe allows swapping ingredients like different cheeses, adding grilled chicken, or adjusting dressing intensity to suit personal taste preferences.
• Appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar bacon and cheese components, ensuring a universally enjoyable dining experience that satisfies diverse palates.

What You’ll Need for BLT Salad

• Romaine Lettuce: A crisp and fresh foundation for the salad that provides a green and crunchy base.
• Grape Tomatoes: Small, sweet tomatoes that add a burst of color and juicy flavor to the dish.

• Bacon, Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Crispy, savory bacon pieces and creamy cheese cubes that bring richness and depth to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream, Buttermilk: A creamy trio that creates a smooth and tangy dressing base.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that add depth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Texas Toast Croutons, Fresh Chives: Crunchy croutons and delicate chives that provide texture and a finishing touch to the salad.

How to Toss Together a BLT Salad

Step 1: Wash and Chop Lettuce

Grab a crisp Romaine lettuce head and slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Rinse thoroughly under cold water, ensuring complete cleanliness.

Use a salad spinner to remove excess water or pat dry with paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Step 2: Prepare Tomatoes

Slice grape tomatoes in half, allowing their juicy essence to enhance the salad’s flavor profile.

Drop these vibrant pieces into a large serving bowl alongside the prepared lettuce.

Step 3: Cook and Crumble Bacon

Cook bacon until perfectly crispy.

Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small, delectable pieces.

This will add a smoky and savory dimension to your salad.

Step 4: Cube Cheese

Cut sharp cheddar cheese into small, uniform cubes.

The cheese will provide a creamy texture and rich flavor to complement the bacon.

Step 5: Create Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Sour cream
• Buttermilk
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 6: Combine Salad Components

Pour the creamy dressing over the lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and cheese.

Gently toss until every ingredient is evenly coated.

Step 7: Add Crunchy Finishing Touches

Sprinkle Texas Toast croutons over the salad for added crunch.

Garnish with thinly sliced fresh chives to elevate the presentation.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer to serving plates immediately.

Relish the delightful combination of flavors and textures in this BLT-inspired salad.

Tips for a Balanced BLT Salad

• Pat lettuce completely dry to prevent wilting and maintain crisp texture throughout serving time.
• Cook bacon until extra crispy for maximum crunch and deeper flavor profile in the salad.
• Prepare dressing at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
• Add croutons just before serving to preserve their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Use sharp cheddar for bold flavor, or experiment with aged white cheddar for a more complex taste experience.

Storing and Serving BLT Salad Later

• Store leftover BLT salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate to prevent lettuce from becoming soggy.
• Store bacon, croutons, and lettuce in different containers to maintain crispness and texture when refrigerating.
• Warm bacon separately in a skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds to restore crispness before adding back to salad.
• Before serving chilled leftovers, add fresh croutons and a drizzle of dressing to revive the salad's original texture and flavor.

What Complements a BLT Salad Best

• Pairing Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc perfectly complements the salad's creamy dressing and cuts through the richness of bacon with its bright, zesty notes.
• Match Craft Beer Delight: Select a light American lager or wheat beer to balance the salad's smoky bacon and creamy elements, providing a refreshing counterpoint.
• Elevate with Sparkling Water: Add a splash of lemon-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites, enhancing the salad's tangy and savory flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Offer warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up any remaining dressing and add an extra layer of comfort to the meal.

BLT Salad Mix-Ups to Try

• Vegetarian BLT Salad: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh strips or smoked tofu, seasoned with liquid smoke and soy sauce for a protein-packed alternative that mimics bacon's smoky flavor.
• Gluten-Free BLT Salad: Swap Texas Toast croutons with gluten-free croutons made from gluten-free bread or use toasted almond slivers for added crunch without wheat ingredients.
• Low-Carb BLT Salad: Eliminate croutons and use mixed greens instead of Romaine, adding extra avocado chunks for healthy fats and keeping the protein-rich bacon and cheese intact.
• Vegan BLT Salad: Substitute bacon with coconut bacon or seasoned mushroom strips, use vegan mayo and dairy-free cheese alternatives, maintaining the classic BLT flavor profile while keeping it completely plant-based.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of lettuce for this BLT salad?

Absolutely! While Romaine is recommended, you can swap it with iceberg, butter lettuce, or mixed greens. Just ensure the lettuce is crisp and fresh.

• Is it possible to make this salad vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace bacon with crispy tempeh, coconut bacon bits, or roasted mushroom pieces to maintain the smoky flavor profile.

• How can I make the dressing healthier?

Substitute some mayo with Greek yogurt, use low-fat buttermilk, and add herbs like dill or chives for extra flavor without extra calories.

• Can I prepare components of this salad in advance?

Definitely! Chop lettuce, cook bacon, and prepare dressing separately. Keep ingredients refrigerated and combine just before serving to maintain freshness and crunch.

Brisk BLT Salad Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp bacon meets fresh greens in this BLT Salad, a delightful twist on the classic sandwich. Cool lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and crumbled bacon dance together, promising a flavor-packed lunch that satisfies craving souls.

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Ingredients

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Salad Base:

• 1 head romaine lettuce
• 1 pint (473 ml) grape tomatoes
• 6 slices thick cut bacon, cooked
• Sharp cheddar cheese, cubed

Croutons and Garnish:

• Texas toast croutons
• Fresh chives, thinly sliced (optional)

Dressing:

• 1/3 cup (79 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sour cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) buttermilk (or regular milk or heavy cream)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare romaine lettuce by chopping into bite-sized pieces, then thoroughly rinse under cold water. Use a salad spinner or pat dry with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture.
2. Transfer dry lettuce into a large serving bowl, then slice grape tomatoes in half, allowing their natural juices to integrate with the greens.
3. Add cooked bacon, chopped into small pieces, and cubed sharp cheddar cheese to the bowl. The bacon provides a smoky flavor profile while the cheese contributes creaminess.
4. Create the dressing by whisking mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk in a separate bowl until smooth. Incorporate garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing thoroughly to develop a cohesive flavor.
5. Gently drizzle prepared dressing over the salad ingredients, carefully tossing to ensure complete and even coating of all components.
6. Immediately before serving, scatter Texas Toast croutons across the salad for textural contrast. Optional: garnish with thinly sliced fresh chives to enhance visual appeal and provide a mild onion undertone.
7. Serve the salad promptly to maintain crispness and maximize flavor complexity. Recommended for immediate consumption to preserve optimal texture and temperature.

Notes

• Toast croutons just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Use thick-cut bacon for more robust flavor and substantial texture in the salad.
• Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich dressing option that reduces overall calories.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: None
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 35 mg