Crispy & Fresh BLT Salad Recipe: A Fun Twist on the Classic

Crafting a delightful BLT salad brings together classic sandwich flavors in a fresh, vibrant bowl.

Crisp bacon pieces dance with ripe tomatoes and crunchy lettuce, creating a perfect summer meal.

Some home cooks struggle to reinvent traditional dishes, but this recipe breaks those boundaries.

Unexpected textures and layers make each bite exciting and satisfying.

Leafy greens provide a light foundation for savory, smoky elements that truly shine.

Minimal ingredients and quick preparation mean you can enjoy this delicious creation in minutes.

Grab your fork and dive into a reimagined classic that promises to become a new favorite.

BLT Salad: Why It’s the Ultimate Crunchy Upgrade

• Crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing create a mouthwatering combination that'll have everyone craving seconds.
• Great for casual lunches, picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish that appeals to both kids and adults with its familiar, beloved flavors.
• Uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, making it an incredibly convenient and budget-friendly recipe to throw together at a moment's notice.

BLT Salad: Must-Have Ingredients for Freshness

• Romaine Lettuce: Fresh and crisp green lettuce that provides a crunchy foundation for the salad.
• Tomatoes: Juicy red vegetables that add bright color and fresh flavor to the dish.

• Bacon: Crispy, savory meat that brings a rich and smoky element to the salad.

• Mayonnaise, Apple Cider Vinegar: Creamy and tangy base that creates a smooth, flavorful dressing.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the salad.
• Chives: Delicate herb that adds a mild onion-like flavor and fresh green garnish.

Guide to Building a Crunchy and Flavorful BLT Salad

Step 1: Prep Crisp Lettuce Base

Grab your romaine lettuce and give it a thorough rinse under cool water.

Gently pat dry with clean kitchen towels.

Tear the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, creating a vibrant green foundation for your salad.

Step 2: Transform Bacon Into Crunchy Goodness

Heat a skillet over medium flame.

Lay bacon strips flat and cook until they reach perfect golden-brown crispiness.

This usually takes about 6-8 minutes.

Transfer cooked bacon to paper towels to drain excess grease.

Once cooled, chop into delightful crispy bits.

Step 3: Create Tangy Dressing Magic

• Mayonnaise
• Apple cider vinegar
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Freshly chopped chives

Whisk ingredients until smooth and well-blended, creating a creamy and zesty dressing.

Step 4: Assemble Flavor Explosion

• Prepared lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Crispy bacon pieces

Drizzle the tangy dressing over the salad.

Gently mix to ensure every ingredient gets a perfect coating.

Step 5: Serve And Enjoy

Plate your salad immediately for maximum crunch and flavor.

If needed, you can refrigerate for up to an hour before serving to let flavors mingle.

Salad Tips for the Best Balance of Crunch and Creaminess

• Pat lettuce completely dry after washing to prevent soggy salad and ensure crisp texture.
• Use cast iron skillet for even, perfect bacon crunch and save rendered fat for extra flavor boost.
• Whisk mayonnaise and vinegar gradually to create smooth, well-integrated dressing that coats ingredients evenly.
• Serve salad immediately after mixing to maintain bacon's crispness and prevent lettuce from wilting.
• Prepare ingredients separately and combine just before serving to preserve fresh, vibrant salad components.

Keeping Your BLT Salad Crisp for Later Enjoyment

• Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping bacon and lettuce separate to prevent sogginess.
• Wrap bacon and lettuce individually in paper towels to maintain crispness and prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm bacon in a skillet for 1-2 minutes to restore crispiness; toss fresh lettuce with cold dressing just before serving.
• Keep dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, giving it a quick shake before using.

Top Pairings for a Full BLT Salad Meal

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, zesty sauvignon blanc that cuts through the bacon's richness and complements the salad's tangy dressing.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve a rustic sourdough or french baguette slice to add textural contrast and soak up the delicious dressing.
• Match with Refreshing Beverage: Choose a cold, sparkling lemonade or iced tea to balance the salad's savory bacon and creamy elements.
• Enhance with Side Crunch: Add a small portion of seasoned croutons or toasted almond slivers to provide extra crunch and nutty undertones.

Bold Additions to Personalize Your BLT Salad

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace croutons with toasted gluten-free bread cubes or crispy quinoa for added crunch while maintaining the classic BLT flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap bacon with smoky tempeh strips or crispy coconut bacon bits to provide a protein-packed alternative that mimics the original bacon's texture and taste.
• Low-Carb Option: Use fresh baby spinach instead of romaine lettuce and add diced avocado for healthy fats; replace mayo with Greek yogurt-based dressing to reduce calories.
• Vegan Transformation: Create plant-based bacon using thinly sliced marinated shiitake mushrooms or store-bought vegan bacon alternatives; use cashew cream instead of mayonnaise for the dressing.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients in this BLT salad?

The key ingredients are crispy bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, ripe tomatoes, homemade dressing with mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, salt, pepper, and chives.

• Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You can prepare the components separately and assemble just before serving to keep the salad crisp. The salad stays fresh for up to one hour in the refrigerator.

• Is this salad healthy?

While delicious, the salad contains bacon and mayonnaise, which are higher in calories. For a lighter version, you can use turkey bacon and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

• How can I make this salad more filling?

Add grilled chicken, hard-boiled eggs, or croutons to increase protein and make the salad more substantial as a complete meal.

Crisp BLT Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp bacon bits dance through this BLT salad, bringing classic sandwich flavors into a fresh leafy bowl. Crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky bacon create a simple yet irresistible summer meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 6 strips thick-cut bacon, cooked and chopped
• 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped (or green onions)

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse romaine lettuce, ensuring thorough drying. Tear into delicate, bite-sized fragments and transfer to a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Heat a skillet to medium temperature, carefully rendering bacon until achieving a golden, crisp texture (approximately 6-8 minutes). Transfer to absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess grease, then delicately fragment into rustic pieces.
3. Craft a velvety dressing by vigorously whisking mayonnaise with apple cider vinegar until achieving a harmonious blend. Enhance with judicious seasoning of salt and pepper, then incorporate finely minced chives for an aromatic flourish.
4. Artfully layer crisp lettuce fragments, vibrant tomato chunks, and crunchy bacon pieces within the mixing bowl. Gracefully cascade the prepared dressing across the salad’s surface, gently folding to ensure uniform coating.
5. Present the salad immediately to preserve peak texture and freshness. Alternatively, refrigerate for up to an hour to allow flavors to intermingle, maintaining the salad’s optimal crispness and zest.

Notes

• Customize the salad by swapping bacon with turkey bacon or tempeh for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce calories and add a tangy protein boost to the dressing.
• Enhance texture by adding toasted croutons or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor.
• Prepare ingredients ahead of time and store separately to maintain freshness and prevent soggy lettuce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 20mg