BLT Salad Recipe

This BLT Salad Recipe turns everything you love about a classic BLT sandwich into a fresh, vibrant, and irresistible salad. Imagine juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, sizzling bacon, and golden croutons all mingling in a big bowl, then tossed with a creamy, tangy dressing that will have you going back for seconds (and probably thirds). It’s a quick and satisfying dish that channels all the nostalgic flavors of your favorite diner lunch but with an easy, lighthearted twist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making this BLT Salad Recipe couldn’t be simpler, thanks to its short ingredient list that packs a ton of flavor and color into every forkful. Each item brings its own sparkle, adding crunch, richness, freshness, or that creamy magic to tie it all together.

• Bacon: Salty, crisp, and absolutely essential, cooked bacon is the heart of this salad and provides irresistible flavor.
• Croutons: Crunchy bites of toasted bread add structure and a bit of chewiness—go for homemade or your favorite store-bought kind.
• Tomatoes: Any variety works here, so choose the juiciest, ripest tomatoes you can find for maximum flavor and color.
• Lettuce: A fresh, large head—washed and chopped—creates a crisp base that holds up beautifully to the hearty toppings.
• Mayonnaise: Lends creaminess to the dressing, rounding out the tangy and savory notes.
• Sour Cream: Adds a pleasant tang and silkiness to the salad dressing, making every bite luscious.
• Garlic: A clove of pressed garlic adds aromatic depth and a flavorful kick to the dressing.
• Fresh Chives: Their mild onion flavor punches up the dressing and adds a pop of green.
• Black Pepper: Just a pinch elevates all the other flavors with a subtle spicy warmth.
• Sea Salt: Sprinkled in to perfectly season both the salad and the dressing.
• Milk: A splash or two thins out the dressing, so it coats every salad leaf just right—use as much as you need for your ideal texture.

How to Make BLT Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by grabbing your smallest mixing bowl and combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, pressed garlic, finely chopped chives, black pepper, and sea salt. Give everything a thorough stir until it’s wonderfully creamy and studded with green chives. Then, trickle in 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, just a little at a time, to reach your preferred consistency—think pourable but still luscious. Cover and pop the dressing into the fridge so the flavors can mingle while you prep the salad.

Step 2: Prep and Combine the Salad Base

Chop your head of lettuce into bite-sized pieces, rinse under cold water, and dry thoroughly (a salad spinner works wonders for this!). Tumble the crisp lettuce into a big salad bowl. Next, slice your ripe tomatoes and add them to the bowl—pile them high for a burst of juicy color. Slice the cooked bacon into hearty pieces and sprinkle those on top, followed by a generous handful or two of croutons. Now your bowl is layered with classic BLT goodness waiting to be tossed!

Step 3: Dress and Toss Just Before Serving

Right before you’re ready to dig in, give your creamy dressing a final stir. Drizzle it over the salad, using as much or as little as you like—feel free to serve extra on the side for those who like it extra saucy. Use tongs or two big spoons to gently toss everything together; the goal is to get every leaf kissed by that dreamy dressing without crushing any of the toppings. This is when the BLT Salad Recipe truly shines, marrying all those flavors in one big, happy bowl.

How to Serve BLT Salad Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh chives or parsley brightens up the finished salad, and a crack of black pepper right before serving looks beautiful and adds little pops of flavor. For an extra touch, a grating of sharp cheddar or a handful of shaved parmesan is delicious—the saltiness of the cheese pairs perfectly with the bacon.

Side Dishes

Serve the BLT Salad Recipe as a standout main dish for lunch, or pair it with a mug of creamy tomato soup for a retro-inspired meal. It also makes a perfect partner for any grilled meats, roasted potatoes, or a simple bowl of seasonal fruit for a well-rounded table.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving the salad in individual mason jars for fun portable lunches, or layer it trifle-style in a glass bowl for a stunning centerpiece at a picnic or potluck. To make it a complete meal, add sliced avocado or a jammy boiled egg for extra richness, or serve atop a thick slice of toasted sourdough for the ultimate open-faced BLT experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover BLT Salad Recipe, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dressing will soften the croutons and lettuce over time, so for best results, keep extra dressing and croutons separate and mix them in just before eating.

Freezing

While the creamy dressing keeps well in the fridge for a few days, this salad isn’t ideal for freezing due to the fresh lettuce and tomatoes. Components like cooked bacon can be frozen on their own if you want to meal prep, but plan to assemble the salad fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat this salad; BLT Salad Recipe is meant to be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. If you want to restore some of the bacon’s crispness, reheat the bacon bits separately in a skillet or microwave before tossing them back into the salad.

FAQs

Can I make this BLT Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all the components in advance: chop the lettuce, slice the tomatoes, cook the bacon, and mix up the dressing. Store everything separately, then toss it all together just before serving to keep the salad fresh and crisp.

What’s the best lettuce to use for a BLT Salad Recipe?

Any lettuce with a good crunch works wonderfully—think iceberg, romaine, or even butter lettuce. The goal is to pick something sturdy enough to hold up to the hearty toppings and creamy dressing without wilting.

Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes! Just use gluten-free croutons or skip them entirely. All the other ingredients in this BLT Salad Recipe are naturally gluten-free, so a simple swap will keep everyone at your table happy.

How do I keep the bacon extra crispy?

Cook your bacon until it’s deeply golden and crisp, then drain it on a paper towel. Add the bacon to the salad just before serving so it stays crunchy and irresistible. If you’re prepping ahead, store the bacon separately and re-crisp it quickly in a skillet.

Could I add other toppings to this salad?

Definitely! Avocado, hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, or even grilled chicken make delicious additions. The BLT Salad Recipe is super versatile, so feel free to get creative based on your cravings.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re searching for a showstopper lunch, an easy dinner, or a fresh, crave-worthy side dish, this BLT Salad Recipe is the answer. Every bite is a celebration of classic flavors with a bold, fresh twist. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it instantly becomes a new favorite at your table!

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