Easy BLT Salad: The Perfect Summer Recipe

Easy BLT Salad: Craving the iconic flavors of a BLT but looking for a lighter, more refreshing way to enjoy them? Then you’ve come to the right place! Forget the bread and embrace this vibrant, deconstructed delight that’s perfect for a quick lunch, a potluck contribution, or a simple summer supper.

While the BLT sandwich itself is a relatively modern invention, gaining popularity in the early to mid-20th century, its core components – bacon, lettuce, and tomato – have been culinary staples for centuries. This easy BLT salad takes those beloved ingredients and elevates them into a dish that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

What makes this salad so irresistible? It’s the perfect combination of textures and tastes. The crisp, cool lettuce provides a refreshing base, while the juicy tomatoes burst with sweetness. The salty, smoky bacon adds a satisfying crunch and depth of flavor that’s simply addictive. And let’s not forget the creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together! Plus, it’s incredibly convenient. Ready in minutes, this easy BLT salad is a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you need a quick and delicious meal. Get ready to experience the BLT in a whole new, and arguably even better, way!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup croutons (optional)
• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

Preparing the Bacon:

Okay, let’s start with the star of the show – the bacon! I always say, the better the bacon, the better the BLT Salad. You can use your favorite method for cooking bacon, but I’m going to walk you through my go-to technique for perfectly crispy bacon every time.

1. Choose your bacon wisely: I prefer thick-cut bacon for this recipe because it holds its shape well and provides a satisfying chewiness. However, any bacon will work, so use what you love!
2. Oven-baked perfection: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze!
3. Arrange the bacon: Lay the bacon strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure the strips aren’t overlapping, or they won’t cook evenly.
4. Bake until crispy: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked to your desired crispness. Keep a close eye on it, as oven temperatures can vary.
5. Drain the excess grease: Once the bacon is cooked, remove it from the oven and transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess grease. This is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.
6. Crumble the bacon: Once the bacon has cooled slightly, crumble it into bite-sized pieces. You can use your hands, a knife, or even a food processor for this step. I usually just use my hands – it’s faster and more fun!

Preparing the Lettuce and Tomatoes:

Now that the bacon is taken care of, let’s move on to the lettuce and tomatoes. Fresh, high-quality ingredients are key here, so choose the best you can find!

1. Wash the lettuce: Thoroughly wash the romaine lettuce under cold running water to remove any dirt or debris. I like to use a salad spinner to dry the lettuce completely, as this helps the dressing adhere better.
2. Chop the lettuce: Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. You can use a knife or simply tear it with your hands. I prefer chopping it because it creates a more uniform texture.
3. Halve the tomatoes: Wash the cherry tomatoes and halve them. If you’re using larger tomatoes, you can dice them into smaller pieces.

Making the Creamy Dressing:

The dressing is what really brings this BLT Salad together. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet – the perfect complement to the salty bacon, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. This is my secret recipe, so pay close attention!

1. Combine the ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, milk, red wine vinegar, sugar, and garlic powder.
2. Season to taste: Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings until you achieve your desired flavor. I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little kick!
3. Adjust the consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little more milk until it reaches your desired consistency. It should be creamy and pourable, but not too runny.
4. Chill the dressing (optional): For the best flavor, chill the dressing in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Assembling the BLT Salad:

Now for the fun part – putting it all together! This is where you get to be creative and customize your salad to your liking.

1. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, and crumbled bacon.
2. Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat. Be careful not to overdress the salad, as this can make it soggy.
3. Add the croutons (optional): If you’re using croutons, add them to the salad just before serving. This will prevent them from getting soggy.
4. Add the cheese (optional): If you’re using shredded cheddar cheese, sprinkle it over the salad just before serving.
5. Serve immediately: Serve the BLT Salad immediately. It’s best enjoyed fresh, before the lettuce starts to wilt.

Tips and Variations:

• Add avocado: For a creamier and more flavorful salad, add diced avocado.
• Use different types of lettuce: Instead of romaine lettuce, try using iceberg lettuce, butter lettuce, or mixed greens.
• Add grilled chicken or shrimp: For a heartier salad, add grilled chicken or shrimp.
• Make it a wrap: Instead of serving the salad in a bowl, wrap it in a tortilla for a quick and easy lunch.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a little kick.
• Use different types of bacon: Experiment with different flavors of bacon, such as maple bacon or peppered bacon.
• Make it ahead of time: You can prepare the individual components of the salad ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Then, simply assemble the salad just before serving.
• For a vegetarian option: Use tempeh bacon or mushroom bacon instead of regular bacon.

Serving Suggestions:

This BLT Salad is perfect as a light lunch, a side dish, or even a main course. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Serve it with grilled chicken or fish.
• Serve it as a side dish at a barbecue.
• Serve it as a light lunch with a side of fruit.
• Serve it as a main course with a side of crusty bread.

I hope you enjoy this Easy BLT Salad as much as I do! It’s a simple, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

This isn’t just another salad; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen! I truly believe this Easy BLT Salad is a must-try for anyone craving the classic taste of a BLT without the bread. It’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s incredibly satisfying. The combination of crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, smoky bacon, and creamy dressing is simply irresistible. Forget boring lunches or side dishes; this salad is a star in its own right.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own tastes. For a heartier meal, consider adding grilled chicken or shrimp. A sprinkle of crumbled blue cheese or a handful of avocado chunks would also be fantastic additions. If you’re watching your carb intake, you can easily omit the croutons or substitute them with toasted nuts for added crunch.

Serving suggestions are endless! This salad makes a perfect light lunch on its own. It’s also a wonderful side dish for grilled meats, fish, or even pizza. I love serving it at barbecues and potlucks because it’s always a crowd-pleaser. For a more elegant presentation, you can arrange the ingredients artfully on a platter instead of tossing them together. You could even serve it in individual mason jars for a fun and portable option.

And don’t forget about the dressing! While I’ve provided a simple and delicious recipe, feel free to experiment with your own favorite dressings. A creamy ranch, a tangy vinaigrette, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would all work beautifully. The key is to find a dressing that complements the other flavors in the salad.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Easy BLT Salad as much as I do. It’s a simple recipe that delivers big on flavor, and it’s perfect for any occasion. It’s also a great way to use up leftover bacon! Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get your daily dose of vegetables without sacrificing taste.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients and get ready to whip up this amazing salad. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve tried it, I’d love to hear what you think! Share your photos and comments with me – tell me what variations you tried, what you loved, and what you might do differently next time. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. I’m excited to see your creations and hear about your experiences with this Easy BLT Salad. Happy cooking! Let me know if you have any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen, just like it is in mine. Enjoy!