Looking for a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s quick to whip up after a long day? A BLT salad is your answer! This colorful and crunchy salad combines all the flavors of your favorite sandwich into a delightful bowl that even the busiest of families will love.
The BLT salad is an explosion of textures and flavors. Crisp romaine lettuce complements the salty, savory bites of turkey bacon, while juicy cherry tomatoes add a splash of sweetness. With creamy ranch dressing to tie it all together, this salad captures the essence of a classic BLT but in a lighter, fresher form. It’s special not just for its delightful mix of tastes but also for how quickly it comes together.
Here are a few standout reasons why you’ll want to make this BLT salad today:
- Quick Recipe: Ready in just 15 minutes!
- Great for Meal Prep: Perfect for lunches or quick dinners.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Benefit 1: Ready in 15 minutes
- Benefit 2: Made with pantry staples
- Benefit 3: Perfect for weekly meal prep
- Benefit 4: Naturally gluten-free
Ingredients for BLT Salad
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 strips of turkey bacon, chopped and cooked
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2 heads)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Jack cheese, grated
- 2 cups croutons
- For the Ranch 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
- 2 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1-1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions of BLT Salad
- Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- Make croutons: In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Prepare the dressing: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, chopped green onion, smashed garlic, dill weed, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper.
- Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated cheeses. Toss gently.
- Add croutons: Sprinkle croutons over the salad.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the ranch dressing on top just before serving and toss to combine.
Tips for Success
- Crispy bacon is key: Ensure your turkey bacon is nice and crispy for the best texture.
- Customize the croutons: Don’t hesitate to use any bread you have on hand; just adjust the seasonings to match!
- Chill the dressing: Allow the ranch dressing to sit in the fridge for 30 minutes before use for the best flavor.
Substitutions & Variations of BLT Salad
To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free: Use vegan mayo and gluten-free bread for croutons!
Variations:
- Add avocado for creaminess.
- Toss in some cucumber for extra crunch.
- Mix in chickpeas for added protein.
Storage Instructions of BLT Salad
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: This salad does not freeze well due to the fresh ingredients.
Make-Ahead: You can prepare the dressing and chop the vegetables a day ahead for a quick assembly at mealtime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of BLT Salad
Can I use regular bacon instead of turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in regular bacon for a richer flavor.
Can I add other veggies?
Sure! Feel free to toss in celery, bell pepper, or cucumber for extra crunch.
What if I don’t like ranch dressing?
You can use any dressing you prefer, like balsamic vinaigrette or a blue cheese dressing.
Final Toughts
With its delightful crunch and savory flavors, this BLT salad is bound to become a favorite for its ease and deliciousness. Perfect for busy days when you’re craving something fresh and satisfying! Be sure to let me know how your salad turns out by leaving a comment and a star rating. Enjoy this quick and tasty meal!
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BLT Salad for Busy Lives
A refreshing BLT salad combining turkey bacon, romaine lettuce, and creamy ranch dressing, ready in just 15 minutes.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 strips of turkey bacon, chopped and cooked
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped (about 2 heads)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
- 3/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated
- 1/2 cup Jack cheese, grated
- 2 cups croutons
- 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
- 2 cups day-old French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1–1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook the chopped turkey bacon until crispy. Set aside.
- In a bowl, toss the bread cubes with 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt. Spread on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
- In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, chopped green onion, smashed garlic, dill weed, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and water. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Season with a pinch of sea salt and cracked pepper.
- In a large bowl, combine chopped romaine, cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated cheeses. Toss gently.
- Sprinkle croutons over the salad.
- Drizzle the ranch dressing on top just before serving and toss to combine.
Notes
Crispy bacon is key for the best texture. Chill the dressing for the best flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free