BLT Salad: A Cozy Classic Reinvented
As the seasons change and the warm days of summer fade into the crispness of autumn, there’s something undeniably comforting about gathering together for a meal. Imagine a table sprinkled with laughter, the aroma of crispy turkey bacon wafting through the air, and the promise of fresh, bright flavors in every bite. This is the magic of my beloved BLT Salad—a cozy twist on a timeless classic that brings together the beloved flavors of a traditional BLT sandwich in a delightful, crunchy salad. Perfect for a family gathering or an easy weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite!
This is one you’ll definitely want to pin for later!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: This BLT Salad comes together in a flash, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- No-Bake Delight: It’s a refreshing salad that doesn’t require any cooking beyond crisping the turkey bacon.
- Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: With the smoky notes of turkey bacon and the freshness of crisp Romaine, this salad is a hit at every table.
- Customizable Options: Personalize it with your favorite toppings for a unique twist!
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this flavorful, cheesy salad.
What You’ll Need
Gather These Simple 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
- Ranch Dressing (store-bought or homemade)
- 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
How to Make BLT Salad
Let’s Make It Together:
- Start by blending all of the ingredients for the dressing in a blender until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Chop the day-old bread into cubes and spread them out on a cookie sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes, sprinkle with garlic powder, and toss gently with your fingers or a rubber spatula.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, turning them once during the baking time to prevent burning.
- While the croutons bake, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped turkey bacon and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce, crispy turkey bacon, cheddar and Jack cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and golden croutons. Toss gently to combine.
- Just before serving, drizzle with the ranch dressing and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper. Toss lightly to coat everything in that creamy goodness!
Variations & Creative Twists
Delicious Variations to Try:
- Avocado Addition: Add slices of creamy avocado for a rich texture that takes this salad to the next level.
- Sweet Kick: Toss in a handful of diced apples or berries for a sweet twist that pairs perfectly with the savory elements.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle on some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to add a delightful crunch and depth of flavor.
- Zesty Surprise: Incorporate some chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for those who enjoy a little heat!
Chef Emma’s Helpful Tips
Tips for Perfect Results:
- Make-Ahead Dressing: You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
- Ingredient Swaps: Use your favorite cheese or leftover grilled chicken if turkey bacon isn’t your thing.
- Croutons Storage: Store extra croutons in an airtight container for up to a week to keep them crispy.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, store the salad and dressing separately to prevent sogginess.
Nutrition Information per Serving
What’s Inside – Nutrition Breakdown:
- Serving Size: 1 generous bowl
- Calories: Approximately 380
- Carbs: 28g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fat: 28g
- Protein: 14g
- Sodium: 800mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions Answered:
- Can I make this ahead? Yes, you can prepare the dressing and croutons ahead of time!
- Can I use different ingredients? Absolutely! Feel free to swap turkey bacon for chicken or use different types of cheese.
- How do I store leftovers? Store the salad and dressing separately in the fridge. Enjoy within 1-2 days.
- How long does it last? The salad is best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be kept in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Final Thoughts
Wrapping It Up: This BLT Salad has quickly become a cherished recipe in our household. It’s a vibrant, tasty dish that combines comfort food with fresh, wholesome ingredients. Whether it’s a simple family dinner or a festive gathering, this salad will undoubtedly steal the show. So, don’t forget to save this BLT Salad to your Pinterest board so it’s ready when you need a cozy treat!
Print
BLT Salad
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A cozy twist on the classic BLT sandwich, this salad combines turkey bacon, fresh Romaine, and creamy dressing for a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 8 strips 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
- Start by blending all of the ingredients for the dressing in a blender until smooth and creamy.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
- Chop the day-old bread into cubes and spread them out on a cookie sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil over the bread cubes, sprinkle with garlic powder, and toss gently with your fingers or a rubber spatula.
- Bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes or until golden brown, turning them once during the baking time to prevent burning.
- While the croutons bake, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chopped turkey bacon and fry until crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- In a large bowl, add the chopped Romaine lettuce, crispy turkey bacon, cheddar and Jack cheese, halved cherry tomatoes, and golden croutons. Toss gently to combine.
- Just before serving, drizzle with the ranch dressing and sprinkle with freshly cracked pepper. Toss lightly to coat everything in that creamy goodness!
Notes
You can prepare the dressing in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Store the salad and dressing separately to prevent sogginess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
