BLT Salad Recipe

If you crave all the crispy, savory goodness of a classic BLT but want something a little lighter, this BLT Salad Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine juicy tomatoes and crisp lettuce tossed with smoky bacon, crunchy croutons, and a creamy, garlicky chive dressing that ties it all together. It’s fresh, satisfying, and has all the classic flavors you love in every single bite—no bread required! Whether you’re prepping for a sunny picnic, a family lunch, or just want a punchy, flavor-packed salad for dinner, this BLT Salad Recipe checks every box delightfully.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This BLT Salad Recipe keeps things hassle-free with straightforward, everyday ingredients. Each component is carefully chosen—every crunchy, creamy, and juicy bite brings out the best in the others. Let’s see how every part shines in this dish:

• Bacon: Smoky, crispy, and oh-so-irresistible, cooked bacon is the backbone of the BLT flavor.
• Croutons: These add the perfect crunch, mimicking the bread of a sandwich while soaking up all that delicious dressing.
• Tomatoes: Choose fresh, ripe tomatoes for big flavor and juiciness; they’re essential for that sweet, tangy punch.
• Lettuce: Crisp, cool lettuce keeps the salad refreshing and provides the ideal base for the other bold flavors.
• Mayonnaise: Real mayo gives the dressing its iconic, creamy character.
• Sour cream: Adds tang and smooth richness to help the dressing coat every ingredient.
• Garlic: Just a touch of fresh garlic delivers savory warmth that makes this salad a real standout.
• Chives: Fresh chives bring gentle oniony notes and a splash of pretty green color.
• Black pepper: Cracked black pepper brightens and balances the dressing’s richness.
• Sea salt: This keeps all the flavors vivid and lively (season to your taste).
• Milk: A small splash helps loosen the dressing, so it clings perfectly to your salad without weighing it down.

How to Make BLT Salad Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

Start by making your zesty, creamy foundation. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, pressed garlic, chopped fresh chives, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir until you have a smooth, blended dressing, then slowly add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, just enough to get the consistency you love—creamy but easily pourable. Cover and refrigerate the dressing for a bit to let the flavors come together beautifully.

Step 2: Assemble the Salad Base

Grab a large mixing bowl, because the BLT Salad Recipe has layers of texture you won’t want to miss. Toss in the chopped lettuce, followed by sweet, ripe tomato slices, plenty of sliced cooked bacon, and a generous handful of croutons. It’s already looking gorgeous and colorful!

Step 3: Dress and Toss

When you’re ready to dive in, drizzle the chilled creamy dressing over your salad ingredients. Use as much or as little as suits your taste. Gently toss everything together so every bite features a little bit of everything—the tangy tomatoes, salty bacon, cool lettuce, and dreamy dressing. Serve immediately so that the croutons keep their irresistible crunch!

How to Serve BLT Salad Recipe

Garnishes

This is where your salad can really shine! Add extra fresh chives or a grind of black pepper on top for a little extra flair. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of shredded Parmesan or even a few sliced avocado fans can make the BLT Salad Recipe pop with extra richness and color.

Side Dishes

As bold and satisfying as this salad is, it pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Think a simple fruit salad, a cup of chilled gazpacho, or a few salty kettle chips for crunch. If you’re making this BLT Salad Recipe the main event for lunch or dinner, pair it with lemonade or iced tea for the ultimate classic vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

To really wow your table, try serving the BLT Salad Recipe in individual mason jars for picnics or packed lunches. Or, create a big platter for get-togethers, arranging each ingredient in beautiful colorful rows, then drizzle with dressing tableside. You can even fill lettuce cups with the finished salad for bite-sized appetizers at your next gathering!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra BLT Salad Recipe, keep the salad and the dressing separate for the best texture—store them in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the lettuce and croutons stay crisper until you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for this salad, as lettuce, tomatoes, and the creamy dressing all lose their texture after thawing. When you’re craving BLT Salad Recipe, it’s always best made fresh for that irresistible crunch and flavor!

Reheating

Since this is meant to be a crisp, cool salad, there’s no need to reheat—just keep everything well chilled. If you’ve made the bacon in advance, you can re-crisp it in a skillet for a few seconds before adding it back in, but the rest of the BLT Salad Recipe is best enjoyed straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use turkey bacon or a vegetarian substitute?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon or your favorite plant-based bacon will work wonderfully in this BLT Salad Recipe. The key is getting that same smoky, savory flavor and crunch you love.

What type of lettuce is best for BLT Salad Recipe?

Sturdy, crisp lettuce works best—think romaine, iceberg, or even a mix for more texture. The crunchier the lettuce, the more satisfying the salad!

How far in advance can I make the dressing?

The creamy chive dressing can be made up to two days ahead and stored in the fridge. In fact, a little time helps the flavors meld even more, making your BLT Salad Recipe extra delicious.

Can I add other veggies to the salad?

Go for it! While tradition sticks with lettuce and tomato, sliced cucumber, diced red onion, or avocado all make tasty additions to the BLT Salad Recipe. Just keep the balance of flavors in mind.

What if I don’t have croutons?

No problem—you can make homemade croutons from day-old bread tossed in olive oil, or even use torn toasted pita or crunchy crackers for a substitute. The important thing is having that bready crunch in your BLT Salad Recipe!

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like a fresh, crunchy, flavor-packed BLT Salad Recipe—it’s everything you love in a BLT, just in a fun, sharable salad form. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own! Grab your favorite greens, the ripest tomatoes you can find, and dive into a bowl that truly celebrates those classic flavors.

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