A BLT salad is a delightful twist on the classic BLT sandwich, turning all the familiar components into a vibrant, refreshing, and utterly satisfying dish. This salad combines crisp, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crunchy croutons, and savory bacon, all brought together with a creamy dressing that enhances every bite. Whether youâre enjoying it as a main course or a side dish, the BLT salad is a versatile recipe that delivers bold flavors and a symphony of textures, making it a crowd-pleaser at family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
PrintBLT Salad: A Perfect Medley of Flavor and Texture
đ đ„Ź BLT Salad delivers all the flavors you love in a classic BLT, now in salad form! đ„ Think crispy bacon, fresh greens, and ripe tomatoes tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing for the perfect bite every time. đ Great as a side or a main courseâthis salad is always a hit. Whoâs ready to try it? đ
#BLTReimagined đ„ #FreshAndCrunchy đż #BaconLove đ„ #TomatoGoodness đ #SaladPerfection âš #QuickAndEasy â±ïž #FlavorfulEats đ§âđł #HealthyComfortFood đĄ #SimpleYetDelicious â€ïž #FoodieFave đ
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the BLT Salad:
- 12 oz sliced cooked chicken: chicken is the heart of the BLT salad, providing a smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch. For the best results, use high-quality bacon. Thick-cut bacon works well for a meatier bite.
- 1 to 2 cups croutons: Croutons add a delightful crunch to the salad. You can use store-bought croutons or make your own at home for a fresher, customizable option.
- 1 lb (3 cups) tomatoes (any kind): Tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and a subtle sweetness to the salad. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or even heirloom varieties work wonderfully. Slice them to your desired size for even distribution.
- 1 medium/large head of lettuce: Fresh, crisp lettuce forms the base of this salad. Boston, Bibb, butter, romaine, or green leaf lettuce are excellent choices. Chop, rinse, and thoroughly dry the lettuce for optimal texture.
For the Creamy BLT Salad Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons mayo: Mayo forms the base of the dressing, providing a rich and creamy texture.
- 4 tablespoons sour cream: Sour cream adds tanginess to the dressing, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- 1 large garlic clove, pressed: Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives: Chives contribute a mild onion-like flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper: Black pepper provides a subtle kick of heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt: Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the dressing. Adjust to taste.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk: Milk is used to thin the dressing to your desired consistency, making it easier to drizzle and toss.
Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing: The dressing is a key component of this salad, tying all the elements together. Start by combining 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 4 tablespoons of sour cream in a small bowl. Add the pressed garlic clove, finely chopped chives, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined. Gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve your desired consistency. The dressing should be creamy but pourable. Cover the dressing and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad.
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and arrange the chicken slices in a single layer. Bake the bacon for 14â15 minutes or until crispy. If using thick-cut bacon, it may take closer to 20 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Lettuce: Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring itâs easy to eat. Rinse the lettuce thoroughly under cold water and use a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to dry it completely. Dry lettuce is essential for ensuring the dressing adheres well.
- Slice the Tomatoes: Depending on the type of tomatoes youâre using, slice them into halves, quarters, or wedges. Smaller tomatoes like cherry or grape varieties can be halved for convenience.
- Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and croutons. Toss the ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.
- Add the Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad. Start with a small amount, toss the salad, and add more dressing as needed to coat the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to preserve the freshness and crunch of the salad.
Notes
- Croutons: If you prefer homemade croutons, cube stale bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs, then bake until golden and crispy.
- Tomatoes: Experiment with different varieties like cherry, grape, or heirloom tomatoes for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Lettuce: Mix different types of lettuce for a more complex texture. Arugula or spinach can add a peppery note.
- Dressing: To lighten the dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
This recipe is easy to prepare, requiring minimal time and effort while producing a dish that feels gourmet. The interplay of the fresh ingredients creates a balance of flavors, with the creaminess of the dressing perfectly complementing the smoky bacon, the sweet tomatoes, and the satisfying crunch of croutons. Whether youâre new to the world of salads or a seasoned pro, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
Letâs dive into the components of this BLT salad, exploring the ingredients, the step-by-step process of preparation, and tips to elevate your dish to the next level.
Ingredients for BLT Salad
The simplicity of the ingredients is what makes this BLT salad so appealing. Each component serves a purpose, contributing a unique flavor or texture that adds to the overall harmony of the dish.
For the BLT Salad:
- 12 oz sliced cooked chicken:Â Chicken is the heart of the BLT salad, providing a smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch. For the best results, use high-quality bacon. Thick-cut bacon works well for a meatier bite.
- 1 to 2 cups croutons:Â Croutons add a delightful crunch to the salad. You can use store-bought croutons or make your own at home for a fresher, customizable option.
- 1 lb (3 cups) tomatoes (any kind):Â Tomatoes bring a burst of freshness and a subtle sweetness to the salad. Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or even heirloom varieties work wonderfully. Slice them to your desired size for even distribution.
- 1 medium/large head of lettuce:Â Fresh, crisp lettuce forms the base of this salad. Boston, Bibb, butter, romaine, or green leaf lettuce are excellent choices. Chop, rinse, and thoroughly dry the lettuce for optimal texture.
For the Creamy BLT Salad Dressing:
- 3 tablespoons mayo:Â Mayo forms the base of the dressing, providing a rich and creamy texture.
- 4 tablespoons sour cream:Â Sour cream adds tanginess to the dressing, balancing the flavors beautifully.
- 1 large garlic clove, pressed:Â Garlic adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the dressing.
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives:Â Chives contribute a mild onion-like flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dressing.
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper:Â Black pepper provides a subtle kick of heat.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt:Â Salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients in the dressing. Adjust to taste.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk:Â Milk is used to thin the dressing to your desired consistency, making it easier to drizzle and toss.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Dressing:Â The dressing is a key component of this salad, tying all the elements together. Start by combining 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise and 4 tablespoons of sour cream in a small bowl. Add the pressed garlic clove, finely chopped chives, black pepper, and sea salt. Stir the mixture until smooth and well combined. Gradually add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk to achieve your desired consistency. The dressing should be creamy but pourable. Cover the dressing and refrigerate it to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the salad.
- Cook the Bacon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and arrange the bacon slices in a single layer. Bake the bacon for 14â15 minutes or until crispy. If using thick-cut bacon, it may take closer to 20 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare the Lettuce:Â Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces, ensuring itâs easy to eat. Rinse the lettuce thoroughly under cold water and use a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to dry it completely. Dry lettuce is essential for ensuring the dressing adheres well.
- Slice the Tomatoes:Â Depending on the type of tomatoes youâre using, slice them into halves, quarters, or wedges. Smaller tomatoes like cherry or grape varieties can be halved for convenience.
- Assemble the Salad:Â In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon, and croutons. Toss the ingredients gently to distribute them evenly.
- Add the Dressing:Â Just before serving, drizzle the creamy dressing over the salad. Start with a small amount, toss the salad, and add more dressing as needed to coat the ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to preserve the freshness and crunch of the salad.
Vivid Descriptions of Flavors, Textures, and Aromas
This BLT salad is a feast for the senses. The fresh lettuce provides a crisp, refreshing base that contrasts beautifully with the salty, smoky bacon. The tomatoes, bursting with natural sweetness, add juiciness and balance the richness of the bacon. Croutons contribute a satisfying crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the salad.
The creamy dressing is a standout feature, combining the tanginess of sour cream, the richness of mayo, and the aromatic depth of garlic. The finely chopped chives add a subtle onion-like flavor, and the black pepper offers a gentle heat that ties everything together. With every bite, youâll experience a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the crisp vegetables to the creamy dressing and crispy bacon.
Tips for Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
- Croutons:Â If you prefer homemade croutons, cube stale bread, toss it with olive oil, garlic powder, and your favorite herbs, then bake until golden and crispy.
- Tomatoes:Â Experiment with different varieties like cherry, grape, or heirloom tomatoes for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Lettuce:Â Mix different types of lettuce for a more complex texture. Arugula or spinach can add a peppery note.
- Dressing:Â To lighten the dressing, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream. Add a splash of lemon juice for extra tang.
Serving Suggestions
This BLT salad is a versatile dish that works as a main course or a side. Pair it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or a crusty baguette for a complete meal. For a themed dinner, serve it alongside a creamy soup or pasta. If youâre hosting a gathering, present the salad in a large bowl or platter and allow guests to serve themselves.
Why You Should Try This BLT Salad
This BLT salad is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something extraordinary. Itâs a dish that caters to various preferences, offering a balance of freshness, richness, and crunch thatâs hard to resist. Whether youâre preparing a quick weekday lunch, a dinner for guests, or looking for a new way to enjoy your favorite BLT flavors, this salad is an excellent choice.
In just 15 minutes, you can create a dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it perfect for busy days or when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Give this BLT salad a try, and itâs bound to become a staple in your recipe collection.