A BLT Salad transforms the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich into a fresh, hearty, and satisfying salad. It’s packed with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and often a creamy dressing—all the familiar flavors you love, minus the bread. Perfect for a light lunch, picnic side, or easy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of the traditional BLT sandwich, this salad version will be your new go-to. It’s quick to prepare, naturally low in carbs, and incredibly satisfying. You still get the smoky crunch of bacon and the juicy burst of tomatoes, but with a refreshing twist that’s ideal for warmer days or lighter meals. Plus, it’s easy to customize with your favorite toppings or dressings.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- Cooked bacon (crispy)
- Avocado (optional, for a modern twist)
- Red onion (thinly sliced, optional)
- Croutons (optional, for crunch)
- Mayonnaise or ranch dressing (or a blend of sour cream and mayo)
- Salt
- Black pepper
directions
- Cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and thinly slice the red onion, if using.
- Dice the avocado if you’re including it.
- Add the bacon, tomatoes, onion, and avocado to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Drizzle with your dressing of choice—classic mayo, ranch, or a tangy homemade mix.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss gently to combine and top with croutons just before serving, if using.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes (for bacon)
Total time: 20 minutes
Variations
- BLAT Salad: Add avocado for a creamy, nutrient-rich addition.
- Keto version: Skip the croutons and use a low-carb dressing.
- Chicken BLT Salad: Add grilled or rotisserie chicken to make it a complete meal.
- Spicy twist: Use spicy ranch or add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Egg lover’s version: Top with a soft-boiled or poached egg for extra richness.
storage/reheating
Store any undressed salad components separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Bacon can be cooked ahead and stored for up to 4 days. Once dressed, the salad is best eaten immediately to maintain its texture. This salad doesn’t require reheating and is best enjoyed cold.
FAQs
Can I make BLT Salad ahead of time?
Yes, just store the dressing and croutons separately and combine everything when ready to serve.
What lettuce is best for BLT Salad?
Romaine and iceberg are both great choices for their crisp texture and neutral flavor.
Can I use store-bought bacon bits?
You can, but freshly cooked bacon will give you the best flavor and texture.
What dressing goes well with BLT Salad?
Classic mayonnaise, ranch dressing, or a homemade blend of sour cream, mayo, and a touch of vinegar all work well.
Is this salad low-carb?
Yes, especially if you skip the croutons and use a low-carb dressing.
Can I add protein to make it a full meal?
Absolutely—grilled chicken, turkey, or even a hard-boiled egg make great additions.
How do I keep the bacon crispy?
Add bacon to the salad just before serving to maintain its crunch.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the bacon with crispy chickpeas, tempeh bacon, or coconut bacon.
What’s the best way to cook bacon for salad?
Baking it in the oven on a wire rack gives you evenly crispy pieces and less mess.
Can I use different tomatoes?
Yes—grape, cherry, Roma, or even heirloom tomatoes all work well.
Conclusion
BLT Salad is a fresh and flavorful twist on a beloved sandwich, offering everything you love in a lighter, fork-friendly form. It’s fast, versatile, and endlessly customizable, making it a perfect pick for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck. Once you try it, you might never go back to the bread version.
Description
This BLT Salad takes everything you love about the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich and turns it into a crisp, flavorful salad. It’s loaded with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and topped with a creamy dressing. Great for lunch or a simple dinner!
For the Salad:
For the Dressing:
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In a large salad bowl, add chopped romaine, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, red onion, and croutons.
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream, vinegar, mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth.
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Drizzle dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
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Make it a full meal by adding grilled chicken or a sliced hard-boiled egg.
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For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
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Want it low-carb? Skip the croutons.