Crispy B.L.T. Summer Salad
This Crispy B.L.T. Summer Salad captures the freshness of spring and summer with its vibrant ingredients. Using Boston lettuce as a base, this salad is complemented by crunchy homemade croutons, crispy bacon, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a zesty dressing. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or as a light meal, this salad is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavor. The combination of textures from the crispy bacon, tender lettuce, and crunchy croutons makes each bite a delightful experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
12 slices (Cook until crisp, then crumble.)
Italian Bread
1/2 loaf (Cut into 3/4 inch cubes to measure 2 cups.)
Seasoning Salt
to taste
Minced Garlic
1/2 teaspoon
Fresh Lemon Juice
2 tablespoons
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup
Water
2 tablespoons
Red Onion
1 small (Chopped.)
Cherry or Grape Tomatoes
1 pint (Halved.)
Boston Lettuce
2 heads (Washed and drained well.)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it becomes crisp. Once cooked, remove the bacon and set it aside on a paper towel to drain excess grease.
2
Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the skillet and drain the remaining fat. Crumble the cooked bacon and set aside.
3
Next, cut the Italian bread into 3/4 inch cubes until you measure 2 cups. While the skillet is still warm, add the reserved bacon fat and heat over medium heat.
4
Add the bread cubes to the skillet, seasoning them lightly with seasoning salt. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the croutons are golden brown and crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer the croutons to paper towels to cool.
5
In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and water. Season the dressing with salt and pepper to taste.
6
In a large mixing bowl, tear the cleaned Boston lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Add the halved cherry or grape tomatoes, chopped red onion, crispy bacon pieces, and the homemade croutons.
7
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients and gently toss everything together to ensure an even coating.
8
Serve the salad immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main base of the Crispy B.L.T. Summer Salad?
The salad uses two heads of Boston lettuce as the base.
How much bacon is required for this recipe?
You will need 12 slices of bacon.
How should the bacon be prepared?
Cook the bacon in a large skillet until crisp, then crumble it into pieces.
How many cups of croutons does this recipe make?
The recipe uses enough Italian bread to make 2 cups of 3/4 inch cubes.
What is the secret to the flavorful croutons?
The croutons are sautéed in 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon fat.
How long do the croutons need to cook?
Sauté the bread cubes for 5 to 7 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What seasoning is added to the croutons?
Season the bread cubes lightly with seasoning salt while they are in the skillet.
What are the ingredients for the zesty dressing?
The dressing consists of minced garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, and water.
How much garlic is used in the dressing?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.
What kind of tomatoes are best for this salad?
Cherry or grape tomatoes are recommended.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The pint of tomatoes should be halved before being added to the salad.
Is onion included in the recipe?
Yes, one small red onion, chopped, is included for added flavor.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice for the dressing.
How much mayonnaise is required for the dressing?
The dressing uses 1/2 cup of mayonnaise.
Why is water added to the dressing?
Two tablespoons of water are added to help thin the dressing to the right consistency.
How should the Boston lettuce be prepared?
The lettuce should be washed, drained well, and torn into bite-sized pieces.
When should the dressing be added?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad ingredients just before serving.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, serve immediately to ensure the best flavor and texture, especially for the croutons.
Can this recipe be adapted for vegetarians?
Yes, you can omit the bacon or use a vegetarian bacon substitute.
What type of skillet is best for cooking the bacon and croutons?
A large skillet is recommended for both the bacon and the croutons.
How many heads of lettuce are used?
The recipe calls for two heads of Boston lettuce.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 10 main ingredients in this recipe.
What does the "B.L.T." in the name stand for?
It stands for Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato, which are the key ingredients.
How much Italian bread is used?
Approximately 1/2 loaf of Italian bread is used to create the croutons.
What should I do with the bacon fat?
Reserve 2 tablespoons in the skillet for the croutons and drain the rest.
How do you season the dressing?
Whisk the ingredients together and season with salt and pepper to taste.
What gives the salad its variety of textures?
The combination of crispy bacon, crunchy croutons, and tender Boston lettuce provides a mix of textures.
Is this a good recipe for outdoor gatherings?
Yes, its fresh ingredients and vibrant appearance make it perfect for summer gatherings.
Is the bread seasoned before or after cooking?
The bread cubes are seasoned with seasoning salt while sautéing in the skillet.
What type of garlic is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic.