Deconstructed BLT Salad Bowl
Indulge in the fresh and satisfying flavors of a classic BLT with this Deconstructed BLT Salad Bowl recipe. Packed with crispy bacon, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a delightful combination of iceberg and romaine lettuce, this dish offers a refreshing take on the traditional sandwich while keeping it low in carbs. Topped with a simple homemade lemon garlic dressing and optional garnishes like parmesan cheese and toasted almonds, this salad is perfect for lunch or dinner and is sure to be a hit at gatherings and meal prep alike. Enjoy the rich flavors without the bread!
4-6
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Bacon
1/2 lb (cut crosswise into 1-inch pieces)
Lemon Juice
4 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed and peeled)
Vegetable Oil
3/4 cup (for dressing)
Iceberg Lettuce
1 head (shredded)
Romaine Lettuce
1 head (shredded)
Cherry Tomatoes
1 pint (halved)
Mild Cheddar Cheese
1/2 lb (shredded)
Grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 cup (optional)
Toasted Slivered Almonds
1/2 cup (optional)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Black Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the bacon pieces in a skillet over medium heat until they are crisp. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
2
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice and crushed garlic until combined.
3
Gradually drizzle in the vegetable oil while beating the mixture continuously to create a smooth and well-blended dressing. Set aside the dressing.
4
Prepare the lettuce by stacking the leaves of iceberg and romaine together, then slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch wide shreds to create bite-sized pieces.
5
In a large salad bowl, combine the shredded lettuce, cooked bacon, halved cherry tomatoes, mild cheddar cheese, and toasted slivered almonds (if using). Toss gently to mix all the ingredients together.
6
Re-whisk the dressing to recombine and remove any remaining garlic clove pieces before pouring it over the salad. Toss the salad again to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
7
Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve the Deconstructed BLT Salad Bowl immediately, optionally with Italian bread on the side for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Deconstructed BLT Salad Bowl?
A Deconstructed BLT Salad Bowl is a low-carb take on the classic Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato sandwich, served as a fresh salad with a homemade lemon garlic dressing instead of bread.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve between 4 and 6 people.
Is this Deconstructed BLT Salad low in carbohydrates?
Yes, by removing the bread traditionally found in a BLT sandwich, this recipe is a low-carb alternative.
What types of lettuce are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of one head of iceberg lettuce and one head of romaine lettuce for a perfect crunch.
How should I prepare the bacon for the salad?
You should cut 1/2 lb of bacon crosswise into 1-inch pieces and cook them in a skillet until crisp.
What ingredients are in the homemade dressing?
The dressing consists of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a crushed garlic clove, and vegetable oil.
How do I make the lemon garlic dressing?
Whisk together the lemon juice and crushed garlic, then gradually drizzle in the vegetable oil while beating continuously to create a smooth emulsion.
Should I leave the garlic in the dressing when serving?
No, you should re-whisk the dressing and remove any remaining garlic clove pieces before pouring it over the salad.
What kind of cheese is recommended for this BLT bowl?
The recipe calls for 1/2 lb of shredded mild cheddar cheese, with an optional 1/2 cup of grated parmesan.
Are there any optional ingredients for extra texture?
Yes, you can add 1/2 cup of toasted slivered almonds for extra crunch and grated parmesan cheese for added flavor.
How should the lettuce be cut?
Stack the leaves and slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch wide shreds to create bite-sized pieces.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe specifies using one pint of cherry tomatoes, halved.
Can I serve bread with this salad?
While the salad itself is low carb, you can optionally serve it with Italian bread on the side for a more complete meal.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is excellent for meal prep, though it is recommended to keep the dressing separate until ready to serve to keep the lettuce crisp.
How much vegetable oil is needed for the dressing?
The recipe requires 3/4 cup of vegetable oil.
How much lemon juice is required?
You will need 4 tablespoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice.
What is the best way to drain the bacon fat?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate.
When should I season the salad with salt and pepper?
Season the salad with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper (or to taste) after tossing it with the dressing.
Can this salad be served at gatherings?
Yes, its vibrant colors and classic flavors make it a hit for gatherings and parties.
How do I ensure the dressing is well-blended?
The key is to drizzle the oil in very gradually while whisking or beating the mixture continuously.
Is the garlic minced or crushed?
The recipe calls for one clove of garlic to be crushed and peeled so it can infuse the dressing and then be removed.
Can I use other types of tomatoes?
While cherry tomatoes are recommended for their sweetness, grape tomatoes or chopped Roma tomatoes would also work.
Is there any preparation needed for the almonds?
If you choose to use slivered almonds, they should be toasted for the best flavor and texture.
Should the salad be served immediately?
Yes, for the best texture and to prevent the lettuce from wilting, serve the salad immediately after dressing.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, vegetable-forward recipe that provides protein and fresh greens.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 12 total ingredients including seasonings and optional garnishes.
Can I substitute the vegetable oil?
While the recipe specifies vegetable oil, a neutral oil or light olive oil could also be used for the dressing.
What is the primary flavor profile of this salad?
It features a savory and salty profile from the bacon and cheese, balanced by the bright, acidic notes of the lemon garlic dressing.
Is this a lunch or dinner recipe?
It is versatile enough to be served for either lunch or dinner.
Can I add other vegetables to this bowl?
Absolutely, while the core recipe mimics a BLT, adding avocado or cucumber would complement the existing ingredients well.