Ultimate BLT Salad
Experience the classic flavors of a traditional BLT in a fresh and vibrant salad form. This Ultimate BLT Salad combines crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce, all tossed in a creamy garlic dressing that adds a delightful zip. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at your next gathering, this recipe is quick to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes. Substitute iceberg lettuce if preferred for a crispier texture, or ease your prep with pre-packaged bacon bits. Enjoy a modern twist on a timeless favorite, all while celebrating the simplicity and deliciousness of these ingredients!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
1 lb (cooked until crispy, drained and crumbled)
mayonnaise
3/4 cup (none)
milk
1/4 cup (none)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (none)
ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
salt
to taste (none)
romaine lettuce
1 head (rinsed, dried, and shredded)
tomatoes
2 large (chopped)
seasoned croutons
2 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by frying the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease, then crumble into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
2
In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy.
3
Taste the dressing and season with salt to your preference, blending again briefly to combine.
4
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded romaine lettuce, chopped tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and seasoned croutons. Toss gently to ensure even distribution of ingredients.
5
Drizzle the dressing over the salad mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the salad at its freshest and crispiest.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ultimate BLT Salad?
The Ultimate BLT Salad is a fresh and vibrant dish that captures the classic flavors of a traditional BLT sandwich in salad form, featuring crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, and crunchy romaine lettuce.
How long does it take to prepare this salad?
This recipe is very quick and can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
What are the main ingredients for the Ultimate BLT Salad?
The main ingredients include 1 lb of bacon, 1 head of romaine lettuce, 2 large tomatoes, 2 cups of seasoned croutons, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise, milk, and garlic powder.
How do I prepare the bacon for the salad?
Fry the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, drain the grease on paper towels, and then crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
What is in the creamy garlic dressing?
The dressing is made by blending mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth, then seasoning with salt to taste.
Can I use a blender to make the dressing?
Yes, the instructions recommend using a blender or food processor to combine the dressing ingredients for a smooth and creamy texture.
Can I use pre-packaged bacon bits instead of fresh bacon?
Yes, you can use pre-packaged bacon bits to ease your preparation time.
What type of lettuce is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for one head of shredded romaine lettuce for its crunch.
Is iceberg lettuce a good substitute for romaine?
Yes, you can substitute iceberg lettuce if you prefer an even crispier texture.
How many tomatoes do I need?
The recipe requires two large tomatoes that should be chopped into pieces.
How should I prepare the romaine lettuce?
The lettuce should be rinsed, dried, and shredded before being added to the mixing bowl.
When should I add the dressing to the salad?
Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss well just before serving to enjoy it at its freshest and crispiest.
Is this salad suitable for a gathering or party?
Absolutely, it is perfect as a side dish for your next gathering or as a light lunch.
How do I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
To prevent sogginess, serve the salad immediately after tossing it with the dressing and ensuring the lettuce is dry after rinsing.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Yes, while often a side dish, the addition of 1 lb of bacon and croutons makes it hearty enough for a light lunch.
Are there any suggested variations for this salad?
You can experiment with different types of lettuce, add extra vegetables, or use turkey bacon for a different flavor profile.
What kind of croutons should I use?
The recipe suggests using 2 cups of seasoned croutons to add extra flavor and crunch.
How much bacon is used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 1 lb of bacon to ensure plenty of smoky flavor in every bite.
Is the dressing for this BLT salad creamy?
Yes, the combination of mayonnaise and milk creates a delightfully creamy garlic dressing.
How do I season the dressing properly?
After blending the initial ingredients, taste the dressing and add salt according to your preference before a final brief blend.
What if I don't have a food processor for the dressing?
If a blender or processor is unavailable, you can whisk the mayonnaise, milk, and spices vigorously by hand until smooth.
Is this recipe easy to make for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple and straightforward recipe with easy-to-follow steps.
What kitchen equipment is needed?
You will need a skillet for the bacon, a blender or food processor for the dressing, and a large mixing bowl.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative, though the flavor and fat content will vary.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The two large tomatoes should be chopped into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Does the recipe include black pepper?
Yes, 1/8 teaspoon of ground black pepper is included in the dressing for a slight zip.
Is this a quick recipe for a busy weeknight?
Yes, with a preparation time of under 30 minutes, it is ideal for busy schedules.
Does the recipe use garlic powder or fresh garlic?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for the dressing.
Why is it recommended to serve immediately?
Serving immediately ensures the croutons and lettuce stay crunchy and do not absorb too much moisture from the dressing.
What is the ingredient count for this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total required to make the Ultimate BLT Salad.