BLT Salad Recipe

Bacon: Adds a savory, crispy element to the salad.

Romaine lettuce: Provides a fresh, crunchy base for the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and juiciness.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness to the dressing.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

Black pepper: Adds a hint of spice and depth to the dressing.

When preparing the bacon, cook it slowly over medium heat to ensure it becomes crispy without burning. This method allows the fat to render out gradually, resulting in perfectly crisp pieces that add a delightful crunch to your BLT salad.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner alternative that provides a similar smoky flavor and crispy texture.

• bacon - Substitute with tempeh bacon: For a vegetarian option, tempeh bacon offers a smoky taste and satisfying crunch.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach is nutrient-dense and provides a similar fresh, leafy base for the salad.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with arugula: Arugula adds a peppery flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the salad.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness, making them an easy swap.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with sun-dried tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes offer a more intense flavor and chewy texture.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier option that provides creaminess and tanginess.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado offers a creamy texture and healthy fats, making it a nutritious alternative.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and citrus flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy flavor and can be used in similar quantities.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor along with a bit of umami.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a direct replacement for regular salt, offering a slightly different mineral profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat but with a slightly different flavor profile.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick and can be used in smaller amounts.

• To keep your BLT salad fresh, store the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes separately from the bacon and dressing. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
• Place the chopped romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Store the cooked and crumbled bacon in a separate airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For the dressing, transfer it to a small jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate for up to 1 week. Shake well before using.
• When ready to serve, combine the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in a large bowl. Add the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
• Sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top just before serving to maintain its crispiness.
• If you need to freeze the bacon, place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
• Avoid freezing the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes as they will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed.
• For meal prep, consider portioning out individual servings of lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and dressing in separate containers. This makes it easy to assemble a fresh BLT salad on busy days.

• Separate the bacon from the rest of the salad. This will help maintain its crispiness.
• Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or until heated through and crispy.
• For the lettuce and cherry tomatoes, avoid reheating as they can become wilted and lose their fresh texture. Instead, refresh them by rinsing under cold water and patting dry with paper towels.
• If the mayonnaise dressing has thickened, whisk in a small amount of lemon juice or water to restore its creamy consistency.
• Reassemble the salad by combining the refreshed lettuce and cherry tomatoes with the reheated bacon. Drizzle with the adjusted dressing and toss gently to combine.

• Skillet: Used to cook the bacon until crispy.

• Paper towels: Used to drain the excess grease from the cooked bacon.

• Large mixing bowl: Used to combine the chopped romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes.

• Small bowl: Used to whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper for the dressing.

• Whisk: Used to mix the dressing ingredients until well combined.

• Knife: Used to chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes.

• Cutting board: Used as a surface for chopping the romaine lettuce and halving the cherry tomatoes.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure out the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

• Serving spoon: Used to toss the salad with the dressing and serve it.

Cook bacon in advance: Prepare and cook the bacon ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat when needed.

Use pre-washed lettuce: Save time by buying pre-washed romaine lettuce to skip the washing and chopping steps.

Pre-make the dressing: Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in advance and store it in the fridge.

Cherry tomatoes shortcut: Use pre-halved cherry tomatoes from the store to avoid extra prep work.

Assemble just before serving: Keep ingredients separate until ready to serve to maintain freshness and texture.