You know that feeling when you bite into a classic BLT sandwich? The crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and smoky bacon all wrapped up in a perfect bite—it’s a joy that’s hard to beat.
So, what if we took those beloved flavors and transformed them into a fresh, vibrant salad? Picture this:
the crunch of croutons, a hint of tangy dressing, and—okay, maybe I’m getting carried away—but trust me, this salad is a game-changer, especially when paired with a sunny afternoon or a cozy family dinner.
Steps
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is evenly browned. Once cooked, place the bacon on paper towels to drain excess oil, then crumble it and set aside.
- In a blender or food processor, combine mayonnaise, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper, and blend until the mixture is smooth. Add salt to taste to enhance flavor.
- In a large salad bowl, mix together the shredded romaine lettuce, crumbled bacon, chopped tomatoes, and seasoned croutons. Toss the salad with the prepared dressing and serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of bacon
- ¾ cup of mayonnaise
- ¼ cup of milk
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ? teaspoon of ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 1 head of romaine lettuce, rinsed, dried, and shredded
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups of seasoned croutons
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2526 | Total Fat: 210g | Saturated Fat: 48g | Cholesterol: 240mg | Sodium: 5442mg | Total Carbohydrate: 90g | Dietary Fiber: 18g | Total Sugars: 24g | Protein: 78g | Vitamin C: 126mg | Calcium: 330mg | Iron: 12mg | Potassium: 2826mg
FAQ
- Can I prepare the BLT salad dressing in advance?
- Yes, you can make the dressing ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using it to ensure it’s well mixed.
- What can I add to the BLT salad for extra flavor?
- You might consider adding a sliced hard-boiled egg or some grated cheddar cheese. A squeeze of lemon juice in the dressing can also add a refreshing twist.
- How can I keep the salad from becoming soggy?
- To prevent the salad from getting soggy, serve the dressing on the side. This way, each person can add the dressing just before eating.
- Is there a way to make the salad healthier?
- You can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon and opt for a light mayonnaise. Additionally, incorporating more vegetables like avocado or cucumber will boost the nutritional value.
- Can I make this salad vegetarian?
- Yes, to make it vegetarian, simply omit the bacon or substitute it with a plant-based bacon alternative.
Tips
- To enhance the flavor of the dressing, consider adding a splash of lemon juice for a refreshing zest.
- Serve the dressing on the side to prevent the salad from wilting, ensuring that everyone enjoys a fresh and crisp salad.
- For added texture and taste, consider incorporating sliced boiled eggs or a sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese.
- Experiment with different crouton flavors or even make your own for a personalized touch.
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor – for blending the dressing ingredients.
- Large Skillet – for cooking the bacon evenly.
- Large Salad Bowl – for combining and tossing the salad ingredients.
