B. L. T. Salad
A fresh, crunchy BLT salad packed with bacon, tomato, and iceberg lettuce, complemented by creamy mayonnaise. Perfect for casual lunches or light dinners for bacon lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine shredded iceberg lettuce, chopped tomato, crumbled bacon or bacon bits, croutons, salt, and pepper.
- Add mayonnaise gradually, gently tossing the salad between additions until well coated.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For a twist on the classic B.L.T. salad, consider adding avocado for creaminess or using spinach instead of iceberg for added nutrients. If you prefer a healthier option, Greek yogurt can substitute for mayonnaise. For crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or nuts. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the flavor, as can a splash of lemon juice.
Serving Suggestions
This B.L.T. salad is best served fresh but can be paired with grilled chicken or a side of crispy potatoes with bacon, garlic and parsley for a heartier meal. It also makes a fantastic topping for sandwiches or wraps. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a bowl of Manhattan (4th of July) clam chowder.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. However, it's best to keep the croutons and mayonnaise separate until ready to serve to prevent sogginess. To revive the salad, gently toss with a little extra mayonnaise if it seems dry.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of B. L. T. Salad contains roughly 329 calories, with 11g protein, 45g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value) and protein (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2417mg per serving (105% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
While the salad is best enjoyed immediately, you can prepare the ingredients in advance. Chop the vegetables and crumble the bacon, then store them in separate containers. Combine them just before serving to maintain freshness and crunchiness.
How can I make this salad vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version of the B.L.T. salad, simply omit the bacon and replace it with crispy roasted chickpeas or smoked tempeh for a similar texture and flavor profile. You can also enhance the salad with more vegetables or add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What dressing can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you're looking for an alternative to mayonnaise, try using a vinaigrette made from olive oil, vinegar, and mustard. A creamy avocado dressing or tahini-based sauce can also work well, providing a delicious twist while keeping the salad light and flavorful.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).