Bacon, Lettuce And Tomato Salad
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Salad combines crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes, all topped with a creamy onion dressing. Perfect for a light lunch or summer gathering, this dish offers a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and fresh flavors that appeal to a variety of palates.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, water, cider vinegar, and salt to prepare the dressing.
- Set the dressing aside.
- Cut the red onions crosswise in half.
- Scoop out the center of each onion half, leaving about a 1/4-inch shell to form onion cups.
- Finely chop enough scooped-out onion to make 1/4 cup.
- Add the chopped onion to the mayonnaise mixture.
- Fill the onion cups with the dressing.
- Garnish with chopped chives, if desired, and refrigerate while preparing the salad.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. If you prefer a tangier dressing, increase the cider vinegar slightly. Fresh herbs can elevate the flavor; try adding dill or parsley. When preparing the onion cups, ensure not to cut too deep to maintain their structure. This salad pairs beautifully with West Virginia Salad for a refreshing meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this salad chilled as a unique appetizer or a light lunch. It works well alongside grilled meats or as part of a picnic spread. Pair it with crusty bread or a refreshing fruit salad for a complete meal. For a delightful dessert, consider serving with Mom'S Peanut Butter Cookies to finish off.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The onion cups can be filled and kept chilled, but it’s best to consume them within a day for optimal freshness. If you need to reheat any leftovers, gently warm in the microwave to avoid wilting the greens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Bacon, Lettuce And Tomato Salad contains roughly 87 calories, with 4g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (110% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1511mg per serving (66% 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?
Yes, you can prepare the dressing and onion cups in advance. Just store them separately in the refrigerator. Fill the onion cups with the dressing right before serving to keep the onions crisp and fresh.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, you can use avocado or a store-bought vegan mayonnaise. Greek yogurt also provides a creamy texture with fewer calories and more protein, making it a great substitute in this recipe.
How can I add more protein to this salad?
To increase the protein content, consider adding diced grilled chicken or cooked bacon bits, which will complement the flavors beautifully. Alternatively, for a vegetarian option, top the salad with chickpeas or white beans for added texture and nutrition.
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).