Blt Toss Salad
A vibrant, crunchy salad combining fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and a creamy dressing, perfect for casual gatherings, picnics, or as a refreshing side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine cherry tomatoes, celery slices, Miracle Whip salad dressing, chopped green peppers, and raw onion rings in a bowl.
- Toss lightly to mix the ingredients.
- Chill the mixture for 1 hour.
- Add crumbled bacon; toss lightly again.
- Spoon the vegetable mixture over shredded lettuce.
- Garnish with additional cherry tomato halves and bacon crumbs if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider substituting the Miracle Whip with Greek yogurt or a homemade dressing. If you want to add a bit more crunch, try adding sunflower seeds or chopped nuts. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also enhance the flavor. This salad is versatile; feel free to swap in other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers for a different twist.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this BLT Toss Salad as a refreshing side dish for grilled meats or alongside sandwiches for a light lunch. It pairs beautifully with classic American recipes like Oven-Braised Pork Chops. For a more filling meal, add some cooked quinoa or chickpeas for extra protein, making it a wholesome option.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The lettuce may wilt, so it's best to keep the salad undressed until serving. If you need to reheat bacon, do so in a skillet or microwave, but serve it cold for the best texture in this salad.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Blt Toss Salad contains roughly 408 calories, with 8g protein, 49g carbohydrates, and 21g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1178mg per serving (51% of the Daily Value).
* % 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 salad a few hours in advance. Just remember to keep the crumbled bacon separate until ready to serve to maintain its crunch. Chilling the salad allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but avoid adding the lettuce until just before serving to keep it fresh.
What can I use instead of bacon?
If you're looking for a bacon substitute, consider using tempeh or turkey bacon for a lighter option. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, smoked paprika or roasted chickpeas can provide a similar smoky flavor without the meat.
Is there a way to make this salad more filling?
Absolutely! To make the salad heartier, try adding cooked and cooled pasta, quinoa, or even shredded chicken. These additions will provide extra texture and protein, making it a more complete meal option for lunch or dinner.
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).