BLT Salad Recipe

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

Romaine lettuce: Provides a crunchy base for the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds sweetness and juiciness to the salad.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.

Lemon juice: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the dressing.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

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

When cooking bacon, start with a cold skillet and lay the slices flat without overlapping. This ensures even cooking and prevents the bacon from curling up. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crispy. Drain on paper towels to remove excess grease.

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

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

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach provides a similar fresh and crisp texture, with added nutritional benefits.

• 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 have a similar sweetness and juiciness, making them a perfect alternative.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced regular tomatoes: Diced regular tomatoes can be used if cherry or grape tomatoes are not available, offering a similar flavor profile.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture with added protein and less fat.

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

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness, enhancing the flavors of the salad.

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

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, but use sparingly due to its strong taste.

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

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper provides a similar heat and flavor, with a slightly different aroma.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: For a spicier kick, cayenne pepper can be used, but adjust the quantity to taste.

• To keep your BLT salad fresh, store the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes separately from the dressing and bacon. This prevents the salad from becoming soggy.
• Place the chopped romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Keep the dressing in a small, airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Give it a good stir before using, as the ingredients may separate over time.
• Store the cooked bacon in a separate container lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For extra crispiness, reheat the bacon in a skillet or microwave before adding it to the salad.
• 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 overnight before reheating.
• Avoid freezing the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes, as they will lose their texture and become mushy when thawed.
• When ready to serve, combine the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in a bowl, drizzle with the dressing, and top with the crumbled bacon. Enjoy your fresh and crispy BLT salad!

• Separate the bacon from the salad to maintain its crispiness.
• Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds or until heated through.
• For the salad, avoid microwaving as it can make the lettuce wilt. Instead, let it sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to take the chill off.
• If the dressing has thickened in the fridge, whisk in a teaspoon of lemon juice or water to loosen it up before tossing it with the salad again.
• Reassemble the salad by drizzling the refreshed dressing over the lettuce and tomatoes, then top with the reheated bacon.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

• 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 halved 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 together 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.

• Tongs: Used to handle the bacon while cooking and to toss the salad with the dressing.

• Serving spoon: Used to serve the salad once it is prepared.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon in advance and store it in the fridge. This way, you can just crumble it over the salad when ready to serve.

Use pre-washed lettuce: Save time by using pre-washed and chopped romaine lettuce from the store.

Ready-made dressing: Opt for a high-quality store-bought mayonnaise dressing to skip the whisking step.

Cherry tomatoes: Buy pre-halved cherry tomatoes to avoid extra chopping.

One-bowl method: Mix the lettuce and tomatoes directly in the serving bowl to reduce dishwashing.