Craving all the best parts of a classic BLT sandwich but looking for something even more refreshing and satisfying? This BLT Salad Recipe packs all the crispy, savory, and creamy flavors you love into one irresistible bowl. With crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, smoky bacon, and a tangy homemade dressing, this salad is a burst of texture and taste in every forkful. Whether you’re hosting a summertime lunch or need a quick weeknight dinner, this BLT Salad Recipe is guaranteed to liven up any table and win fans with its craveable combination of simple, fresh ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this BLT Salad Recipe is how each simple ingredient plays a starring role. Every bite is a perfect balance of salty, fresh, creamy, and crisp. Gather these essentials and you’re just minutes away from a showstopper salad!

Bacon: Don’t skimp on quality—thick-cut or applewood-smoked bacon gives the salad big flavor and satisfying crunch.
Croutons: These crunchy bites mimic the “toast” element of a BLT and soak up that luscious dressing.
Tomatoes: Use the ripest, juiciest tomatoes you can find—heirloom or cherry tomatoes give beautiful color and sweetness.
Lettuce: Crisp heads like romaine or iceberg offer structure and freshness to cradle everything else.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for your dressing, bringing a classic tang and smooth texture.
Sour Cream: Lightens the mayo and gives the dressing extra creaminess with a subtle tang.
Garlic: Just one clove packs big, aromatic punch to the homemade dressing.
Chives: Fresh chives bring a mild onion flavor and a splash of vibrant green.
Black Pepper: A touch of spice to balance the richness of the dressing.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the other flavors—start with a little, taste, and adjust as needed.
Milk: Helps thin the dressing to your perfect pourable consistency.

How to Make BLT Salad Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Creamy Dressing

Start by combining the mayonnaise, sour cream, pressed garlic, freshly chopped chives, black pepper, and sea salt in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly until you have a smooth and even mixture. Now, add milk one tablespoon at a time, mixing as you go, until you reach your desired level of creaminess. Don’t be afraid to taste as you mix to get the seasoning just right! Once you’re happy with the texture and flavor, cover your dressing and let it chill in the fridge so the flavors mingle and deepen.

Step 2: Prep the Fresh Ingredients

While the dressing chills, let’s get those fresh veggies ready. Tear or chop your head of lettuce into bite-sized pieces, giving it a thorough rinse in cold water. Pat it dry or spin it in a salad spinner, since dry lettuce holds dressing best. Slice your juicy tomatoes—if using heirlooms or beefsteaks, cut them into wedges or chunks; if you’re using cherry tomatoes, halving them works like a charm. Set these aside for easy assembly.

Step 3: Cook and Slice the Bacon

In a large skillet, cook your bacon over medium heat until perfectly crispy, then transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess fat. Once cool enough to handle, slice or break the bacon into bite-sized pieces. Be generous—this isn’t a time to skimp on that salty, smoky goodness!

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

Grab your biggest salad bowl—it’s showtime! Add the chopped lettuce, sliced tomatoes, crispy bacon pieces, and a generous handful (or two) of crunchy croutons. If you want, you can also add some extra chives or a sprinkle of black pepper for extra color and flavor.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

Right before serving, pour your creamy dressing over the top. Use as much or as little as you like (but trust me, a little extra never hurt anyone). Gently toss everything with tongs or clean hands until each piece is lightly coated in that irresistible dressing. Serve immediately for ultimate crunch and freshness.

How to Serve BLT Salad Recipe

Garnishes

This BLT Salad Recipe shines even brighter with a few simple garnishes. I love sprinkling extra fresh chives or even finely sliced green onions over the top. For a burst of color, a handful of halved cherry tomatoes or a crack of black pepper adds some visual pop. If you’re feeling fancy, a light grating of sharp cheddar or a few avocado slices take it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This salad plays well with almost anything! Serve it as a main dish with some grilled chicken or a cup of hearty soup alongside. For a lighter meal, it’s delightful with iced tea and a side of fresh fruit. And if you’re going picnic-style, pair it with potato chips or a cold pasta salad for the ultimate summer feast.

Creative Ways to Present

The BLT Salad Recipe is stunning in a big serving bowl, but you can get creative for parties or lunchboxes. Try layering the salad in individual mason jars for portable picnics, or arrange it on a broad platter for serve-yourself gatherings. For dinner parties, serve in chilled glasses or on endive leaves as pretty hand-held bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the salad (without dressing, if possible) in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The lettuce will stay crisp for about a day. Keep the dressing separate in a small container to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

This BLT Salad Recipe isn’t suitable for freezing, since the lettuce and tomatoes lose their texture after thawing. The dressing, however, can be made ahead and stored in the freezer for up to one month—just be sure to whisk it well after thawing to restore its creamy texture.

Reheating

Salad is certainly at its best fresh, but if you want to revive leftover bacon, a quick reheat in a skillet or microwave will bring back its crispiness before tossing it into the salad. Otherwise, serve leftovers cold straight from the fridge with a new drizzle of dressing.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce for the BLT Salad Recipe?

Absolutely! Romaine, iceberg, butter lettuce, or even a mixed greens blend work beautifully. Choose what you love or have on hand—the goal is fresh, crunchy leaves to anchor the salad.

Is there a way to make the dressing lighter?

You can use Greek yogurt in place of sour cream or choose a light mayonnaise. The dressing will still be creamy and tangy but with fewer calories and a touch more protein.

Can I prepare elements of the BLT Salad Recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the bacon and chop the veggies a day in advance. Store each component separately in airtight containers, and assemble just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

What are some extra ingredients I can add to customize my BLT Salad?

Avocado slices, shredded cheese, grilled chicken, or pickled onions all make great additions for an even heartier (and more colorful!) BLT Salad Recipe.

Does this salad work for meal prep?

Definitely! Just keep the dressing and croutons separate until you’re ready to eat. Layer the salad ingredients in jars or containers, then mix everything together at lunchtime for a quick, satisfying meal.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for the ultimate quick lunch or a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for your next gathering, don’t miss out on the BLT Salad Recipe. With just a handful of familiar ingredients and a creamy homemade dressing, it’s a fresh twist that might just outshine the original sandwich. Give it a try, share it with friends, and savor every crunchy, bacon-filled bite!