The Best BLT Salad Recipe: Crispy, Fresh, and Irresistible

Crisp bacon bits dance through this vibrant blt salad that reimagines classic sandwich flavors into a refreshing bowl of deliciousness.

Leafy greens provide a perfect canvas for crunchy textures and bold tastes.

Summer’s bounty shines with ripe tomatoes and cool, creamy dressing.

Surprisingly light yet satisfying, each forkful captures the essence of a beloved sandwich.

Layers of flavor tell a delectable story without the bread.

Dive into a meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

You won’t be able to resist grabbing another serving of this crowd-pleasing dish.

Why BLT Salad Hits Every Flavor Note

• Craft a Protein-Packed Powerhouse: This BLT salad transforms classic sandwich flavors into a nutritious meal loaded with lean chicken, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables for a satisfying protein boost.
• Master Quick Culinary Creativity: The recipe offers simple preparation steps that allow home cooks to create a restaurant-quality dish without complex techniques, making gourmet cooking accessible to everyone.
• Customize with Confidence: Easily adapt the salad by swapping ingredients like grilled shrimp instead of chicken or adding different herbs to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Celebrate Fresh and Flexible Dining: Perfect for lunch, dinner, or potluck gatherings, this versatile salad works beautifully as a light meal or impressive side dish that impresses family and friends with minimal effort.

Ingredients Behind a Crisp and Flavorful BLT Salad

• Chicken Breast: A lean protein that adds substantial substance to the salad.
• Bacon: A crispy and flavorful ingredient that provides a rich, smoky taste.

• Mixed Salad Greens: A crisp and light foundation for the salad.
• Tomatoes, Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy ingredients that add bright, fresh flavor.
• Cucumber: A cool and crunchy vegetable that provides additional texture.
• Chives: A delicate herb that offers a mild onion-like garnish.

• Mayonnaise, Buttermilk: Creamy base ingredients that create a smooth and tangy dressing.
• Lemon Juice: A zesty component that adds brightness to the dressing.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Croutons: Crunchy bread pieces that add texture and extra taste.

Simple Steps to Toss a Perfect BLT Salad

Step 1: Sizzle Bacon to Perfection

Place bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, allowing them to transform into crispy, golden delights. Once they reach maximum crunchiness, transfer to paper towels to wave goodbye to excess grease.

Step 2: Grill Chicken with Flair

Season chicken breasts with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear until the meat reaches a juicy internal temperature of 165°F. Let the chicken rest briefly, then slice into elegant strips.

Step 3: Prep Crisp Greens

Thoroughly wash mixed salad greens, ensuring each leaf is pristine and dry. Gently chop the greens to create a vibrant base for the salad.

Step 4: Chop Fresh Veggies

Dice tomatoes and cucumber into uniform bite-sized cubes. Slice cherry tomatoes in half, creating bursts of color and freshness.

Step 5: Whip Up Creamy Dressing

• Mayonnaise
• Buttermilk
• Lemon juice
• Black pepper
• Salt

Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and irresistibly creamy.

Step 6: Crumble Bacon Bits

Allow cooled bacon to crumble into delightful bite-sized pieces that will add a satisfying crunch to the salad.

Step 7: Build the Salad

Layer the chopped greens as a foundation. Artfully arrange sliced chicken, diced tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled bacon on top.

Step 8: Drizzle with Dressing

Pour the prepared dressing evenly across the salad, ensuring every ingredient gets a taste of the creamy goodness.

Step 9: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle chopped chives and crunchy croutons over the top, adding an extra layer of texture and flavor.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Present the salad immediately to preserve its fresh, crisp character and maximize flavor impact.

Tips to Make Your BLT Salad Pop

• Drain Bacon Perfectly: Pat bacon with paper towels to remove excess grease and achieve maximum crispiness without soggy results.
• Control Chicken Moisture: Rest grilled chicken for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices and prevent dry, tough meat.
• Keep Greens Crisp: Thoroughly dry salad greens using a salad spinner or clean kitchen towel to prevent watery, wilted texture.
• Customize Dressing Consistency: Adjust buttermilk quantity to make dressing thicker or thinner based on personal preference and desired coating.
• Elevate Texture Contrast: Toast croutons separately for extra crunchiness and sprinkle just before serving to maintain their crisp texture.

Fresh Twists on the Classic BLT Salad

• Southwest Ranch Salad: Replace buttermilk dressing with spicy ranch, add black beans, corn kernels, and sprinkle with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern kick.
• Mediterranean Protein Salad: Swap chicken with grilled lamb or feta, incorporate kalamata olives, cucumber, and drizzle with Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce instead of mayo-based dressing.
• Asian Fusion Chicken Salad: Substitute bacon with crispy wonton strips, use sesame-ginger dressing, add mandarin orange segments, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions.

What to Serve with a BLT Salad Bowl

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp sauvignon blanc with bright acidity that complements the salad's tangy dressing and cuts through bacon's richness.
• Craft Beer Match: Choose a light wheat beer or pale ale with subtle hoppy notes that refresh the palate and balance the salad's savory elements.
• Refreshing Cocktail Companion: Mix a classic gin and tonic with extra lime, creating a zesty drink that echoes the salad's citrusy undertones and cleanses the taste buds.
• Hydration Helper: Serve chilled sparkling water with a lemon wedge to provide a clean, crisp accompaniment that won't overpower the salad's delicate flavors.

How to Store a BLT Salad for Later

• Store leftover BLT salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate wet ingredients like dressing and chicken from crisp greens to prevent sogginess.
• Keep bacon, chicken, and dressing in separate sealed containers to maintain individual ingredient quality. Croutons should remain in a dry, sealed container to preserve crunchiness.
• Transfer remaining dressing to a glass jar with a tight lid. Refrigerate for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before each use to recombine ingredients.
• Add fresh greens and crisp toppings just before serving to ensure maximum texture and flavor when reheating or consuming stored salad components.

FAQs About BLT Salad Prep and Taste

• Can I use turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, turkey is a great lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this BLT salad and provides similar texture and flavor.

• Is it okay to bake bacon instead of pan-frying?

Absolutely! Baking bacon on a lined sheet pan at 400°F for 15-20 minutes ensures crispy bacon with less mess and easier cleanup.

• What type of greens work best for this salad?

Mixed salad greens like romaine, arugula, and baby spinach provide the best combination of flavor, nutrition, and texture for this BLT salad.

• How can I make this salad healthier?

Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the dressing, use turkey bacon, and add extra vegetables like bell peppers or avocado for more nutrients.

BLT Salad Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crisp bacon dances with fresh lettuce in this ultimate BLT Salad, bringing classic sandwich flavors into a lighter, refreshing form. Tangy dressing and crunchy croutons elevate this simple summer dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 6 slices bacon
• 2 chicken breasts

Vegetables:

• 4 cups mixed salad greens
• 2 tomatoes
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1/2 cucumber

Dressing and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp buttermilk
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 tbsp chopped chives
• 1/4 cup croutons

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Instructions

1. Prepare bacon by laying slices in a cold skillet and cooking over medium heat until crisp and golden, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess grease.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then grill or pan-sear at 375°F for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
3. Wash and chop mixed salad greens, ensuring they are thoroughly dried to prevent soggy texture.
4. Dice tomatoes and cucumber into uniform bite-sized pieces, halve cherry tomatoes.
5. Whisk mayonnaise, buttermilk, lemon juice, black pepper, and salt in a small bowl until smooth and well-combined.
6. Crumble cooled bacon into bite-sized pieces.
7. Assemble salad by layering greens as base, then top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, and crumbled bacon.
8. Drizzle prepared dressing evenly over salad.
9. Sprinkle chopped chives and croutons on top for added crunch and flavor.
10. Serve immediately to maintain salad’s freshness and crisp texture.

Notes

• Pat bacon dry before cooking to ensure maximum crispiness and even browning.
• Slice chicken when it’s slightly warm to prevent drying out and maintain juiciness.
• Use fresh, crisp greens and drain well to prevent watery, limp salad texture.
• Customize dressing by swapping buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter version.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 525
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 39 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg