BLT Salad Recipe

Bacon: Provides a crispy, salty element to the salad.

Romaine lettuce: Adds a fresh, crunchy base to the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Brings a burst of sweetness and juiciness.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.

Lemon juice: Adds a tangy brightness to the dressing.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the salad.

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

To achieve perfectly crispy bacon, start by placing the slices in a cold skillet without overlapping. Cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until the bacon is evenly browned and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels to remove excess grease. This method ensures that the bacon cooks evenly and retains its crunch when added to the salad.

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

• bacon - Substitute with tempeh bacon: Tempeh bacon is a plant-based option that offers a similar texture and taste for vegetarians.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with spinach: Spinach provides a similar crunch and is packed with nutrients.

• romaine lettuce - Substitute with kale: Kale offers a hearty texture and is rich in vitamins.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes are similar in size and sweetness.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced regular tomatoes: Diced regular tomatoes can be used if cherry tomatoes are unavailable.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier alternative that provides creaminess with added protein.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado offers a creamy texture and healthy fats.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice provides a similar acidity and freshness.

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

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a salty flavor with an umami boost.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a more natural alternative.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a milder heat and can be used interchangeably.

• black pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicier kick if desired.

• To store the BLT salad, first ensure that the bacon is completely cooled and the lettuce and tomatoes are dry. Moisture can make the salad soggy.
• Place the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes in an airtight container. Keep the crumbled bacon in a separate container to maintain its crispiness.
• Store the mayonnaise-based dressing in a small, airtight jar. This prevents the salad from becoming too wet and preserves the freshness of the dressing.
• When ready to serve, combine the lettuce and tomatoes with the dressing, then sprinkle the bacon on top.
• For freezing, it's best to avoid freezing the lettuce and tomatoes as they do not thaw well and can become mushy. However, you can freeze the bacon separately. Lay the crumbled bacon on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.
• The dressing can also be frozen in small portions. Use ice cube trays to freeze individual servings, then transfer the frozen cubes to a freezer-safe bag.
• When ready to use, thaw the bacon and dressing in the refrigerator overnight. Assemble the salad with fresh lettuce and tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.

• Separate the bacon from the salad to maintain its crispiness. Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and crispy.
• For the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes, avoid reheating as they can become wilted and lose their fresh texture. Instead, keep them chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
• If the mayonnaise dressing has thickened, whisk in a small amount of lemon juice or water to restore its creamy consistency.
• Reassemble the salad by tossing the chilled romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes with the refreshed mayonnaise dressing. Top with the reheated bacon just before serving.

• Skillet: Use this to cook the bacon until it is crispy.

• Paper towels: Drain the cooked bacon on these to remove excess grease.

• Large mixing bowl: Combine the chopped romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes in this.

• Small bowl: Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper in this.

• Whisk: Use this to mix the dressing ingredients together smoothly.

• Knife: Chop the romaine lettuce and halve the cherry tomatoes with this.

• Cutting board: Place the romaine lettuce and cherry tomatoes on this while chopping.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the mayonnaise and lemon juice with these.

• Measuring spoons: Measure out the salt and black pepper with these.

• Serving bowl: Transfer the salad to this for serving.

• Tongs: Toss the salad with the dressing using these.

• Plate: Serve the salad on this.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook and crumble the bacon in advance. Store it in the fridge to save time on busy days.

Use pre-washed lettuce: Buy pre-washed and chopped romaine lettuce to skip the washing and chopping steps.

Cherry tomatoes: Opt for pre-halved cherry tomatoes or use a serrated knife to quickly halve them all at once.

Make the dressing ahead: Whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper the night before and store it in the fridge.