If you love a classic BLT sandwich, you’re going to love this BLT Salad recipe with the best dressing. It has everything you enjoy about a BLT — crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, juicy tomatoes but in a lighter, fresher bowl. And the creamy homemade dressing takes it to the next level.
This salad is perfect for lunch, dinner, potlucks, or even meal prep. It’s simple, full of flavor, and comes together quickly. Whether you’re looking for a healthy BLT salad, a low carb meal, or an easy side dish, this recipe checks all the boxes. Let’s dive in.
Ingredients for BLT Salad
For the Salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or iceberg lettuce)
- 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 8 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup croutons (optional)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1 avocado (diced, optional)
For the Best BLT Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 small garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (to thin if needed)
This creamy BLT salad dressing is rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced. It blends beautifully with the smoky bacon and fresh vegetables.
How to Make BLT Salad
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. You can also bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 15–20 minutes.
Place cooked bacon on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cool, crumble into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash and chop the lettuce. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half. Thinly slice the red onion. If using avocado, dice it just before serving to keep it fresh.
Place everything in a large salad bowl.
Step 3: Make the Best Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sour cream
- Lemon juice
- Dijon mustard
- Minced garlic
- Salt and pepper
If the dressing is too thick, add a little milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
Add the crumbled bacon to the bowl of lettuce and tomatoes. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Top with croutons, shredded cheese, or avocado if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade BLT salad.
Why You’ll Love This BLT Salad
- Quick and easy to make
- Loaded with crispy bacon
- Fresh and crunchy texture
- Creamy homemade dressing
- Low carb and keto-friendly option
- Perfect for lunch or dinner
This easy BLT salad recipe gives you that classic sandwich flavor without the bread. It’s satisfying but still feels light and fresh.
Tips for the Best BLT Salad
Use Fresh Lettuce
Crisp lettuce is key. Romaine and iceberg both work well because they stay crunchy.
Don’t Overdress
Start with a small amount of dressing and add more if needed. Too much dressing can make the salad soggy.
Add Bacon Last
If you’re prepping ahead, keep the bacon separate and mix it in just before serving to keep it crispy.
Make It Ahead
You can prepare all ingredients in advance. Store the dressing separately and combine everything right before serving.
Variations You Can Try
This BLT salad recipe is easy to customize.
Grilled Chicken BLT Salad
Add sliced grilled chicken breast to turn this into a full meal. It becomes a high protein BLT chicken salad.
Low Carb BLT Salad
Skip the croutons to keep it keto-friendly and low carb.
Pasta BLT Salad
Add cooked and cooled pasta for a hearty picnic or potluck dish.
Turkey Bacon Option
Use turkey bacon for a lighter version.
Ranch Style BLT Salad
Replace the dressing with ranch if you prefer a different flavor.
Is BLT Salad Healthy?
Yes, it can be. This healthy BLT salad recipe includes fresh vegetables and protein-rich bacon. To make it even lighter:
- Use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- Reduce the bacon slightly
- Skip the croutons
- Add more vegetables like cucumbers or spinach
It’s naturally gluten-free if you leave out the croutons, making it a flexible option for different diets.
What to Serve with BLT Salad
This easy BLT salad works well as a main dish or side. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled chicken
- Soup (like tomato or vegetable soup)
- Garlic bread
- Baked potatoes
- Fresh fruit
For summer gatherings, it pairs beautifully with grilled foods and barbecue dishes.
Storage Tips
How to Store
Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep dressing separate if possible.
Can You Make It Ahead?
Yes. Chop the vegetables and cook the bacon in advance. Store separately and assemble when ready to serve.
Meal Prep Tip
Keep ingredients in individual containers and build your salad fresh each day.
Why This Is the Best BLT Salad Dressing
The secret to this recipe is the creamy dressing. The combination of mayonnaise and sour cream creates richness. Lemon juice adds brightness. Dijon mustard gives a subtle tang. Garlic adds depth.
It ties everything together without overpowering the fresh ingredients.
This is truly the best dressing for BLT salad because it enhances the bacon flavor while balancing the freshness of the lettuce and tomatoes.
Perfect for Any Occasion
This easy BLT salad recipe is great for:
- Quick weeknight dinners
- Summer cookouts
- Potlucks
- Family gatherings
- Light lunches
- Meal prep
It’s simple enough for everyday meals but tasty enough to serve guests.
