BLT Salad Recipe

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

Romaine lettuce: Provides a fresh and crunchy base for the salad.

Cherry tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweetness and juiciness.

Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the dressing.

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

Garlic: Enhances the dressing with a subtle, aromatic kick.

Salt: Balances the flavors in the dressing.

Pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the dressing.

To ensure your bacon stays crispy and doesn't become soggy when added to the salad, cook it until it's just shy of your desired crispiness, then let it cool completely on a wire rack instead of paper towels. This allows air to circulate around the bacon, keeping it crisp. Additionally, make sure to add the bacon to the salad just before serving to maintain its texture.

• bacon - Substitute with turkey bacon: Turkey bacon is a leaner option and provides a similar smoky flavor.

• bacon - Substitute with tempeh bacon: Tempeh bacon is a great vegetarian alternative that mimics the texture and taste of bacon.

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

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

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with grape tomatoes: Grape tomatoes have a similar sweetness and size.

• cherry tomatoes - Substitute with diced regular tomatoes: Diced regular tomatoes can provide the same juicy texture.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt is a healthier option and adds a creamy texture.

• mayonnaise - Substitute with avocado: Mashed avocado provides a creamy consistency and healthy fats.

• lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice offers a similar acidity and fresh flavor.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a tangy flavor that can mimic lemon juice.

• garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used if fresh garlic is unavailable, offering a similar flavor.

• garlic - Substitute with shallots: Minced shallots can provide a mild garlic-like flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty flavor along with umami richness.

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

• pepper - Substitute with cayenne pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick along with the peppery flavor.

• pepper - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a milder pepper flavor with a hint of sweetness.

• To keep your BLT salad fresh, store the bacon separately from the lettuce and tomatoes. This prevents the bacon from becoming soggy.
• Place the chopped romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the cooked and crumbled bacon in a separate airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For the dressing, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic together. Store in a small airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• When ready to serve, combine the lettuce and tomatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle with the dressing and toss to coat evenly.
• Top with the crumbled bacon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.
• If you need to freeze the bacon, place it in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable plastic bag and store in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
• Avoid freezing the lettuce and tomatoes as they will lose their crispness and become watery upon thawing.
• For meal prep, consider storing individual portions of lettuce and tomatoes in separate containers. Add the dressing and bacon just before eating to ensure maximum freshness.

• Separate the bacon from the salad before reheating. This prevents the lettuce from becoming soggy.
• Place the bacon on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Microwave on high for 20-30 seconds until crispy.
• For the lettuce and tomatoes, avoid reheating them directly as they can become wilted and lose their fresh texture. Instead, refresh the salad by adding a few new cherry tomatoes and a handful of fresh romaine lettuce.
• If the dressing has thickened in the fridge, whisk in a teaspoon of lemon juice or a splash of water to loosen it up before tossing it with the salad.
• Reassemble the salad by combining the refreshed lettuce, tomatoes, and reheated bacon. Drizzle with the rejuvenated dressing and serve immediately.

• 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, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.

• Whisk: Used to mix the dressing ingredients 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.

• Measuring cups: Used to measure the chopped romaine lettuce and halved cherry tomatoes.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

• Serving utensils: Used to toss the salad and serve it.

Pre-cook the bacon: Cook the bacon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This way, you can quickly crumble it when you're ready to make the salad.

Use pre-washed lettuce: Save time by buying pre-washed and chopped romaine lettuce. This eliminates the need for washing and chopping.

Ready-made dressing: If you're in a hurry, use a store-bought dressing that you like. It can be a great time-saver.

Cherry tomatoes: Opt for pre-halved cherry tomatoes available in some grocery stores to cut down on prep time.