BLT Salad Recipe: When you think of a BLT, you probably imagine a sandwich, right? But what if I told you that turning it into a salad makes it even better? That’s right—fresher, crispier, and totally customizable. This BLT salad recipe brings together everything you love about the classic sandwich—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce—into a light, refreshing, and flavor-packed salad.
This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, light dinner, or even a party side dish. The best part? It’s incredibly simple to throw together and loaded with flavor in every bite. Let’s walk through everything you need to know to whip up the perfect BLT salad at home.
What is a BLT Salad?
A BLT Salad is essentially a deconstructed version of the iconic BLT sandwich—Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato—served in salad form. Instead of bread, you get all the ingredients tossed over a bed of crisp lettuce, often with some tasty add-ons like croutons, avocado, or cheese.
It takes the flavors you already love and gives them a fresh twist. It’s not only lower in carbs compared to the sandwich, but also easier to customize based on your dietary needs or flavor preferences.
Whether you’re eating low-carb, gluten-free, keto, or just trying to sneak in more veggies, this salad checks all the boxes. It delivers that smoky-salty-savory crunch you crave—with a fraction of the guilt.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love this BLT salad for so many reasons, but let’s break it down:
- It’s incredibly fast and easy. You can make this salad in under 20 minutes, especially if you batch-cook your bacon ahead of time.
- It’s super customizable. You can swap in turkey bacon, add avocado, drizzle with ranch, or go Mediterranean-style with feta and olives.
- Perfect for meal prep. Prep all the components in advance and assemble when ready to eat.
- Low-carb and keto-friendly. Ditching the bread keeps it lighter and healthier.
- Big on flavor. Every bite has the perfect balance of smoky, salty, tangy, and crunchy.
List of Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to build the ultimate BLT salad at home. Keep in mind, this recipe is highly customizable, so feel free to make it your own.
Fresh Vegetables
- Romaine or Iceberg Lettuce – Crisp, crunchy, and perfect as the base.
- Cherry or Grape Tomatoes – Sweet, juicy, and bite-sized.
- Red Onion (optional) – Thinly sliced for a bit of bite.
- Avocado (optional) – Creamy texture balances the saltiness of the bacon.
Proteins and Add-Ons
- Bacon – Thick-cut is best for more flavor and better texture.
- Hard-boiled Eggs (optional) – Adds protein and richness.
- Grilled Chicken (optional) – Great for making it a complete meal.
Dressing Options
- Ranch Dressing – Classic choice, especially when paired with bacon.
- Blue Cheese Dressing – Adds bold flavor.
- Balsamic Vinaigrette – Lighter and tangier option.
- Homemade Mayo-Based Dressing – A simple mix of mayo, sour cream, lemon, and herbs.
Optional Toppings
- Croutons – For that “bread” element, toasted and seasoned.
- Cheese – Shredded cheddar, blue cheese crumbles, or parmesan.
- Fresh herbs – Chives, dill, or parsley for freshness.
Best Bacon for BLT Salad
Let’s be honest, bacon is the star of this show. It adds that irresistible crunch, rich flavor, and smoky goodness that elevates every bite.
Choose thick-cut bacon for a meatier, more satisfying bite. It also holds up better in the salad and doesn’t get soggy. If you’re looking to make it a little healthier, try turkey bacon or even plant-based bacon alternatives.
Pro tip: Bake your bacon instead of frying. It comes out perfectly crispy every time, without the greasy mess. Just lay it on a baking sheet with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes.
Want it extra crispy? Let it rest on a paper towel after baking to drain excess fat.
Choosing the Right Lettuce
Not all lettuce is created equal—especially in a BLT salad where texture is everything. The lettuce needs to be crisp, sturdy, and refreshing.
Your best choices:
- Romaine Lettuce – Crunchy and slightly bitter, a great base.
- Iceberg Lettuce – Classic for that old-school BLT vibe.
- Butter Lettuce – Softer texture, but great flavor.
- Mixed Greens – If you’re going for variety and nutrients.
Wash and dry thoroughly. Wet lettuce ruins everything—it waters down the dressing and makes your salad soggy. Use a salad spinner if you have one.
How to Prepare the Tomatoes
Tomatoes are the heart of a BLT salad. They add juicy sweetness and acidity that cut through the richness of the bacon and dressing. The right prep can take your salad from basic to brilliant.
Use cherry or grape tomatoes for the best texture and flavor. These little guys are naturally sweet and hold up well in salads. Slice them in halves or quarters, depending on their size. If you’re using larger tomatoes like Roma or heirloom, dice them into bite-sized chunks.
Avoid overripe tomatoes—they’ll turn mushy and water down your salad. Look for tomatoes that are firm but slightly tender when pressed.
To amp up the flavor:
- Toss tomatoes in a splash of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Let them sit for 5-10 minutes to marinate. This brings out their natural juices and makes them extra tasty.
- Want a gourmet twist? Try roasting the tomatoes with olive oil and garlic for 15 minutes at 400°F. The result? Intensely sweet and caramelized bites of flavor.
How to Cook the Perfect Crispy Bacon
Let’s be real—bacon can make or break your BLT salad. It needs to be crispy, not chewy, and packed with that smoky, savory flavor. Here’s how to get it right every single time.
Stovetop Method
- Place bacon in a cold skillet (no overlapping).
- Turn heat to medium and cook until browned, flipping occasionally.
- Drain on paper towels.
Oven Method (Recommended)
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Lay bacon strips in a single layer.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes or until crispy.
- Transfer to paper towels to cool.
Why oven-baked bacon is best:
- Even cooking.
- Less mess.
- Frees up stove space for other prep.
- You can make a big batch at once!
Once cooled, chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces. You want those salty bites scattered throughout the salad, not just clumped in one spot.
Making Homemade Croutons (Optional)
While a traditional BLT sandwich comes with bread, we’re skipping the carbs in a salad—but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a little crunch. Enter: homemade croutons.
They’re easy to make, super customizable, and way better than the store-bought kind.
What You Need:
- Day-old bread (sourdough, French, or whole grain)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Garlic powder, salt, pepper, and herbs (optional)
How to Make Them:
- Cut bread into cubes (about 1-inch).
- Toss in olive oil and seasonings.
- Spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10–15 minutes, tossing halfway through.
- Let cool before adding to the salad.
Want to keep it low-carb or keto-friendly? Use almond flour-based bread or skip the croutons altogether and replace with chopped nuts for a similar crunch.
Step-by-Step Guide to Make BLT Salad
Now that everything’s prepped, let’s put it all together. This step-by-step guide ensures every bite is balanced and delicious.
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by prepping all the components so everything is ready to go:
- Wash and dry your lettuce.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes.
- Slice the red onions (if using).
- Cube the avocado (if using).
- Cook and chop the bacon.
- Prepare croutons (optional).
Doing the prep work ahead keeps the process smooth and prevents your lettuce from wilting while waiting.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
As mentioned, baking your bacon in the oven is your best bet for getting it perfectly crispy. Let it cool slightly before chopping it into bite-sized pieces.
Drain well on a paper towel to avoid soggy bacon bites.
Step 3: Chop and Toss the Lettuce
Chop your lettuce into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using romaine, remove the thick core and use mostly the leaves. Place the lettuce in a large mixing bowl.
Give it a quick toss to loosen the leaves and create volume. This makes it easier to mix everything evenly later on.
Step 4: Add Tomatoes
Next, scatter the halved cherry tomatoes over the lettuce. Make sure they’re evenly distributed for color and flavor in every bite.
If you marinated them earlier with olive oil and salt, pour in the juices too—it acts like a mini vinaigrette!
Step 5: Add Bacon and Optional Add-ins
Sprinkle your crispy chopped bacon across the top. This is the moment when the salad really starts looking like a BLT.
If you’re adding extras like:
- Avocado
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Grilled chicken
Now’s the time to layer them in. Keep it balanced—don’t overload. Each add-in should complement, not overwhelm.
Step 6: Drizzle the Dressing
Time to dress it up! Whether you’re using ranch, blue cheese, or balsamic, pour just enough to coat—about 2-3 tablespoons per serving. Too much dressing can weigh down the greens.
Pro tip: Mix the dressing with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar to brighten it up.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Toss everything gently to combine and serve right away. That’s when the bacon is still crispy, the lettuce is fresh, and the dressing hasn’t soaked in too much.
Serve in large bowls and top with a few croutons or a sprinkle of shredded cheese, if desired.
This BLT salad is great on its own, or paired with a side of soup or a sandwich for a more filling meal.
Dressing Ideas for Your BLT Salad
The dressing you choose can completely change the personality of your BLT salad. Whether you like it creamy, tangy, or light, there’s something for everyone. Here are some dressing options to suit different flavor profiles:
Classic Ranch Dressing
A creamy ranch dressing is the go-to for most BLT salads. It pairs perfectly with bacon’s saltiness and the freshness of the lettuce and tomatoes. You can use store-bought or make your own with sour cream, mayo, garlic powder, dill, and buttermilk.
Garlic Mayo Dressing
A simple homemade garlic mayo dressing adds richness and a hint of sharpness. Just mix together:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 minced garlic clove
- Salt and pepper to taste
Honey Mustard Vinaigrette
Looking for something sweet and tangy? This honey mustard vinaigrette is perfect:
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper
Balsamic Reduction
For a lighter option, try a drizzle of balsamic reduction or vinaigrette. It balances the richness of the bacon and cuts through the fat with acidity.
Blue Cheese Dressing
If you’re feeling bold, go for blue cheese. Its strong flavor pairs incredibly well with bacon and adds a creamy punch to your salad.
You can even offer multiple dressings on the side and let everyone pick their favorite!
Serving Suggestions
This BLT salad can be enjoyed in so many ways—it’s a versatile dish that works for lunch, dinner, or as a crowd-pleasing side. Here are some serving ideas to help you get the most out of your salad:
Serve as a Main Dish
Add grilled chicken, turkey breast, or hard-boiled eggs to turn this into a protein-packed meal. Pair with a side of crusty bread (or gluten-free rolls) for a more filling option.
As a Side Salad
Skip the protein add-ins and serve a smaller portion alongside:
- Grilled steak or burgers
- Roasted chicken
- BBQ ribs or pulled pork
- Soups like tomato basil or corn chowder
Perfect for Potlucks and Parties
Make a big batch of BLT salad for your next gathering. Keep the dressing on the side so the salad doesn’t get soggy. Your guests can add as much or as little as they like.
Mason Jar Salad for Meal Prep
Layer your ingredients in a mason jar in this order:
- Dressing
- Tomatoes
- Bacon
- Avocado
- Lettuce on top
Seal the jar and refrigerate. When ready to eat, shake it up and pour into a bowl. Easy, fresh, and portable!
Tips and Tricks for the Best BLT Salad
Want to take your BLT salad from good to restaurant-worthy? Here are some helpful tips and tricks to make sure every bite is as good as it can be:
1. Use Fresh, Quality Ingredients
This salad is all about simplicity, so the quality of your ingredients really matters. Use fresh, ripe tomatoes and crisp lettuce. Don’t skimp on the bacon either—go for thick-cut, smoky bacon if possible.
2. Keep Ingredients Cold
There’s nothing worse than warm lettuce. Make sure your lettuce, tomatoes, and any other veggies are chilled before mixing the salad. It gives the salad a refreshing crunch.
3. Add Bacon Last
To preserve its crispiness, always add the bacon right before serving. If it sits in the salad too long, it’ll lose its crunch and become chewy.
4. Toss Gently
Avoid mashing your avocado or crushing your lettuce by tossing the salad gently with your hands or using large salad tongs.
5. Balance the Flavors
Taste as you go. Add a bit of lemon juice or vinegar if the dressing feels too heavy. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper to brighten everything up.
6. Customize It
Make it your own! Swap bacon for pancetta, lettuce for kale, or add toppings like boiled eggs, shredded cheese, or roasted veggies.
Variations of BLT Salad
One of the best things about a BLT salad is how easy it is to riff on it. You can mix things up based on your mood, dietary preferences, or what you’ve got in the fridge.
Keto BLT Salad
Skip the croutons and use avocado, cheese, and a full-fat dressing. Add grilled chicken or steak for extra protein.
BLTA Salad
That’s BLT with Avocado! Creamy avocado adds richness and healthy fats that balance the crispiness of the bacon and the acidity of the tomatoes.
Southwest BLT Salad
Add corn, black beans, red onions, and a chipotle ranch or creamy salsa dressing. Top with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
BLT Pasta Salad
Toss cooked pasta with all your BLT ingredients for a hearty side dish or picnic salad. Bowtie pasta works best.
Vegan BLT Salad
Use coconut bacon or tempeh bacon, vegan mayo-based dressing, and load up on veggies. Add chickpeas for extra protein.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Planning ahead? Here’s how to prep and store your BLT salad so it stays fresh and tasty:
Meal Prep Tips
- Prep Ingredients Separately: Store bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes in separate containers.
- Keep Dressing Separate: Add it only when you’re ready to eat to avoid soggy salad.
- Chop Right Before Serving: Lettuce wilts quickly once chopped, so prep it fresh when possible.
Storage
- Lettuce: Store washed and dried in an airtight container with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Lasts up to 3-4 days.
- Bacon: Store cooked bacon in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Tomatoes: Best kept at room temperature until cut. Refrigerate only if pre-sliced.
Avoid Freezing: This salad doesn’t freeze well due to the water content in lettuce and tomatoes. Always make it fresh for the best results.
Nutritional Benefits of BLT Salad
Aside from being downright delicious, a BLT salad can be surprisingly nutritious—especially when you use fresh, wholesome ingredients and control the dressing.
Low in Carbs
Without the bread, this salad is naturally low in carbohydrates and great for low-carb or keto diets.
High in Protein
Add grilled chicken or eggs and you’ve got a high-protein meal that’s perfect post-workout or for long-lasting energy.
Loaded with Vitamins
Leafy greens like romaine or spinach are full of vitamins A, C, and K. Tomatoes add lycopene and antioxidants, while avocados bring in potassium and heart-healthy fats.
Good Fats
Bacon and avocado provide fat that helps with satiety and flavor. Choose nitrate-free bacon for a cleaner option.
FAQs about BLT Salad Recipe
1. Can I make a BLT salad ahead of time?
Yes! Prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Combine just before serving to keep everything crisp and fresh.
2. What’s the best dressing for a BLT salad?
Ranch or garlic mayo-based dressings work great. But balsamic vinaigrette or blue cheese dressing can offer a flavorful twist too.
3. How do I keep bacon crispy in a salad?
Add the bacon right before serving and make sure it’s well-drained on paper towels after cooking.
4. Can I make this salad vegan?
Absolutely! Swap bacon for coconut or tempeh bacon, and use a vegan dressing. Add beans or tofu for protein.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store undressed salad in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 2 days. If already dressed, it’s best eaten within 24 hours.
Conclusion
There you have it—your ultimate guide to making a fresh, flavorful, and totally customizable BLT salad. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, tossing together a quick dinner, or impressing guests at a summer BBQ, this salad is always a hit.
With its bold mix of smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, and creamy dressing, it satisfies cravings without weighing you down. And the best part? You can make it your own with a few tweaks and variations.
So next time you’re thinking about making a BLT sandwich—try the salad version instead. Your taste buds (and your waistline) will thank you.
