Classic BLT Salad

$- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crisply crumbled - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta cheese for a milder flavor) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped - 1 avocado, diced into bite-sized pieces - 1 ripe avocado - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain) - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - Salt and black pepper to taste The ingredients for the Classic BLT Salad come together to create a vibrant dish. Start with fresh Romaine lettuce. It gives a nice crunch and fresh taste. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color. Turkey bacon brings in a savory note. You can use red onion for sharpness, which balances the flavors well. Blue cheese adds creaminess. If you prefer a milder taste, feta cheese is a good choice. Fresh basil provides a fragrant touch. Finally, diced avocado adds creamy richness and healthy fats. For the dressing, ripe avocado is key. It makes the dressing smooth and creamy. Greek yogurt adds tang and protein. Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor. Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and a touch of fruitiness. Don't forget to season with salt and black pepper for extra taste. You have everything you need for a delicious salad. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. Enjoy every bite of your Classic BLT Salad! - Combine Avocado and Yogurt Start by cutting the ripe avocado in half. Scoop out the flesh and place it in a blender. Add 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt to the blender. - Blend to Smooth Consistency Next, squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and drizzle in the olive oil. Blend all the ingredients until you have a smooth mixture. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water. - Season and Set Aside Now, taste the dressing and add salt and black pepper to your liking. Once seasoned, set it aside for later use. - Heat the Skillet Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Make sure it’s hot enough to cook the bacon well. - Cook Turkey Bacon Place the turkey bacon strips in the skillet. Cook them until they are golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. - Crumble After Cooling Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet. Place it on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up extra grease. After a few minutes, crumble the bacon into small pieces. - Add Romaine Lettuce Base In a large salad bowl, add 6 cups of finely chopped romaine lettuce. Spread it evenly across the bottom. - Top with Vegetables Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado. Arrange them beautifully to make the salad colorful. - Add Toppings and Dressing Sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon and crumbled blue cheese (or feta) over the salad. Add fresh chopped basil on top. Finally, drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over everything. Toss gently to mix all the flavors together. Enjoy your classic BLT salad! For the full recipe, check the section above. You can use traditional bacon or turkey bacon for your salad. Turkey bacon is lower in fat, making it a great choice. If you prefer a vegetarian option, try using crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon. These choices give you crunch and flavor without meat. Prep your salad ingredients in advance for quick meals. You can chop the lettuce, tomatoes, and onion a day before serving. Store these in airtight containers to keep them fresh. It's best to keep the dressing separate until you serve the salad. This keeps the salad crisp and prevents sogginess. Decide how you want to serve your salad. Individual servings look nice and are easy to grab. For a family-style meal, toss everything in one big bowl. This way, everyone can take what they want. To make your salad pop, use garnishing techniques. Add a sprinkle of fresh basil or a drizzle of dressing on top. This adds color and makes it visually appealing. {{image_4}} You can change a few ingredients in your Classic BLT Salad. Instead of Romaine lettuce, try using spinach or kale. Both add great taste and nutrients. For cheese, swap blue cheese for feta or goat cheese. Each cheese brings its unique flavor. To make the salad even better, add some nuts or seeds. Chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds give a nice crunch. You can also try different dressings. A balsamic vinaigrette or ranch dressing can add a fun twist. If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bacon or skip the bacon. For a vegan version, swap turkey bacon with crispy chickpeas or smoked tofu. You can also replace the cream in the dressing with a vegan yogurt. These changes keep the salad tasty and healthy. For the full recipe, visit the Crunchy BLT Salad with a Twist section. To keep your Classic BLT Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. Try to add the dressing just before serving. This keeps the lettuce crisp and the flavors bright. In the refrigerator, your salad will last about 2 days. After that, the veggies may start to wilt or lose their flavor. For avocados, store them at room temperature if they are not ripe. Once ripe, place them in the fridge. This slows down the ripening process. If you cut an avocado, coat it with lemon juice. This helps prevent browning and keeps it fresh for a little longer. For lettuce, wrap it in a dry paper towel and place it in a plastic bag. This keeps the lettuce crunchy and fresh. You usually do not need to reheat a salad. The ingredients taste best cold. However, if you want to warm your turkey bacon, place it in a skillet on low heat. This brings back its crunch without overcooking. You can also use a microwave for quick warming, but do it in short bursts to avoid sogginess. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy BLT Salad with a Twist. A Classic BLT Salad lasts about 2-3 days in the fridge. Keep it in an airtight container. To keep the salad fresh, store the dressing separately. This helps prevent the lettuce from getting soggy. Yes, you can meal prep a Classic BLT Salad. Chop your veggies and store them in containers. Cook the turkey bacon in advance and crumble it. Keep the dressing separate to add just before eating. This way, the salad stays fresh and tasty all week. Common dressings for BLT salads include ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or a creamy dressing. For a twist, try my creamy avocado dressing. It adds a smooth, rich taste that pairs well with crispy bacon and fresh veggies. Yes, cooking the turkey bacon is necessary. It adds flavor and crunch to the salad. Cook it until it's crispy, which makes it more enjoyable. If you prefer, you can also use pre-cooked turkey bacon for convenience, but I recommend cooking it for the best taste. To sum up, you can create a tasty Classic BLT Salad with fresh ingredients. Start with romaine lettuce, turkey bacon, and a creamy avocado dressing. This dish is easy to make and fun to customize. You can swap ingredients and try different dressings. Remember, proper storage keeps your salad fresh and delicious longer. Feel free to experiment with flavors and adjustments that fit your taste. Enjoy making this salad your own!$

Discover a refreshing twist on a classic with this Crunchy BLT Salad! Packed with Romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, crispy turkey bacon, creamy avocado, and a delicious homemade dressing, this salad is perfect for any gathering. It's quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, making it a must-try for salad lovers! Click through to explore the step-by-step recipe and elevate your salad game today!

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Ingredients

6 cups Romaine lettuce, finely chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crisply crumbled

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta cheese for a milder flavor)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped

1 avocado, diced into bite-sized pieces

1/2 cup dressing (see below for the homemade recipe)

For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:

1 ripe avocado

1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain)

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, adding a splash of water if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. Season with salt and black pepper to your liking. Set the dressing aside for later.

Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon strips until they are golden brown and crispy, roughly 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease, then crumble the bacon into small pieces once cooled.

Assemble the Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, start by adding the chopped Romaine lettuce as the base layer, ensuring even coverage across the bottom of the bowl.

Add Vegetables: Generously top the lettuce with the halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced avocado, arranging them artfully for a colorful presentation.

Sprinkle Toppings: Scatter the crumbled turkey bacon, blue cheese (or feta), and fresh chopped basil over the salad, allowing these flavorful toppings to shine atop the vibrant veggies.

Finish with Dressing: Just before serving, drizzle the creamy avocado dressing evenly over the salad, ensuring all ingredients get a touch of that delicious flavor.

Toss & Serve: With clean hands or tongs, gently toss the salad to combine all toppings uniformly without bruising the ingredients. Serve immediately to enjoy the delightful crunch and freshness of the salad!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: For an elegant table setting, serve your salad in individual bowls, garnishing each with a few fresh basil leaves and an extra drizzle of the creamy dressing on top. This adds a burst of color and an inviting look!