Craving a salad that's not just healthy, but absolutely irresistible? Get ready to transform your lunch game with this incredible BLT Salad with Creamy Basil Dressing! Imagine the classic BLT sandwich reimagined as a fresh, crisp salad that delivers maximum flavor in every single bite. Perfect for summer gatherings, quick weeknight dinners, or when you want to impress your friends with a restaurant-quality dish that takes just minutes to prepare. This recipe proves that eating healthy can be supremely delicious and exciting!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: -
Total Time: 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash the romaine lettuce thoroughly under cold running water. Pat dry with clean paper towels or use a salad spinner to remove excess moisture.
- Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes by cutting them vertically and add them to the bowl with the lettuce.
- Cook bacon until crisp if not already prepared. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In a separate small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and freshly chopped basil. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated.
- Season the basil dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the lettuce and tomato mixture.
- Drizzle the creamy basil dressing over the salad just before serving.
- Gently toss the salad to ensure even coating of the dressing and distribution of ingredients.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, crisp BLT salad.
Tips
- For the crispiest bacon, use a cast-iron skillet or bake bacon in the oven on a lined baking sheet for even cooking.
- Choose ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes for the best flavor - look for ones that are firm but have a slight give when gently squeezed.
- Pat your lettuce completely dry to prevent the dressing from becoming watery and diluted.
- For extra freshness, chill your serving bowl beforehand to keep the salad crisp and cool.
- Make the basil dressing ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to let the flavors meld together.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute turkey bacon or use less bacon and add more vegetables.
- Serve immediately after dressing to maintain the salad's crisp texture and prevent wilting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 280kcal
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 35mg
