If you love the classic BLT sandwich but want something a little lighter (and without the bread), this easy BLT salad is the perfect choice.
This salad works great as a side dish for summer barbecues or as a complete meal when you add extra protein, like grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs. It’s one of those recipes that proves simple ingredients can come together for big flavor.
Why This BLT Salad Works
- Quick and easy. Just 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Fresh and flavorful. Crisp lettuce, smoky bacon, and sweet tomatoes are always a winning combination.
- Versatile. Serve it as a side or make it hearty enough for a full meal.
- Crowd-pleaser. Bacon lovers will definitely come back for seconds.
Time-Saving Tip
Buy pre-cooked bacon and a bag of pre-chopped lettuce. Swap out the homemade salad dressing for a bottle of buttermilk ranch dressing.
Easy BLT Salad Recipe with Creamy Dressing
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 6 Cups Iceberg Lettuce chopped (or mixed greens)
- 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes halved or two medium beefsteak tomatoes diced
- 8 Slices Bacon cooked and crumbled
- 1 Cup Croutons optional, for crunch
- ½ Cup Cheddar Cheese shredded (optional)
- 2 Green onions sliced thin, or red onions, white onions (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup Sour Cream
- 3 Tablespoons Milk more as needed for consistency
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika (optional, adds a nice smoky flavor)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the bacon. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.8 Slices Bacon
- Prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, milk, lemon juice, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed.½ Cup Mayonnaise, ¼ Cup Sour Cream, 3 Tablespoons Milk, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder, ½ Teaspoon Onion Powder, ½ Teaspoon Smoked Paprika, Salt and black pepper
- Assemble the salad. In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, bacon, croutons, cheese, and green onions.6 Cups Iceberg Lettuce, 1 Pint Cherry Tomatoes, 1 Cup Croutons, ½ Cup Cheddar Cheese, 2 Green onions
- Toss and serve. Drizzle with the creamy dressing and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately.
Your Own Private Notes
Notes
Making the Dressing a Little Sweeter
- If you’d like a touch of sweetness to balance the smoky bacon and tangy tomatoes, simply stir in 1–2 teaspoons of honey or sugar into the dressing. Start with 1 teaspoon, taste, and add more if needed. Honey works especially well since it blends smoothly and adds a subtle flavor without overpowering the other ingredients.
Best Types of Lettuce for BLT Salad
We love iceberg lettuce as it’s classic for a BLT. Crunchy, mild, and refreshing. The beauty of this salad is its flexibility—almost any lettuce will work! Here are a few great options:- Romaine Lettuce. Crisp and sturdy, it holds up well to creamy dressing.
- Butter Lettuce (Bibb or Boston). Soft, tender leaves with a slightly sweet flavor.
- Mixed Greens or Spring Mix. A colorful, nutrient-packed option with a variety of textures.
- Spinach or Kale. For a heartier, more nutrient-dense twist (massage kale first to soften).
Nutrition
Tips & Variations
- Make it a meal. Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Swap out the mayo or sour cream. Swap out the mayo or sour cream for Greek yogurt in place of sour cream for a healthier twist. Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or buttermilk.
- Tomato swap. Try grape tomatoes, diced Roma tomatoes, or even heirloom tomatoes for extra color and flavor.
- Add Veggies. Toss in diced sweet peppers, diced avocados, sliced olives, jalapenos, green chiles, corn kernels, red onions, fresh chives, shredded zucchini, or carrots.
- Meal prep. Keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent soggy lettuce.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover salad without dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The dressing can be kept in a separate container in the fridge for up to 4–5 days. For best results, assemble just before eating.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a refreshing summer side dish, or a lighter twist on a classic sandwich, this Easy BLT Salad with Creamy Dressing is sure to hit the spot. With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and that irresistible homemade dressing, it’s a recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.
easy way to enjoy a BLT without the bread