Easy BLT Salad Recipe 

So you’re craving something fresh, crunchy, and ridiculously easy—but also kinda lazy to cook? Same. Enter the Easy BLT Salad—a.k.a. the salad that thinks it’s a sandwich. It’s got all the best parts of your favorite BLT (bacon, lettuce, tomato, duh) without the bread guilt or the toaster mess.

Honestly, this is the kind of salad you throw together when you want to look like you’re eating healthy but still get that bacon fix. Spoiler: it works every time.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

Let’s be real—some salads are just fancy rabbit food. But this one? It’s a game-changer.

• It’s idiot-proof (even I didn’t mess it up).
• It’s fast. Like, “done before your TikTok video ends” fast.
• It tastes indulgent without being heavy.
• And bacon. Enough said.

This salad manages to be fresh, creamy, crunchy, and salty all in one bite. It’s the kind of thing you’ll want on repeat all summer—or whenever you remember lettuce exists in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make your BLT dreams come true:

• 6 slices bacon – crispy, because floppy bacon is a crime.
• 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce – iceberg works too, but romaine adds that crunch-crunch factor.
• 1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes – sliced in half, because we’re classy like that.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – the creamy magic that ties it all together.
• 2 tablespoons sour cream – for that tangy punch.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice – optional, but adds freshness.
• Salt and pepper – because flavor matters, people.
• Optional add-ins: diced avocado, shredded cheddar, or croutons (if you’re a “salad rebel”).

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the bacon

Toss those bacon strips in a skillet and cook them until perfectly crisp. Drain on paper towels and try—just try—not to eat half of them while they cool.

2. Prep the veggies

Wash and chop the lettuce. Slice those cute cherry tomatoes in half. If you’re feeling extra, throw in some avocado chunks. (Avocado makes everything feel fancy.)

3. Make the dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice. Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Taste it. Smile. You nailed it.

4. Combine everything

Grab a big bowl—like, mixing popcorn for movie night big. Toss in the lettuce, tomatoes, and bacon crumbles. Pour over your creamy dressing and toss gently until everything’s coated.

5. Serve and devour

Plate it up, add any extra toppings (cheese, croutons, avocado—go wild), and dig in. You’ve officially made a salad that doesn’t suck.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s keep you from rookie status, shall we?

• Skipping crispy bacon: Nobody likes soggy bacon bits. Cook them until they snap.
• Overdressing your salad: You’re making BLT salad, not soup. Add dressing gradually and toss.
• Using sad, limp lettuce: If your greens look like they need a nap, they’re not invited.
• Forgetting to season: A pinch of salt and pepper can make or break your flavor game.
• Making it too early: This salad shines fresh. Don’t let it sit forever in the fridge or you’ll end up with a wilted mess.

Alternatives & Substitutions

Let’s say you’re out of something (or just feeling rebellious). Here’s how to mix it up:

• No mayo? Try Greek yogurt or ranch dressing instead. Lighter, but still creamy.
• No bacon? Gasp. But fine—use turkey bacon, pancetta, or crispy chickpeas if you must.
• Vegan version? Swap mayo for vegan mayo and bacon for smoky tempeh or coconut bacon.
• No romaine? Spinach, kale, or even mixed greens work. Just go for something with crunch.
• Want more protein? Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even a boiled egg.

Basically, if it sounds good in a BLT sandwich, it’ll rock in this salad too.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Sort of. You can prep the ingredients ahead, but don’t mix it all up until you’re ready to eat. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a soggy situation.

Can I use store-bought dressing?

You can, but the homemade one takes like 2 minutes and tastes way better. Don’t be lazy (well, be a little lazy—that’s fine).

Can I add bread to it?

Absolutely. Toast up some croutons or even cube up a slice of bread and toss it in. It’s your salad, live your best carb life.

What’s the best bacon for this?

Thick-cut bacon gives that extra crunch and chew. But if you like it crispy all the way, regular thin-cut works too. Just don’t skip it. Ever.

How long will leftovers last?

Once it’s dressed, about a day. But honestly, you won’t have leftovers—it’s too good.

Can I make it low-carb or keto?

It already kind of is! Just skip the croutons and go easy on the tomatoes. Boom—keto-friendly BLT salad.

Can I meal prep it?

Yep! Store the bacon, veggies, and dressing separately. Combine right before eating for max freshness.

Final Thoughts

There you go—your Easy BLT Salad that’s fast, flavorful, and fancy enough to fool people into thinking you tried. It’s the perfect balance between lazy and legit delicious.

Whether you’re eating it solo on your couch or bringing it to a summer potluck, it’s guaranteed to impress. Just remember: bacon makes everything better.

Now go grab a fork, pour yourself a cold drink, and dig into your masterpiece. You’ve earned it.