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If you love a classic BLT sandwich, you're going to flip for this simple, flavor-packed BLT Salad! With crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crisp lettuce, crunchy croutons, and a creamy dressing, this salad takes everything you love about the iconic sandwich and turns it into a light, refreshing salad you will want to make on repeat!
BLT lovers, after you enjoy this super simple salad, don't miss giving my BLT Pasta Salad recipe a try!
The Salad for Anyone Who Loves a BLT
If you love the combination of crunchy lettuce, salty bacon, and fresh tomatoes all piled high on toasted bread smeared with mayo, let me introduce you what will quickly become your go-to side recipe.
This BLT Salad recipe delivers the same flavors and texture of a classic BLT in salad form! But beyond the flavor, there are so many reasons you will love this recipe.
- Crowd-Favorite. The combination of crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce has universal appeal, making a this side dish a hit at dinner parties, potlucks, and weeknight meals.
- Easy Recipe. Cook the bacon, whisk together the dressing, and toss it all together for a dish that's as impressive as it is effortless.
- Customizable. Add avocado for a rich and creamy finish. Omit the croutons to keep the salad gluten-free or lower in carbs, or make it a meal by topping with grilled chicken or sliced London broil. You are in charge.
Happy Cooking! xo Kristen
Ingredients for BLT Salad
- Bacon: Any variety, cooked until crispy and crumbled.
- Lettuce: While I am all for darky leafy greens, this is the time to use light, crisp lettuce. Opt for romaine, iceberg, or Boston Bibb lettuce.
- Tomatoes: While any variety of ripe tomatoes will work, I often choose grape or cherry tomatoes because they're perfectly bite-sized and taste delicious year-round.
- For the Dressing: Made with buttermilk,mayonnaise, and dry seasonings that mimic dry ranch seasoning to create a creamy, tangy dressing that perfectly compliments the bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes. Feel free to swap it out for your favorite ranch dressing if desired.
- Croutons: The croutons are optional, but do add a nice crunch and flavor. I prefer to use homemade croutons, but lightly seasoned or garlic and herb croutons work well in this recipe.
- Chives: Optional, but add a nice mild onion finish to the salad.
No Buttermilk?
Don't purchase buttermilk just for the BLT Salad dressing. Instead, combine regular milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar and use that for to thin the dressing.
How to Make a BLT Salad
The process of making a BLT salad is incredibly simple and the following tips are provided to help you achieve perfect results. You will find the ingredient quantities and detailed instructions in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Prepare Bacon. I find the best way to prepare crispy bacon for this BLT salad is to bake the bacon. This not only is a hands-off process and the bacon will cook much more evenly in the oven than it does in a skillet. Once cooled, dice the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare BLT Salad Dressing. In a small bowl or jar whisk together the buttermilk (or lemon juice and milk) with mayo and seasonings.
- Assemble and Serve. Toss a bit of the lettuce with the dressing to lightly coat. Add the tomatoes, bacon, croutons, and chives and serve with the remaining dressing on the side.
Tips for Serving and Yield
- Yield: This recipe yields 6 starter servings. But let me warn you, my family of 4 devours it in one meal!
- Make-Ahead Tips: You can prepare the dressing up to 5 days in advance and cook the bacon up to three days in advance. Once prepared, store in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Dress the lettuce and assemble the salad right before serving.
- Serving Suggestions: From ribeye steak and bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin, to honey lemon chicken and baked cod, this BLT Salad pairs with endless entrées.
More Easy Side Salad Recipes
Did you make this recipe?
If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment with a 5-star review at the bottom of the post. Thank you!
BLT Salad
Ingredients
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon
- 1 head romaine or iceberg lettuce, washed, dried, and chopped
- 1 pint grape tomatoes, sliced in half
- 1 cup croutons
- 2 tablespoons chives, minced (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon dried basil
Instructions
- To Bake the Bacon: Preheat the oven to 400℉ (200℃) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire cooking rack on the baking sheet. Evenly space the bacon out on the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and browned. Once cool enough to handle, chop or break into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: While the bacon is baking, mix together the ¼ cup buttermilk, with ¾ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, ½ teaspoon dried dill, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, and ⅛ teaspoon dried basil and mix well. If needed, add additional buttermilk,1 tablespoon at a time, to thin.
- Assemble. In a large serving bowl or mixing bowl, combine the prepared lettuce with ¼ cup of the dressing to combine. Add the tomatoes, bacon, chives, and croutons and toss again. Serve immediately with the additional dressing on the side.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This recipe was originally shared in 2021 and updated in 2025.
Absolutely loved this salad! So full of flavor and so filling!
This is one of my favorite salads! It's easy to throw together & tastes so good!! I'll be eating it all summer long!
You and me both! This is always a favorite here! Thrilled to hear you enjoyed as well 🙂
This was a hit at our family dinner! The dressing with sour cream was perfect, turned out creamy and the crispy bacon added just the right touch. Definitely making this again!
I love hearing your family enjoyed, JJ! Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely loved this salad! So much flavor and so easy to put together!