Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and place a wire cooking rack on the baking sheet. Evenly space out the bacon out on the prepared pan and bake for 15-18 minutes or until the bacon is crispy and browned.
While the bacon is baking, mix together the milk and vinegar and allow to sit for 5 minutes. Add in the sour cream, parsley, dill, garlic, basil, salt, and pepper and mix well, adding in additional milk, 1 tablespoon of milk at a time, if needed to thin.
Wash and dry the lettuce well and then chop into bite-size pieces. Slice the tomatoes in half. Chop the cooked bacon into small pieces as well.
Toss together the lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and ½ cup of the dressing together and place in a serving dish.
Top the salad with croutons and chopped chives.
Serve the salad immediately with additional dressing on the side.
Notes
Bacon: Pork Bacon is best, but turkey bacon works as well. Freeze the leftover bacon by stacking the slices between parchment paper and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove bacon strip by strip as needed from the freezer. Prepare in Advance: This salad is best served immediately after tossing together ingredients. However, if you would like to prepare this salad in advance, it is best to prepare the dressing, bake the bacon, and chop washed and dried lettuce, and store the components separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Do not chop or slice tomatoes until ready to serve the salad. When ready to serve, toss the lettuce, dressing, and chopped bacon together with freshly sliced tomatoes, croutons, and chives.Sour Cream: In place of sour cream, feel free to use mayonnaise.Milk: Use any fat percentage of milk you like. Or omit the vinegar and use buttermilk in place of the milk. Tomatoes: Choose any ripe, fresh tomato you like. Cherry or grape tomatoes are great options to use year-round with consistently good flavor. If using vine-ripened tomatoes, it is best to deseed them and chop them into bite-size pieces. Ranch Seasoning: In place of dried seasonings, use 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix.