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 bakes, mix the buttermilk, mayonnaise, and spices together until combined. 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. Add the tomatoes, bacon, chives, and croutons, and toss again. Serve immediately with the additional dressing on the side.
Notes
Mayonnaise: Feel free to swap it out for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt. Buttermilk: In place of buttermilk, use ¼ cup milk of any variety mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Tomatoes: Choose any ripe, fresh tomato you like. Cherry or grape tomatoes are great year-round options with consistently good flavor. If using vine-ripened tomatoes, deseed them and chop them into bite-size pieces. Ranch Seasoning: Instead of dried seasonings, use 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix. Dressing: Leftover BLT salad dressing can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.