Classic BLT Salad

$- 6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled - 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced - 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta) - 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped - 1 avocado, diced - Dressing components: 1 ripe avocado, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper Serving Size & Adjustments This salad serves four people. You can adjust the amounts based on how many you are serving. If you want more servings, just double the ingredients. Tips for Measuring Ingredients - Use a dry measuring cup for solid items like lettuce and bacon. - Use a liquid measuring cup for liquids like olive oil. - Always pack leafy greens gently into the cup for accurate measurement. Measuring correctly helps you create a balanced salad. Enjoy the freshness of each ingredient in your Classic BLT Salad. For the full recipe, check out the Crunchy BLT Salad with a Twist. Ingredients for the dressing - 1 ripe avocado - 1/4 cup Greek yogurt - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste To begin, gather your ingredients. Cut the avocado in half and remove the pit. Scoop the flesh into a blender. Add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth. If the dressing is too thick, add a little water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper. To cook the turkey bacon, heat a skillet over medium heat. Place the strips in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally. Look for a golden color and a crispy texture. Once done, remove the bacon and let it cool. Crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Start by layering the chopped Romaine lettuce in a large salad bowl. Next, add halved cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion on top. Then, sprinkle the crumbled turkey bacon and diced avocado. For a flavorful twist, add crumbled blue cheese or feta. Finish with chopped basil leaves. Just before serving, drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the salad. Toss gently to mix the flavors. Enjoy your fresh and vibrant Classic BLT Salad! To boost the taste of your BLT salad, consider adding these spices: - Cracked black pepper - Smoked paprika - Garlic powder You can also serve with fresh lemon wedges. The citrus adds a bright kick. A sprinkle of extra cheese enhances the creamy texture too. Make your salad pop by plating it in clear bowls. Layer the ingredients for a colorful look. Arrange the lettuce at the bottom and pile on the toppings. For garnishing, add extra basil leaves on top. A drizzle of dressing adds shine and draws the eye. You can also sprinkle sesame seeds for extra texture. One mistake is overdressing your salad. Too much dressing can make it soggy and heavy. Aim for a light drizzle, then toss gently. Another mistake is choosing toppings that clash. Avoid strong flavors that overwhelm the salad. Stick to compatible toppings like cheese and fresh herbs for the best taste. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_2}} For a vegetarian option, swap turkey bacon for crispy chickpeas or tempeh bacon. Both add crunch and flavor. If you want a vegan salad, use the same alternatives and replace the Greek yogurt with a vegan yogurt. This keeps the creamy texture without dairy. For a gluten-free option, ensure your bacon substitute is gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free bacon or you can choose roasted nuts for added crunch. In summer, add fresh corn, diced cucumbers, or bell peppers to enhance the salad's crunch. These veggies shine with the fresh flavors of the season. In fall, consider roasted butternut squash or sweet potatoes for warmth and sweetness. These ingredients add a heartier feel to your salad. You can switch up the dressing, too. A light vinaigrette made with olive oil, vinegar, and mustard can brighten the salad. Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. If you prefer a yogurt-based dressing, mix Greek yogurt with herbs and lemon juice for a tangy twist. Feel free to experiment with spices. A pinch of smoked paprika or garlic powder can elevate the dressing and make it unique. Check out the Full Recipe for more flavor ideas! To keep your Classic BLT Salad fresh, store it in an airtight container. This helps prevent the lettuce from wilting. Always refrigerate leftovers right after serving. The salad stays fresh for up to three days. However, the longer it sits, the soggier it may get. Freezing this salad is not ideal. While some ingredients can freeze, others cannot. The turkey bacon can be frozen after cooking. However, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado do not freeze well. If you freeze the bacon, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To heat up your turkey bacon, use a skillet over medium heat. This method ensures it stays crispy. After refrigeration, assemble the salad just before serving. Toss the salad gently to mix everything. Add the dressing last to keep it fresh and crunchy. Enjoy your salad at its best! A Classic BLT Salad combines fresh ingredients for a tasty dish. It features: - Romaine lettuce, chopped - Cherry tomatoes, halved - Cooked turkey bacon, crumbled - Red onion, thinly sliced - Blue cheese, crumbled (or feta if you prefer) - Fresh basil leaves, chopped - Diced avocado You mix these ingredients for a vibrant salad. The flavors blend well, creating a fresh, crunchy dish. The turkey bacon adds a savory touch, while the cheese gives it a creamy bite. This salad is a fun twist on the classic BLT sandwich. Yes, you can prep some parts in advance. Here are my tips: - Chop the lettuce and store it in a sealed bag or container. - Halve the cherry tomatoes and slice the onion ahead of time. - Cook the turkey bacon and crumble it, then store it in the fridge. - Dice the avocado just before serving to keep it fresh. Assembling the salad right before serving keeps it crisp and vibrant. If you want alternatives, consider these options: - Regular bacon for a classic taste. - Tofurky or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian option. - Grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein. These swaps work well, depending on your dietary needs. To lighten up the Classic BLT Salad: - Use less bacon or swap it for turkey bacon. - Substitute blue cheese with a low-fat cheese. - Use Greek yogurt in place of dressing for fewer calories. These tips help you enjoy a fresh salad with fewer calories while keeping the flavor intact. This blog post covered the key ingredients and steps for a Classic BLT Salad. You learned how to prepare the creamy avocado dressing, cook turkey bacon, and assemble the salad beautifully. We also explored tips to enhance flavor, common mistakes, and dietary substitutions for various needs. You can make this salad your own by trying different ingredients and flavors. With some practice, you’ll be able to create an amazing dish everyone will enjoy. Enjoy your time in the kitchen!$

Discover the deliciousness of this Crunchy BLT Salad with a Twist! Packed with fresh Romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, crumbled turkey bacon, and creamy avocado dressing, this salad is perfect for a healthy meal. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a refreshing dish that’s both satisfying and flavorful. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your salad game today!

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Ingredients

6 cups Romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup cooked turkey bacon, crumbled

1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese (or feta, if preferred)

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped

1 avocado, diced

1/2 cup dressing (see below for a homemade recipe)

For the Creamy Avocado Dressing:

1 ripe avocado

1/4 cup Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a blender or food processor, combine the ripe avocado, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if needed to thin it out. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Turkey Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey bacon until crispy. Remove from heat and crumble.

Assemble Salad Base: In a large salad bowl, layer the chopped Romaine lettuce at the bottom.

Add Vegetables: Top the lettuce with the halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and diced avocado.

Sprinkle Toppings: Add the crumbled turkey bacon, blue cheese, and fresh basil on top of the salad.

Finish with Dressing: Drizzle the creamy avocado dressing over the entire salad just before serving.

Toss & Serve: Gently toss the salad to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately for a fresh crunch!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the salad in individual bowls and garnish with additional basil leaves and a drizzle of dressing on top for an elegant touch.