Who says BLT (bacon, lettuce, and tomato) belongs only in a sandwich? Try this fresh, flavorful BLT salad for a lighter—yet still indulgent—way to enjoy those classic flavors.
This BLT salad centers on crisp cooked bacon, crunchy lettuce, and sweet cherry or grape tomatoes. To round out the texture and flavor, I add avocado, cucumber, and a bright squeeze of lemon. The result is a satisfying, easy-to-assemble salad that works well for lunch, a light dinner, or as a hearty side.
Full disclosure: with bacon involved, “tasty” is a better descriptor than “diet-friendly.” Still, pairing bacon with fresh vegetables creates a balanced, delicious dish that feels indulgent without being heavy on carbs. I often make this when I want to skip bread but still crave the classic BLT profile.
Give this BLT salad a try and adjust ingredients to your taste—more avocado, extra cheese, or an herb garnish all work nicely. Below is a simple recipe to get you started.
Ingredients:
6–8 slices bacon, cooked until crisp
1 small head iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced
8–10 cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 small cucumber, sliced
1 ripe avocado, peeled and sliced
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Method:
1. Make the dressing: in a small bowl combine the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir until smooth.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced lettuce, halved tomatoes, sliced cucumber, avocado, and the cooked bacon broken into bite-sized pieces. Add the lemon juice and gently toss to combine.
3. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss once more so the dressing coats the ingredients evenly.
4. Transfer the salad to a serving bowl or platter and sprinkle the shredded sharp cheddar on top.
5. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Tips: cook the bacon until crisp and drain it on paper towels so it stays crunchy. Use a ripe but firm avocado to keep slices neat. If you prefer a lighter dressing, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or reduce the amount to taste. Fresh herbs like chopped chives or parsley make a nice garnish.