BLT Salad: Your Favorite BLT Sandwich Just Got a Fresh Upgrade!
Let’s face it—nothing hits quite like a classic BLT sandwich. The crispy bacon, the fresh lettuce, and the juicy tomato layered between slices of toasted bread? It’s a flavor combo that’s stood the test of time. But what if we took everything you love about a BLT… and gave it a fresh, delicious twist?
Enter: the BLT Salad with Avocado.
This isn’t just your average salad. It’s bold, it’s creamy, it’s crunchy, and it brings all the magic of a BLT sandwich—with a little extra green goodness. Whether you’re trying to eat low-carb, looking for a quick lunch, or just love a good BLT salad, this recipe is about to become your new favorite.
So, let’s dive into this crave-worthy creation that blends comfort food with clean eating. Trust us—your taste buds are about to throw a party.
Why Turn a BLT Sandwich Into a Salad?
Great question. The BLT sandwich is beloved for a reason, but sometimes you want all that flavor without the bread-heavy aftermath. Whether you’re gluten-free, watching your carbs, or just trying to pack in more veggies, converting the BLT sandwich into a blt salade (that’s “salad” for our French-speaking foodies) makes perfect sense.
Plus, adding avocado gives it a creamy, dreamy upgrade that’s not only delicious but packed with healthy fats. This salad is rich, satisfying, and totally Instagram-worthy.
The Star Ingredients
Let’s talk about what goes into this flavor-packed blt salad:
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Bacon – Crispy, smoky, salty. You already know it’s the heart of the BLT. We’ll bake it to perfection so it stays crunchy in your salad.
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Lettuce – Romaine or butter lettuce gives the perfect crisp base.
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Tomatoes – Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and pop with every bite.
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Avocado – Creamy, rich, and just the thing to make this salad feel indulgent.
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Red Onion – For a little bite and color contrast.
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Croutons or Toasted Bread Cubes – Optional if you’re skipping carbs, but for those who love a nod to the original BLT sandwich, toss a few in.
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Dressing – A tangy, creamy dressing brings it all together (recipe below!).
Pro tip: Want to switch things up? Try turning this into a blt pasta salad or a deconstructed blt salade with farfalle or rotini. But we’ll get to that in a bit!
BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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8 slices thick-cut bacon
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1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
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1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
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1/2 cup croutons or toasted bread cubes (optional)
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Fresh cracked black pepper
- Avocado is a great addition to add
For the Creamy Garlic Dressing:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Crisp the Bacon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lay out your bacon slices. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until crisp. Drain on paper towels and chop once cooled.
2. Prep the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, mustard, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. If you want to thin it out, add a splash of water or milk. Set aside.
3. Assemble the Salad
In a large bowl or platter, layer your chopped lettuce, cherry tomatoes, diced avocado, red onion, and bacon. Toss gently to combine.
4. Add the Finishing Touches
Drizzle the creamy garlic dressing over the top and sprinkle on croutons if using. Finish with a grind of fresh black pepper. Serve immediately!
Variations Worth Trying
One of the best parts of this blt salad is its versatility. Want to mix it up? Here are a few creative takes:
1. BLT Pasta Salad
Craving carbs? No judgment here. Add cooked pasta (like bowties or penne) to the mix for a blt pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics or potlucks. It’s a total crowd-pleaser.
2. BLT Chicken Salad
Add grilled or shredded rotisserie chicken to turn this into a full-blown meal. Your lunch just went next level.
3. Spicy Southwest BLT Salade
Toss in some corn, black beans, jalapeño, and chipotle ranch for a Tex-Mex inspired blt salade that’s bursting with flavor.
Why This BLT Salad Is Totally Addictive
Let’s recap why you’ll want this on repeat:
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It’s quick and easy—perfect for weekday lunches.
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It’s packed with protein and healthy fats.
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You get all the flavor of a BLT sandwich, minus the carb crash.
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Avocado makes everything better. End of story.
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You can customize it into a blt pasta salad, add chicken, or go spicy.
Whether you’re a salad skeptic or a health food fanatic, this dish is going to win you over. And if you’re still thinking about that BLT sandwich, don’t worry—you’re still getting all the bacon-y, tomato-y, lettuce-y goodness, just with a fresher spin.
If salads have always felt like a chore to you, this one will totally flip the script. It’s savory and satisfying. The combo of creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and juicy tomatoes is a forever favorite—and when you drizzle that garlicky dressing over the top? Chef’s kiss. So go ahead—ditch the bread, grab a bowl, and fall in love with your new favorite version of the BLT sandwich.
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