If you’re craving a salad that bursts with classic flavors yet feels fresh and vibrant, this BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe is an absolute winner. Combining the irresistible crunch of crispy bacon, the creaminess of ripe avocado, juicy tomatoes, and crisp romaine lettuce, all brought together with a luscious mayo-based dressing, this salad transforms the traditional BLT sandwich into a delightful, healthy, and satisfying meal. Whether you’re in a rush or looking to impress guests with something casual yet flavorful, this recipe balances simplicity and taste perfectly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients. Each element plays its own role: from the smoky, crispy bacon adding irresistible texture, to the creamy avocado giving richness, and the bright tomato offering juiciness and color. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to bring this delicious dish to life.
- 12 slices lean center-cut bacon (or 6-8 thick slices): Choose lean bacon for crispiness without too much grease.
- 3-4 Roma tomatoes (chopped): Firm and flavorful tomatoes are essential for that juicy pop.
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise: You can use real mayo if you prefer a richer dressing.
- 1/8 tsp salt: Just enough to enhance the flavors without overpowering them.
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper: Adds a slight kick to awaken your taste buds.
- 2 medium or 1 large head of romaine (6 cups chopped): Provides the fresh and crunchy green base for the salad.
- 1 medium Hass avocado (chopped): Creamy, buttery avocado balances the smoky bacon and tangy tomatoes.
How to Make BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe
Step 1: Cook Your Bacon to Perfection
Start by placing your bacon slices in a large non-stick skillet. Saute them over low heat, turning frequently to ensure even crispiness without burning. This slow cooking process is key to getting that perfect, crunchy texture. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain excess fat and cool, then crumble or chop it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Create the Tomato “Dressing”
In a medium bowl, combine your chopped Roma tomatoes with the 1/4 cup of light mayonnaise, sprinkle in the salt, and add a pinch of pepper. Stir everything together well. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes so the tomatoes can soften slightly and release their natural juices, creating a creamy, tangy dressing that’s subtly sweet and full of flavor. This step elevates your salad beyond just a collection of ingredients.
Step 3: Assemble the Salad
To serve, divide the crisp romaine lettuce evenly onto four plates. Spoon 1/4 of the tomato dressing over the lettuce on each plate. Then, scatter the chopped avocado and crispy bacon generously on top. If you’re going for a more casual vibe, toss all the ingredients together in a large salad bowl to combine all those wonderful textures and flavors in every bite.
How to Serve BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra sparkle, you can garnish your salad with finely chopped fresh herbs like basil or chives. A drizzle of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors even more, while a sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a subtle heat. These little touches make the salad feel like a special occasion dish without any extra fuss.
Side Dishes
This salad pairs wonderfully with fresh crusty bread to soak up any leftover dressing. Alternatively, a light soup or grilled chicken breasts complement the BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe beautifully, turning it into a more complete meal with balanced protein and carbs.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist at your next gathering, serve this salad in individual mason jars or clear cocktail glasses. Layer the ingredients for a vibrant, colorful presentation that’s visually appealing and practical. Another idea is to use butter lettuce cups for a handheld salad experience that’s perfect for picnics or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, keep the salad components separate for best results. Store chopped lettuce, tomato dressing, bacon, and avocado individually in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, combine them fresh to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
Freezing
This salad is best enjoyed fresh and is not suitable for freezing due to the fresh vegetables and mayonnaise-based dressing. Freezing would alter the creamy texture of the avocado and mayonnaise, and the lettuce would become soggy upon thawing.
Reheating
Since the salad relies on fresh ingredients and crisp textures, reheating is not recommended. The bacon can be briefly warmed in a microwave or skillet if you prefer it hot, but avoid reheating the assembled salad itself to preserve its freshness and crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the bacon with turkey bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well for a lighter option and still delivers a savory crunch, though it may be a bit milder in flavor compared to traditional bacon.
Is it okay to use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayo?
Yes! Using regular mayonnaise will add richness and creaminess to the tomato dressing, making the salad even more indulgent.
How ripe should the avocado be for this salad?
Choose an avocado that is ripe but firm. It should give slightly when gently squeezed but not feel mushy, ensuring the pieces hold together well in the salad.
Can I prepare the dressing ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the tomato and mayonnaise dressing a few hours beforehand, but it’s best to add it to the lettuce and avocado just before serving to keep the greens crisp.
Is romaine lettuce necessary, or can I use other greens?
Romaine is preferred for its crunch and mild flavor, but you can use other sturdy greens like iceberg lettuce or even baby kale depending on your taste and what you have on hand.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe is one of those dishes that hits all the right notes: fresh, creamy, crunchy, smoky, and utterly satisfying. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy classic flavors without the heaviness of a sandwich, and it comes together quickly enough for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. I encourage you to give this salad a try and experience how simple ingredients can create something truly delicious and memorable.
Print
BLT Salad with Avocado Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 generous servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This fresh and flavorful BLT Salad with Avocado puts a healthy twist on the classic bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich by combining crisp bacon, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and crunchy romaine lettuce with a simple mayonnaise-based dressing. Quick to prepare and perfect for a light lunch or dinner, this salad offers a satisfying balance of textures and tastes that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Bacon
- 12 slices lean center-cut bacon (or 6–8 thick slices)
Vegetables
- 3–4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
- 2 medium or 1 large head of romaine lettuce (about 6 cups chopped)
- 1 medium Hass avocado, chopped
Dressing
- 1/4 cup light mayonnaise (or real mayonnaise if preferred)
- 1/8 tsp salt
- Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Cook Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a large non-stick skillet and sauté over low heat, turning often, until the bacon becomes crisp. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain and cool. After cooling, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped Roma tomatoes with the mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients. Let this mixture sit for about 10 minutes to allow the tomatoes to release their juices, enhancing the flavor of the dressing.
- Assemble Salad: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce evenly onto 4 plates. Spoon a quarter of the tomato dressing over the lettuce on each plate. Then evenly distribute the chopped avocado and crumbled bacon atop each serving. For a more casual presentation, you can toss all the ingredients together in a large bowl and serve immediately.
Notes
- Using center-cut bacon reduces grease and adds a leaner option to the salad.
- Letting the tomato and mayonnaise dressing sit allows the flavors to meld and results in a juicier salad topping.
- If preferred, substitute light mayonnaise with full-fat mayonnaise for a richer taste.
- For added crunch, consider topping the salad with toasted bread croutons.
- This salad is best served fresh to maintain the crispness of the lettuce and bacon.
