Loaded BLT Salad Recipe
Description:
The Loaded BLT Salad is a hearty, flavor-packed twist on the classic bacon-lettuce-tomato sandwich—without the bread. It’s a fresh, crunchy, and creamy salad with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, crunchy lettuce, creamy avocado, shredded cheese, hard-boiled eggs, and a rich, tangy dressing. Perfect as a main dish or a side, this salad brings all the textures and bold flavors in one bowl.
Time:
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
For the Salad:
8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
6 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 ripe avocado, diced
2 hard-boiled eggs, sliced
½ cup shredded cheddar or Colby jack cheese
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
1 cup croutons (optional, for crunch)
For the Dressing (Ranch-style or Creamy Mayo Mix):
½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: 1 tbsp chopped fresh herbs (parsley or chives)
Instructions:
Cook the bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled.
Prepare the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream (or yogurt), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir in herbs if using. Chill until ready to use.
Assemble the salad:
In a large salad bowl or platter, layer romaine lettuce, halved tomatoes, avocado cubes, sliced eggs, shredded cheese, red onion, and crumbled bacon.
Drizzle & toss:
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss gently, or serve with dressing on the side.
Top with croutons (optional) for added crunch and texture.
Nutritional Info (per serving – without croutons):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~420 kcal
Protein 16g
Fat 35g
Saturated Fat 10g
Carbohydrates 8g
Fiber 3g
Sugars 3g
Cholesterol 215mg
Sodium 600mg
Note: Nutritional values vary based on specific brands and optional ingredients like croutons or extra cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I make this salad ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the components (bacon, eggs, chopped lettuce, etc.) ahead of time and store them separately. Assemble just before serving to keep it crisp.
Q: What dressing goes best with this salad?
A: A creamy ranch or mayo-based dressing complements the smoky bacon and tangy tomatoes well, but a balsamic vinaigrette also works for a lighter option.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Yes! Replace bacon with smoky tempeh or coconut bacon for a vegetarian-friendly version.
Q: What other add-ins go well?
A: Try grilled chicken for extra protein, cucumber for crunch, or corn for sweetness.
Q: Is this keto-friendly?
A: Yes! Just skip the croutons and ensure the dressing has no added sugar.