This BLT Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing is based on the classic Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Sandwich and it is always a hit with my boys!
The BLT salad is simple to make and only calls for 4 ingredients: bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese. The dressing is easy too. You just mix mashed avocado with ranch dressing. The hardest part of making this salad is preventing my boys from stealing slices of bacon while it is cooling!
Bacon: I like to use nitrate-free bacon and cook it at a medium-low temperature until it is cooked nice and crispy. Once it is cooled, I crumble the bacon. If you prefer to buy bacon crumbles, substitute 3/4 cup of bacon crumbles for the bacon in the recipe.
Lettuce: I have never met a lettuce that I haven’t enjoyed, but that is not the case with my boys. I find they prefer a lettuce with a bit of crunch to it such as romaine lettuce or iceberg lettuce. Romaine lettuce and iceberg lettuce also do not wilt as easily which might factor into why my boys prefer them.
Tomatoes: I prefer to use cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes as they can be added whole, so the juices do not get on the lettuce and cause wilting.
Cheese? I know that a BLT sandwich doesn’t normally have cheese, but my family appreciates the addition of cheddar cheese. If you aren’t crazy about cheese, then leave it out.
What about the bread? If you are missing the bread in this BLT salad, then add croutons!
Avocado Ranch Salad Dressing: While a BLT sandwich may have bland mayo, I have jazzed this salad up with avocado ranch dressing. You can use your favorite ranch dressing. The avocado adds healthy fats but doesn’t greatly alter the flavor of the ranch dressing. If a green dressing will scare your family, feel free to leave out the avocado.
BLT Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Salad Ingredients:
- 12 Cups romaine Lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces bacon
- 1 cup croutons (optional)
Avocado Ranch Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups Ranch Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup smashed avocado
Directions:
1. Cook the bacon. Let it cool on paper towels to soak up the grease and then crumble the bacon.
2. Wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Then tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces. Add the torn lettuce to a large bowl.
3. Add the tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon to the lettuce. 
4. Add the ranch salad dressing and smashed avocado to a mason jar, cruet, or small bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
5. Toss the salad and then individually plate it. Add the salad dressing and croutons if desired.
Prep-Ahead BLT Salad
This salad can be made ahead of time. Make the salad in a large bowl with an airtight lid and make the dressing in a lidded container. Store them both in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve the salad.
If you are going to add croutons to your salad, be sure to store them in a sealed container on the counter or the pantry. Croutons will soften if stored in the refrigerator for too long.
Add the dressing to the salad right before serving. Then top with croutons.
Meal Prep BLT Salad for Lunches
While this will make 8 side salads if you are meal-prepping salads for lunches, it makes 4 to 5 large salads.
Do not add the dressing or the croutons to the salad.
Divide the salad between 4 – 5 glass bowls with airtight lids.
Pour the dressing into 4 – 5 reusable salad dressing containers. Place the lid on the dressing, then place the container in the salad, and then place the lid on the salad container.
If you want to add croutons, place them in a snack-size baggy or container and add them to your lunch bag when you pack your salad.
Printable Recipe for BLT Salad with Avocado Ranch Dressing
BLT Salad Recipe with Avocado Ranch Dressing
Ingredients
- 12 Cups romaine Lettuce
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 12 ounces bacon
- 1 cup croutons optional
Avocado Ranch Dressing Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 cups Ranch Salad Dressing
- 1/2 cup smashed avocado
Instructions
- Cook the bacon. Let it cool on paper towels to soak up the grease and then crumble the bacon.
- Wash and dry the romaine lettuce. Then tear the lettuce into bite-size pieces. Add the torn lettuce to a large bowl.
- Add the tomatoes, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon to the lettuce.
- Add the ranch salad dressing and smashed avocado to a mason jar, cruet, or small bowl. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- Toss the salad and plate. Then add the dressing and croutons.
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