Looking for a healthy and delicious salad recipe? This BLT Salad with Avocado is the perfect blend of crispy bacon, ripe tomatoes, creamy avocado, and fresh romaine lettuce, all tossed in a simple, homemade dressing. It’s an easy, quick recipe that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for your next BBQ or gathering. Packed with healthy fats, fiber, and protein, this low-carb and gluten-free salad is sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your meal light and refreshing.

Ingredients

12 slices lean center-cut bacon (or 6-8 thick slices)
3-4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup light mayonnaise (regular mayo works great too!)
1/8 tsp salt
Pinch of freshly ground black pepper
2 medium or 1 large head of romaine lettuce (about 6 cups chopped)
1 medium Hass avocado, chopped

Instructions

Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon in a large non-stick skillet and cook over low heat, turning frequently, until crisp. Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble or chop the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
Make the Dressing: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped tomatoes, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper. Stir well and set the mixture aside for 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to release their juices, which will form a flavorful dressing.
Assemble the Salad: Divide the chopped romaine lettuce between four plates. Spoon 1/4 of the tomato dressing over each portion. Then, evenly distribute the avocado and bacon on top of each plate. Alternatively, toss everything together in a large salad bowl and serve.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fresh and Flavorful: A vibrant, light salad that combines the best flavors of a classic BLT with creamy avocado for an extra indulgent touch.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, this salad is perfect for busy nights or meal prep.
Customizable: You can adjust the amount of mayo or use a healthier alternative like Greek yogurt, or even swap the bacon for turkey bacon for a leaner option.

Tips

Perfectly Crisp Bacon: For the crispiest bacon, cook it slowly over low heat and turn it frequently. Avoid cooking it too fast to ensure it doesn’t burn.
Let the Dressing Set: Allow the tomatoes to release their juices for at least 10 minutes to enhance the flavor of the dressing.
Serving Tip: To make sure the bacon stays crispy, add it to the salad just before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

Add Protein: For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad.
Dressing Options: For a tangier dressing, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. If you prefer a dairy-free version, swap the mayo with avocado or Greek yogurt.
Different Greens: Try using baby spinach, mixed greens, or kale for a different texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?
You can prepare the bacon and dressing ahead of time, but for best results, assemble the salad just before serving to keep the lettuce fresh and crispy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the fridge, but keep the dressing and bacon separate to prevent sogginess. The salad can last up to 1-2 days in the fridge.
Can I use regular mayo?
Yes, regular mayonnaise works just as well as light mayo. For a lighter version, consider using a reduced-fat mayo or Greek yogurt.

Serving

This BLT Salad with Avocado makes a perfect side dish to grilled meats, sandwiches, or burgers. It also works great as a light lunch or dinner on its own.

Suggestions

Cheese: Add crumbled blue cheese or feta for extra creaminess.
Crunch: Top with croutons or toasted nuts (such as almonds or pecans) for added texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a drizzle of sriracha or chopped jalapeños for a little heat.

This BLT Salad with Avocado is a simple yet flavorful dish that brings all the best aspects of a classic BLT to the salad bowl, with a creamy avocado twist.