Quick Bites: Stress-Free Recipes From Bite Me More

Aug
29
2014

The Best BLT Salad Recipe Ever

How to Get Your Family Eating Their Vegetables

BLT Salad
When is a salad like a sandwich? When it's this deconstructed BLT Salad recipe—a bowl of homemade crunchy croutons, tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado, tossed in a creamy basil dressing. 
 
Ingredients:
 
Crunchy Croutons
 
8 slices French baguette, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp kosher salt
 
Creamy Basil Dressing
 
3/4 cup mayonnaise 
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil 
3 tbsp white wine vinegar
 
Salad
 
10 cups romaine lettuce torn into bite-size pieces
3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
8 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 avocado, peeled and diced
 
Directions:
 
 For the croutons, preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. In a large bowl, toss bread cubes with olive oil. Add Parmesan and salt, tossing well. Spread pieces on baking sheet and bake 15 minutes, stirring frequently. 
 
 For the dressing, in a small bowl, whisk mayonnaise, basil, and vinegar. 
 
 In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, avocado, and croutons. Add dressing and toss to coat. 
 
(Serves 6)

For more family-friendly salads, try this Chinese Chicken Salad, this Southwestern Chopped Chicken Salad, or this Nutty Noodle Salad Recipe.