BLT PICNIC SALAD

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BLT Picnic Salad image

All the flavors of a classic BLT, but with a portable, picnic-friendly twist. Whether you're serving this salad at a picnic, or for an easy weeknight dinner, it's sure to be an instant classic that everyone will love.

Provided by Valerie Bertinelli

Categories     main-dish

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

10 slices thick-cut bacon
1/2 pound ciabatta bread, cut or torn into bite-sized pieces
1 pound multi-colored heirloom tomatoes, cut into bite-sized wedges
1/2 head iceberg lettuce, roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
2 1/2 ounces baby arugula, roughly chopped
1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon lemon zest
3 tablespoons lemon juice
3 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • For the salad: Place the bacon on the prepared baking sheet, transfer to the oven and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping the bacon halfway through.
  • Meanwhile, make the dressing. Add the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil, salt, and pepper to a mason jar, cover and shake to emulsify. Set aside.
  • Remove the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to cool. Add the bread to the pan with the bacon fat and toss to combine. Transfer the pan back to the oven and cook until lightly golden and crisp, 10 to 15 minutes. When the bacon is cool enough to handle, chop it into large bite-sized pieces and set aside.
  • To assemble the salad, add the tomatoes to the base of a bowl or travel container. Add the iceberg and arugula on top. Sprinkle with the chives and dill. Top the salad with the bacon and ciabatta croutons. When ready to serve, drizzle on three-quarters of the dressing and toss to combine. Serve with extra dressing on the side.

Ruliënne Regalis
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This salad is amazing! It's so easy to make and it's always a crowd-pleaser. I love that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights.


Khan Malik
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I'm so glad I found this recipe! It's the perfect summer salad. It's light, refreshing, and flavorful. I've already made it several times and it's always a hit.


The Chevy Show
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This salad was a hit at my last party! Everyone loved the unique combination of flavors and textures. It's definitely a keeper.


Chukwuka precious Chiamara
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This salad is delicious! The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the dressing is to die for. I will definitely be making this again and again.


Magic Mamuni
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This salad is so good, it's hard to believe it's so easy to make. The dressing is amazing, and the combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato is a classic for a reason. I've already made it twice this week!


Suraia Akhter
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This salad is a keeper! It's easy to make, delicious, and perfect for a picnic or potluck. I especially like that it can be made ahead of time, which makes it a great option for busy weeknights.


Alishah Haider
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I'm not usually a fan of salads, but this one changed my mind! The combination of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors is irresistible. I also love the crunch from the bacon and the freshness from the lettuce and tomatoes.


Allieu Sheriff
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This salad was a great way to use up some leftover bacon. It's simple to make, but the flavors really pack a punch. The dressing is especially good. I'll definitely be making this again.


Nadeem Pardasi
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Just made this salad for lunch and it's delicious! The dressing is tangy and flavorful, and the combination of bacon, lettuce, and tomato is classic. I also added some avocado for extra creaminess. Yum!


donnie sanders
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This BLT picnic salad was an absolute hit at our last potluck! Everyone raved about the unique combination of flavors and textures. It was so easy to make too, which is always a bonus. Will definitely be making this again soon!