This bacon lettuce and tomato salad is a delicious twist on one of our favorite sandwiches, the BLT. It has the same flavors, only without the bread—unless you add croutons, which you can certainly do.

Memories of the BLT

I’ve always enjoyed eating bacon lettuce and tomato sandwiches. In fact, I have some amazing memories of sitting at the table with my grandparents, enjoying fresh-from-the-garden tomatoes.

Sometimes they were large beefsteak tomatoes, while other times, they were tiny cherry tomatoes. But it didn’t matter. They were all sweet and delicious.

Another salad we enjoy is this tomato cucumber corn salad that explodes with flavor as soon as you take a bite. We also like this Mediterranean salad that reminds us of going to the Sponge Docks in Tarpon Springs, Florida.

Anyone who enjoys Mediterranean flavors will like this Greek olive and feta salad. In fact, you’ll want to shout, “Opa!” after the first bite!

Now let’s get back to the BLT. The bacon was always fried just right—cooked until extra crisp but not burned.

My grandfather always brought home the thick kind of bacon that I never see in the grocery stores. And I liked it. However, I actually like the regular thickness just as much.

This is also the perfect salad to serve with this chicken and rice soup. Or you can have it with this delicious and filling homemade bean soup.

Converting to a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Salad

There are times when I don’t want a sandwich. So I opt for a salad with the same ingredients. It’s really delicious and just as satisfying as the sandwich, not to mention that it’s lower in calories.

Back in the day, we typically ate iceberg or standard leaf lettuce. However, I generally purchase a spring mix or romaine because of the denser nutrient value. That said, you can have whatever type of lettuce you prefer because it’s all good.

Since you’ll be chopping your tomatoes, it doesn’t matter what kind you use. I’ve used Roma tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, beefsteaks (when I can find them), and unnamed vine-ripened tomatoes. If they’re ripe, I can’t tell the difference.

Ingredients

As mentioned, the ingredients are pretty basic. All you need are lettuce, tomatoes, bacon, and mayonnaise. I like to add pepper.

You can also add other ingredients if you want. Some things I’ve included in my BLT salad are olives, avocado, celery, and shaved carrots.

Another thing you can switch out is the mayonnaise and use your favorite salad dressing instead.

Ranch is a good one to try. However, that would change the flavor and make it taste less old-school than the traditional BLT sandwich.

How to Make a Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Salad

Since this is such a basic recipe, making this salad will be the easiest thing you do all day. It’s all a matter of assembling the ingredients. That is, after you cut up the tomatoes and lettuce and fry the bacon.

There are several ways to cook bacon. I used to fry it in a skillet. But after I discovered how much less messy it was in the oven or microwave, I switched methods.

In order to save time, I typically prefer the microwave. Basically, all you have to do is put the bacon in a single layer on a paper towel. Cover with another paper towel and cook it in the microwave on high for a couple of minutes.

I recommend starting with 2 minutes for 4 slices. If it doesn’t look done, put it back in the microwave for another minute. Of course, a lot depends on the power of your microwave.

After the bacon is done and the tomatoes are chopped, mix the lettuce and mayonnaise in a mixing bowl.

Next, evenly scoop the lettuce into serving bowls. Add the amount of pepper you prefer.

Finally, top the lettuce with the tomatoes and bacon pieces. You may want to crumble it, but I like bigger pieces.

Serve and enjoy!

If you enjoy a good salad, you’ll also like this apple spinach salad with pecans.

What to Serve with the Bacon Lettuce and Tomato Salad

Our favorite dish to serve alongside the BLT salad is this delicious homemade bean soup. Another one we like is this Instant Pot lentil soup that is packed with all kinds of nutrients.

More Recipes

If you enjoy discovering new recipes, check out Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, Meal Plan Monday at Julia’s Simply Southern, and Weekend Potluck at South Your Mouth.

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