Loaded BLT Salad with Avocado

Loaded BLT Salad always makes an appearance when I want something fresh and filling yet crave all the comfort of a classic sandwich. This salad takes everything you love about a BLT and piles it high with creamy avocado, sweet corn, and a handful of crispy extras to transform lunch into something special.

This salad first became a weekend staple when I realized how easy it was to double up for potlucks. My family now requests the crispy bacon and ranch combo every time summer corn comes in season.

Ingredients

• Bacon: be generous with thick cut for best crunch and savory flavor
• Romaine lettuce: fresh and crisp adds vibrant crunch select heads that feel heavy for their size and have vivid green leaves
• Cherry or grape tomatoes: pick ripe and firm these add bright bursts of sweetness
• Corn kernels: use fresh and cook briefly for juicy bursts but canned or thawed frozen corn work well for convenience
• Avocado: choose slightly soft for creamy contrast it’s best added at the last minute to avoid browning
• Cheddar cheese: optional but adds rich depth try sharp cheddar for tangy notes
• Croutons or other crunchy toppings: add that perfect bite use bakery style or make your own for freshness
• Ranch dressing: creamy homemade or top quality store bought ties everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Bacon:

Lay out the bacon in a single layer on a sheet pan bake at 400 degrees until crispy or pan fry over medium heat flipping occasionally Drain bacon on paper towels and break into bite sized pieces Save the bacon fat for another use if you love extra smoky flavor

Prep the Vegetables:

Wash and dry romaine lettuce then chop into bite sized pieces Halve the tomatoes and if using fresh corn carefully cut the kernels from the cob For canned or frozen corn just drain well

Combine Main Ingredients:

In a large mixing bowl toss together lettuce tomatoes corn and cooked bacon mix well so every forkful gets a bit of everything

Add Avocado and Cheese:

Just before serving slice avocado and spread over each bowl of salad Scatter cheddar cheese as desired so it melts slightly from the warm bacon

Dress and Top:

Drizzle ranch dressing evenly over the salad tossing gently to coat Top generously with croutons or your favorite crunchy addition Serve immediately while the croutons stay crisp

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You Must Know

Bacon is truly the star with its smoky crunch stealing the show I remember making this for my birthday picnic and every guest raved more about the bacon than the cake which still makes me laugh

Storage Tips

To keep leftovers fresh store salad ingredients separately from dressing and croutons in airtight containers Romaine stays crisp for up to three days Add avocado fresh to each serving so it does not brown Croutons last longer if you store them at room temperature in a sealed bag

Ingredient Substitutions

Turkey bacon makes a leaner option for a lighter salad Swap romaine with spinach or baby kale for a nutrition boost or if you prefer a different texture Try feta or Monterey Jack cheese for a fun twist on flavors For a dairy free version look for vegan ranch and skip the cheese

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Serving Suggestions

Loaded BLT Salad is a meal on its own but pairs well with grilled chicken for extra protein or a bowl of simple soup in colder months For parties arrange all toppings separately as a salad bar so guests build their own bowls I love serving this with iced tea and pita chips for a satisfying lunch

Cultural and Historical Context

The BLT sandwich is believed to have grown popular in the early twentieth century as bacon lettuce and tomato became a lunchtime favorite Turning these flavors into a salad brings a lighter modern twist while keeping the nostalgia alive This recipe is my nod to tradition but with fresh veggies and more color

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ How do you achieve crispy bacon for the salad?

Cook the bacon on the stove or in the oven until it's browned and crispy, then drain on paper towels before chopping.

→ Can I use a different leafy green instead of romaine?

Yes, you can substitute with mixed greens, iceberg lettuce, or spinach for a fresh twist.

→ Should the corn be cooked before adding?

If using raw corn from the cob, a quick blanch enhances its sweetness, but canned or thawed frozen corn works as is.

→ Is cheese necessary for this salad?

Cheese is optional; cheddar adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter version or swapped for another favorite.

→ What dressing complements the flavors best?

Ranch dressing pairs wonderfully, but you could also try blue cheese or a zesty vinaigrette for variation.

→ How do you keep the salad ingredients fresh until serving?

Prepare components ahead but combine with dressing and croutons just before serving to maintain crispness.