This Crispy BLT Chopped Salad is everything I want in a summer dinner, cool, crunchy, savory, and easy to pull together when the day feels too hot for anything fussy. It has all the classic BLT flavors, just in chopped salad form so every bite gets a little of everything.
Crispy BLT Chopped Salad
Equipment
- 1 Skillet
- 1 Paper towel lined plate
- 1 Large bowl
- 1 Small bowl
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting Board
Ingredients
Salad
- 6 cups romaine lettuce chopped
- 2 cups iceberg lettuce optional, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup cucumber diced
- 1 avocado avocado diced
- 6 slices turkey bacon cooked until crisp and chopped
- 1 4 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded or cubed, optional
- 1 cup croutons for topping
Dressing
- 1 4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper or to taste
Instructions
- Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crisp, then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Once it cools, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Wash and dry the lettuce well, then chop it into small pieces. Slice the tomatoes, dice the cucumber and avocado, and thinly slice the onion.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, turkey bacon, onion, and cheese to a large bowl. Toss gently so the ingredients stay nice and crisp.
- Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, then toss again until everything is lightly coated. Finish with croutons on top and serve right away.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Crispy BLT Chopped Salad
This salad is bright, hearty, and full of texture, which makes it feel a little more special than your usual weeknight bowl. The crunchy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, crisp turkey bacon, and creamy dressing make it a crowd-pleaser for cookouts, potlucks, or easy family dinners.
- It comes together quickly with simple ingredients.
- The chopped style makes every forkful balanced and satisfying.
- It works well as a side dish or a light main.
- It is easy to customize with what you already have on hand.
Crispy BLT Chopped Salad Ingredients & Substitutions
Here is what you will need for the base salad and a few easy swaps if needed.
- Romaine lettuce, chopped, for a crisp base
- Iceberg lettuce, optional, for extra crunch
- Cherry tomatoes, halved, for sweetness and color
- Cucumber, diced, for freshness
- Avocado, diced, for creaminess
- Turkey bacon, cooked until crisp, for that classic BLT flavor
- Red onion, thinly sliced, for a little bite
- Cheddar cheese, shredded or cubed, optional
- Croutons, for extra crunch
- Mayonnaise
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Apple cider vinegar
- Fresh lemon juice
- Honey
- Garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper
Substitutions: Use spinach or mixed greens instead of romaine if you want a softer salad. Swap cheddar for feta or leave out the cheese entirely. If you prefer a lighter dressing, use more yogurt and less mayonnaise. For extra crunch, sunflower seeds are a nice addition.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crispy BLT Chopped Salad
1. Cook the turkey bacon
Cook the turkey bacon in a skillet until crisp, then transfer it to a paper towel lined plate. Once it cools, chop it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Prep the vegetables
Wash and dry the lettuce well, then chop it into small pieces. Slice the tomatoes, dice the cucumber and avocado, and thinly slice the onion.
3. Mix the dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Assemble the salad
Add the lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, avocado, turkey bacon, onion, and cheese to a large bowl. Toss gently so the ingredients stay nice and crisp.
5. Add dressing and serve
Drizzle the dressing over the salad just before serving, then toss again until everything is lightly coated. Finish with croutons on top and serve right away.
Tips for Success
- Dry the lettuce well so the dressing clings instead of sliding off.
- Add avocado at the last minute so it stays fresh and pretty.
- Dress the salad just before serving to keep the crunch.
- Use a sharp knife when chopping, it keeps the texture clean and neat.
- If making ahead, store the dressing separately until serving time.
Variations of Crispy BLT Chopped Salad
- Add grilled chicken for a more filling meal.
- Use chopped cucumbers and radishes for even more crunch.
- Try pepper jack instead of cheddar for a little kick.
- Mix in fresh corn kernels for a sweet summer twist.
- Top with toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for extra texture.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Crispy BLT Chopped Salad
This salad pairs nicely with grilled chicken, burgers, sandwiches, or simple summer soup. I also love serving it with corn on the cob, baked potatoes, or a cold pasta dish for a relaxed backyard meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store the chopped vegetables, bacon, and dressing separately in airtight containers for the best texture. The salad ingredients will stay fresh for about 2 days, while the dressing keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge. Since this is a cold salad, it does not need reheating, just toss and serve when ready.
Memories Made Around the Table
This is the kind of recipe that always feels at home on a busy summer table. It is casual, colorful, and easy to share, which is exactly why I keep coming back to it when I want something simple that still feels thoughtful.
FAQs
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all the ingredients ahead and store them separately. Wait to add the dressing, avocado, and croutons until just before serving for the best texture.
What lettuce works best for chopped salad?
Romaine is a great choice because it stays crisp and holds the dressing well. Iceberg or a romaine and iceberg mix also works beautifully.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely. Grilled chicken, chopped turkey, or even hard boiled eggs are all tasty options if you want to change it up.
How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?
Make sure the lettuce is very dry, and keep the dressing separate until serving. Chopping everything into similar-sized pieces also helps the salad stay balanced.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy BLT Chopped Salad brings together all the flavors people love in a BLT, but in a fresher, more shareable way. It is simple, colorful, and just the kind of dish that disappears quickly at the table.