This week I am sharing the perfect salad for a hot summer day. The bacon, lettuce and tomato salad is the perfectly salty yet light combo for a sultry afternoon. I crave this salad so much during the heat wave of July and August that we eat it at least once a week. My nine year old even asks for it if I skip a week! I won’t make you read a small novel to get to the recipe but I will share some tips and brand suggestions after the recipe, so read the whole post for the perfect salad.

BLT Salad

Ingredients for the salad:

• 12 oz sliced cooked bacon
• 1 to 2 cups croutons
• 3 cups tomatoes, sliced
• 1 head of lettuce, chopped

Ingredients for the creamy dressing:

• 3 Tbsp mayonaise
• 4 Tbsp sour cream
• 1 large garlic clove, pressed
• 1/4 c finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• salt to taste
• 1 to 2 Tbsp milk, or to desired consistency

Instructions:

First make the dressing to let the flavors come together. If I have the forethought I’ll even make it an hour or two before lunch and chill it in the refrigerator. In a small bowl, combine 3 Tbsp mayo, 4 Tbsp sour cream, pressed garlic clove, 1/4 c chives, 1/8 tsp black pepper and salt. Stir together then add 1 to 2 Tbsp milk, or to desired consistency. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Next, in a large salad bowl combine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and croutons. Just before serving add dressing and toss to combine.

Notes

– I like to crisp up pre cooked bacon in the toaster oven to keep things quick and simple.

– I LOVE the Kooshy brand croutons in the Mambo Italiano flavor. They are made with sourdough bread and the best commercial crutons I’ve ever tried. I buy mine at Costco when they have them but you can also find them at Target or Amazon.

– I prefer to use cherry tomatoes but any variety will work.

– If I don’t have fresh garlic on hand I will toss in a tsp of minced from the jar.

– If you don’t have chives the dressing is still delicious! They add a nice kick but honestly I’ve made it without the garlic and chives on more than one occasion and it still tastes great.

Once you’ve tried it come back and let me know how you like it or how you made it your own! Enjoy!