MAKE iT | BLT Salad Recipe :: Southern Living

(the only photo I took of the salad was this one I posted on Snap Chat - follow me at: pnpflowers)

The 4th of July may be behind us but if you are looking for a great new salad to bring to your next potluck, Summer BBQ or workplace luncheon...you just might want to try this one!!

This BLT Salad is something I fixed for my family on 4th of July as part of our family reunion this year. And the platter was empty. *wink*

Besides, you really can't go wrong with homemade croutons, bacon, tomatoes and lettuce topped with a creamy buttermilk/parmesan dressing.

Looking for something paleo-friendly, dairy-free and gluten-free?
I created a Whole30-friendly version for myself as well.
Instructions are shown beneath the original recipe below. *wink*

So let's get right to the recipe(s), shall we?

BLT SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK PARMESAN DRESSING + BUTTERY CROUTONS
(From Southern Living Magazine - June 2016 - pg. 151)

Serves 6 - I doubled the recipe for our family reunion

Ingredients
2 1/2 cups cubed white bread
3 TBSP butter, melted
1 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 TBSP. minced shallot
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup buttermilk - I used 1/2 cup milk plus 1 TBSP. white vinegar mixed together
3/4 mayonnaise
1/2 cup grated Parmesan Cheese
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. sugar
12 oz. romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
1 1/2 lbs. assorted fresh tomatoes, sliced - I used small vine ripe tomatoes
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped
Flat-leaf parsley and torn basil leaves to garnish - I totally skipped this!

Directions
1. Preheat oven to 375º

2. Prepare Croutons: Toss together bread, melted butter, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Place on a baking sheet and bake 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.

Tip: I baked mine until I felt they were nice and crispy - I think I ended up doubling the bake time.
Also, I baked mine the night before and then put them in a Ziploc® bag overnight. The next morning they felt a little soft so I put them back in the oven at 400º for about 5 minutes to crisp them up again. Then I decided to leave the Ziploc® bag unzipped to keep them from softening again.

3. Prepare Dressing: Combine shallot and vinegar in a medium mixing bowl and let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in buttermilk and next 5 ingredients.

4. Make Salad: Arrange romaine lettuce hearts onto a serving platter. Top with sliced tomatoes and chopped bacon, and drizzle with 3 TBSP of dressing. Add croutons, parsley and basil. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

••••••••••••••• WHOLE30 - FRIENDLY VERSION BELOW ••••••••••••••• 

BLT SALAD WITH BUTTERMILK PARMESAN DRESSING
(Adapted from Southern Living Magazine - June 2016 - pg. 151)

Ingredients
1 TBSP. minced shallot
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1/2 cup buttermilk - I used 1/2 cup unsweetened whole30-approved coconut milk plus 1 TBSP. fresh lemon juice
1 cup mayonnaise - I made THIS mayo
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/8 tsp. apple juice
12 oz. romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
1 1/2 lbs. assorted fresh tomatoes, sliced - I used small vine ripe tomatoes
6 slices cooked bacon, chopped - whole30-approved brands
Flat-leaf parsley and torn basil leaves to garnish - I totally skipped this!

Directions
1. Prepare Dressing: Combine shallot and vinegar in a medium mixing bowl and let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in buttermilk and next 5 ingredients.

2. Make Salad: Arrange romaine lettuce hearts onto a serving platter. Top with sliced tomatoes and chopped bacon, and drizzle with 3 TBSP of dressing. Add parsley and basil. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

I always love finding new recipes to try for large gatherings and I was really happy with the way this salad turned out. As was everyone else.

I hope you'll try it my friends!!

xoxo,
Jess

KEEPiNG iT REAL
I was up until midnight on the 3rd, making this salad and two different desserts.
But it was all worth it.
I hope you all had a fantastic 4th of July weekend!!
I spent mine celebrating with my entire family at our Family Reunion at the Encore Club at Reunion Resort, here in Orlando. It was so awesome to see everyone and soak in the sun for a few days together. I'll be posting a few pics soon!