Have you ever stumbled upon a dish that just feels like home? For me, that dish is the Chopped BLT. It’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and simplicity, reminding me of carefree summer picnics with family and friends. The crispness of lettuce, the salty embrace of bacon, and the bright pop of tomatoes all combine to create this uncomplicated yet satisfying treat. Plus, it’s a great way to fuse that classic BLT sandwich into a fresh, fun salad. You can enjoy all those flavors while relishing the textures and colors that this dish brings to the table. Let’s dive into the world of chopped BLT bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: This salad comes together in just 15 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
Budget-friendly: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, and you can customize them based on what you have on hand.
Versatile: It fits effortlessly into any meal—whether it’s lunch, dinner, or a potluck dish for sharing.
Comforting flavors: It packs all the familiar tastes of a classic BLT in a new, refreshing way.

Ingredients

Ready to whip up your Chopped BLT? Gather these delicious ingredients:

6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces
4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (heirlooms work wonders, too!)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (for a punch of flavor)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (adds a lovely depth)

Note: Fresh ingredients make all the difference—opt for crispy lettuce and ripe tomatoes whenever possible!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s bring this Chopped BLT to life in just a few simple steps!

Cook the bacon: In a skillet, cook your bacon over medium heat until it’s delightfully crispy. You can also bake it in the oven if you prefer! Just place it on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Let it cool, then chop into small pieces.
Prep the veggies: While the bacon is cooking, chop your romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces. Halve those juicy cherry tomatoes and toss them in. They not only look vibrant but also add bursts of sweetness!
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika if you’re using it. This creamy dressing will elevate your salad, giving it that classic BLT deliciousness. Taste it, and adjust the seasoning as needed!
Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, bacon pieces, and shredded cheddar. Drizzle with the dressing and give it a gentle toss to coat everything evenly. This is where the magic happens—you want every bite to be a flavorful explosion!
Season to taste: Finally, sprinkle with salt and pepper to your liking. Just a pinch of salt can enhance the flavors incredibly!

Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd your bowl while mixing; this allows for gentle tossing without bruising the lettuce. Treat it gently for that perfect crunch!

Pro Tips & Variations

If you feel adventurous or are simply looking to shake things up, here are some fun twists:

Add an avocado: Creamy avocado chunks would make this salad even more satisfying and nutritious.
Try different cheeses: Switch up the cheddar for feta or crumbled goat cheese for a tangy flair.
Go green: Add pepitas or sunflower seeds for extra texture and crunch.
Herb it up: Fresh herbs like parsley or chives can add a refreshing touch to your salad.
Diet-friendly swaps: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise or turkey bacon as a leaner alternative.

There are endless possibilities with this Chopped BLT! Feel free to mix and match based on your personal taste and dietary preferences.

Serving Suggestions

Present this gorgeous salad in a big bowl, or for a sophisticated touch, serve individual portions in mason jars. It’d make a delightful lunch to take on the go! Pair it with crusty bread or garlic toast for a heartier meal. If you like a little sweetness, consider serving it with a side of fresh fruit or pairs beautifully with a glass of iced tea on a warm day.

Storage Tips

So, what if you have leftovers? First off, I would be surprised if you do, but just in case! Store your Chopped BLT in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s best to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to enjoy it again—this helps prevent the lettuce from wilting. You can keep it stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and beyond that, the freshness starts to fade.

Can I freeze my Chopped BLT?

If you’re looking to freeze it, I recommend storing the components separately. The dressing can be frozen in a small container, while bacon and chopped veggies should ideally not be frozen as they can lose their texture when thawed.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Easy! Simply swap the bacon for your favorite meat substitute or crispy chickpeas for that satisfying crunch, and voilà—you have a vegetarian version that’s just as delicious!

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

You sure can! It’s perfect for meal prep. Just remember to keep the dressing separate until you’re ready to serve, and store your ingredients as suggested above.

What can I serve with my Chopped BLT?

This salad is quite the standalone delight but is equally happy alongside some potato salad, a classic coleslaw, or even a warm baked potato. It could also be the star of a light brunch paired with a refreshing mimosa!

Conclusion

And there you have it, my friends! A delightful Chopped BLT that brings a bit of summer into any season. I can’t wait for you to give it a try. It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about the love you put into it and the joy of sharing it with someone special. Let me know in the comments how yours turned out or if you tried a fun twist on the recipe! Happy cooking!

Savory Chopped BLT Ultimate Recipe for Flavorful Delight

Author: antaki
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Discover the ultimate recipe for a flavorful chopped BLT a fast tasty dish perfect for any meal Elevate your culinary game today

Ingredients

Scale

6 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped into bite-sized pieces

4 cups romaine lettuce, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

Salt and pepper to taste

1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions

In a skillet, cook your bacon over medium heat until it’s crispy. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes. Let cool and chop.

Chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and halve the cherry tomatoes.

In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste.

In a large bowl, combine the chopped lettuce, tomatoes, bacon pieces, and shredded cheddar. Drizzle with dressing and gently toss to coat.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Notes

A delightful Chopped BLT that blends nostalgia and simplicity, perfect for any meal and a great way to enjoy classic BLT flavors in a refreshing salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Salad
Cuisine: American