The BLT Salad with Buttermilk Ranch is a fresh, crunchy, and flavor-packed twist on the beloved BLT sandwich. This salad captures all the goodness of a traditional BLT—crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce—but transforms it into a lighter, bowl-friendly meal that’s just as satisfying.

The highlight is the creamy buttermilk ranch dressing, made from scratch, which adds a tangy, herby richness that ties everything together.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this BLT Salad because it takes something familiar—the classic sandwich—and turns it into something unexpectedly refreshing.

The crispness of lettuce, the salty crunch of bacon, and the sweetness of ripe tomatoes are a perfect trio. When you drizzle them with homemade buttermilk ranch, it’s magic!

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You should try this recipe because:

• It’s quick and easy yet feels gourmet.
• It’s fresh and satisfying—the ultimate comfort salad.
• The homemade buttermilk ranch is pure perfection—rich but not overpowering.
• It’s a beautifully balanced dish of creamy, crispy, and juicy textures.
• It’s a versatile salad—serve it as a meal, side, or party dish.

This salad proves that simplicity, when done right, can be absolutely delicious.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~480 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course / Salad
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

For the Salad:

• 6 cups Romaine lettuce or mixed greens, chopped
• 8 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 avocado, diced (optional but recommended)
• 1 cup croutons (homemade or store-bought)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup buttermilk (adjust for consistency)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 2 tbsp fresh chives, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Place bacon strips in a cold skillet and heat over medium.
2. Cook until crispy, about 8–10 minutes, flipping occasionally.
3. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
4. Once cool, crumble or chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prepare the Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

1. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk.
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, chives, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir well and adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before serving (this enhances flavor).

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Ingredients

1. Wash and chop lettuce.
2. Halve cherry tomatoes.
3. Dice avocado and toss with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

1. In a large salad bowl, layer the lettuce first.
2. Add tomatoes, bacon, avocado, and croutons.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Dress and Toss

1. Drizzle with chilled buttermilk ranch dressing.
2. Gently toss to coat the ingredients evenly, or serve the dressing on the side.

How to Serve

• Serve the salad immediately after tossing to maintain crispness.
• Perfect as a main dish for lunch or dinner, or as a side salad with grilled meats or sandwiches.
• Garnish with extra chopped herbs or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an elegant touch.
• Pair with iced tea, lemon water, or a light white wine for a refreshing meal.

Recipe Tips

• Crispy bacon tip: Start bacon in a cold pan for even cooking and crisp texture.
• For extra crunch: Use homemade garlic croutons.
• Herb swap: If you don’t have fresh herbs, use dried (reduce to 1 tsp each).
• Consistency: Adjust dressing thickness with extra buttermilk if needed.
• Make-ahead: Prepare dressing and bacon ahead of time and assemble just before serving.

Recipe Variations

1. Chicken BLT Salad: Add grilled or roasted chicken for a heartier meal.
2. Turkey Bacon BLT Salad: Use turkey bacon for a lighter, leaner version.
3. BLT Pasta Salad: Toss ingredients with cooked pasta and extra ranch dressing.
4. Avocado Ranch BLT Salad: Blend avocado into the dressing for a creamy, green twist.
5. Keto BLT Salad: Skip croutons and add extra avocado or cheese for healthy fats.
6. Vegan BLT Salad: Use coconut bacon or tempeh bacon and vegan ranch dressing.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage:
  • Store salad ingredients (without dressing) in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Keep dressing separately refrigerated for up to 1 week.
• Freezing:
  • Not recommended. Lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado do not freeze well.
  • Bacon, however, can be cooked and frozen for up to 1 month.

Special Equipment Needed

• Nonstick skillet (for bacon)
• Large salad bowl
• Small whisk and mixing bowl (for dressing)
• Sharp knife and cutting board

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use store-bought ranch dressing?
Yes, but homemade buttermilk ranch is creamier and fresher.

Q2: How can I make the dressing thicker?
Reduce the buttermilk slightly or add more sour cream.

Q3: Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute bacon with smoked tempeh or roasted chickpeas for crunch.

Q4: Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes—store all ingredients separately and toss with dressing just before serving.

Q5: Is this salad healthy?
Yes! It’s rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats—just moderate the dressing for a lighter version.

Conclusion

The BLT Salad with Buttermilk Ranch is everything you love about the classic BLT sandwich—only lighter, fresher, and even more flavorful. The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy ranch come together in perfect harmony, creating a salad that’s simple yet deeply satisfying.

It’s quick to make, beautiful to serve, and always a hit at any table. Whether you’re preparing a weekday meal or hosting friends, this salad delivers comfort and freshness in every bite.