BLT Chopped Salad Recipe with Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
A BLT Chopped Salad with Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is a perfect meal for those who love the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich but want a healthier option. This salad is packed with fresh vegetables, crispy bacon, and a homemade ranch dressing that is both creamy and tangy. It’s a great way to get in your daily dose of greens while still satisfying your taste buds.
To make this salad, start by chopping up some romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Add some crispy bacon and croutons for crunch, and toss everything together in a large bowl. The homemade ranch dressing is made with buttermilk, sour cream, and a blend of herbs and spices. It’s a healthier alternative to store-bought dressings and adds a delicious tangy flavor to the salad. With just a few simple ingredients, this salad is easy to make and perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
The Basics of a BLT Chopped Salad
When it comes to salads, the BLT Chopped Salad is a classic that everyone should know how to make. This salad is a mix of fresh greens, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado, all topped off with a homemade creamy buttermilk ranch dressing. Here are the basics of making a delicious BLT Chopped Salad.
Key Ingredients
The key ingredients for a BLT Chopped Salad are:
- Greens: Use a mix of your favorite greens such as romaine, iceberg, or spinach.
- Bacon: Cook the bacon until it’s crispy, then chop it into small pieces.
- Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for the best flavor.
- Avocado: Cut the avocado into small cubes.
- Red Onion: Finely chop the red onion for a bit of zing.
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: Make the dressing at home using buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, and a blend of herbs and spices.
Salad Variations
The beauty of a chopped salad is that you can customize it to your liking. Here are a few variations to try:
- Southwest BLT: Add black beans, corn, and jalapenos for a spicy twist.
- Greek BLT: Use feta cheese, kalamata olives, and cucumbers for a Mediterranean twist.
- Cobb Salad: Add hard-boiled eggs, blue cheese, and grilled chicken for a heartier salad.
In conclusion, the BLT Chopped Salad is a simple yet delicious salad that can be easily customized to suit your taste preferences. With the right mix of fresh ingredients and homemade dressing, this salad is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
Dressing Ingredients
To make the Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, the following ingredients are required:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Buttermilk | 1/2 cup |
| Sour cream | 1/2 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Dried dill | 1 tsp |
| Salt | 1/2 tsp |
| Black pepper | 1/4 tsp |
Preparation Steps
To prepare the Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing, follow these simple steps:
- In a mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, buttermilk, and sour cream.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper to the bowl and mix well.
- Taste the dressing and adjust the seasoning as per preference.
- Add more buttermilk if you want the dressing to be thinner.
- Refrigerate the dressing for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
This Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing recipe is quick and easy to make, and it tastes much better than the store-bought version. The dressing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It is perfect for salads, dipping vegetables, or as a sauce for sandwiches.
Assembling the BLT Chopped Salad
Chopping Techniques
To ensure that the BLT Chopped Salad is evenly chopped, it is important to use proper chopping techniques. The lettuce should be chopped into bite-sized pieces, while the tomatoes and bacon should be diced into small, uniform pieces. The avocado should be sliced and then diced into small pieces.
Layering Components
To assemble the BLT Chopped Salad, start by layering the chopped lettuce on the bottom of a large serving bowl. Next, add a layer of diced tomatoes, followed by a layer of diced bacon. Then, add a layer of diced avocado and top with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.
Repeat these layers until all of the ingredients have been used, ending with a layer of bacon and avocado on top. Drizzle the homemade creamy buttermilk ranch dressing over the top of the salad and serve immediately.
By following these simple chopping techniques and layering components, the BLT Chopped Salad with Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing will be a delicious and visually appealing addition to any meal.
Serving Suggestions
Accompaniments
The BLT Chopped Salad with Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is a complete meal in itself, but it can be served with some accompaniments to enhance the overall taste. Here are a few suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve some warm garlic bread on the side to complement the salad’s flavors. The bread’s crunchy texture and garlic flavor will complement the salad’s creamy and tangy flavors.
- Grilled Corn: Grilled corn on the cob is an excellent accompaniment to the BLT Chopped Salad. The sweetness of the corn will balance out the salad’s saltiness and add a smoky flavor to the dish.
- Iced Tea: A refreshing iced tea can be served with the salad to quench thirst and complement the dish’s flavors. A cold glass of iced tea will provide a perfect balance to the salad’s flavors.
Presentation Tips
The BLT Chopped Salad with Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing is a beautiful and colorful dish that can be presented in a variety of ways. Here are a few presentation tips:
- Mason Jars: Layer the ingredients of the salad in a mason jar to make it look visually appealing. This will also make it easy to transport the salad to a picnic or potluck.
- Salad Bowls: Serve the salad in a large salad bowl to make it the centerpiece of the table. Garnish the salad with some fresh herbs or croutons to make it look more appetizing.
- Individual Plates: Serve the salad on individual plates to make it look more elegant. Arrange the ingredients in a circular pattern and drizzle the dressing on top to make it look visually appealing.
By following these serving suggestions and presentation tips, you can elevate the BLT Chopped Salad with Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing to a whole new level and impress your guests with your culinary skills.
Storage and Leftover Tips
When it comes to storing the BLT chopped salad, it is important to keep the ingredients separate until ready to serve. This will help prevent the lettuce from becoming wilted and the tomatoes from releasing too much juice. The creamy buttermilk ranch dressing should also be stored separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it is important to note that the lettuce may become soggy after being dressed with the creamy buttermilk ranch dressing. To prevent this, store the dressing separately and only add it to the salad when ready to serve.
If you plan on making the BLT chopped salad ahead of time, it is recommended to prep the ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to assemble and serve. This will help keep the ingredients fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Overall, by following these storage and leftover tips, you can ensure that your BLT chopped salad with homemade creamy buttermilk ranch dressing stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
BLT Chopped Salad
Course: SaladsDifficulty: Easy4
min15
minutes1
minute20
minutesservings : 1 large salad (serves 2 generously or 4 modestly) + about 1 1/4 cups dressing
Ingredients
- SALAD:
½ cup cooked, diced bacon or faux bacon pieces (about 8 strips bacon, cooked to manufacturer’s instructions)
About 3 to 4 cups salad greens
1 small/medium ripe tomato, sliced into thin rounds
Half of 1 cucumber, about 10 thinly sliced rounds
¼ cup thinly sliced carrots
¼ cup peas (I used frozen)
¼ cup corn (I used frozen)
- BUTTERMILK RANCH DRESSING:
½ heaping cup mayonnaise (lite or reduced fat okay)
½ heaping cup sour cream (lite or reduced fat okay; plain Greek yogurt may be substituted)
¼ cup buttermilk + extra if necessary to thin
2 tablespoons minced fresh flat-leaf, Italian parsley
1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
1 to 2 tablespoons minced fresh green onion, scallions, or chives (I used 1 trimmed green onion in entirety)
1 small garlic clove, peeled, optional and to taste
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
Instructions:
- Salad
- Cook bacon according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Dice small and set aside.
- In a large bowl, add the greens, top with tomato, cucumber, carrots, peas, corn, and sprinkle bacon pieces over the top. Set aside.
- Buttermilk Ranch Dressing:
- To the canister of a food processor or blender, add all dressing ingredients and blend until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds.
- Taste the dressing and adjust flavor balance by adding more lemon, oil, herbs, salt, and pepper, to taste.
- Transfer dressing to a glass jar with a lid or an airtight container. Drizzle over the salad and toss to combine. Serve immediately.
- Extra dressing will keep for 7 to 10 days airtight in the fridge; shake well before next use.
- Nutrition:
- Serving: 1, Calories: 462kcal, Carbohydrates: 16g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 40g, Saturated Fat: 10g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 29g, Cholesterol: 48mg, Sodium: 846mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 6g
Notes
- Perfectly Ripened Avocado: Choose avocados that are ripe but still firm to ensure a creamy texture without being mushy.
FAQs
- Can I make the ranch dressing in advance?
- Absolutely! The Homemade Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing can be prepared ahead and refrigerated for up to a week.
- Are there alternatives to buttermilk in the dressing?
- Yes, you can use a combination of yogurt and milk as a substitute for buttermilk to achieve a similar tangy flavor.
- Can I add croutons for extra crunch?
- Certainly! Feel free to toss in homemade or store-bought croutons to enhance the overall crunchiness of the salad.
- Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
- Definitely! Prep the ingredients in advance and assemble just before serving for a quick and satisfying meal.
- Can I customize the ranch dressing with additional herbs?
- Absolutely! Experiment with adding dill, chives, or garlic for a personalized touch to the buttermilk ranch dressing.
