BLT Salad with Homemade Dressing and Croutons
So Very Easy and So Very Delicious
Servings 4 Servings
Ingredients
- 1 16 oz package sliced bacon, cooked until crispy
- 3 cups tomatoes, any kind, chopped
- 1 large head large head lettuce, rinsed, spun dried, chopped
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 4 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 large clove garlic, pressed
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt or to taste
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
- 5 cups bread cubes
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon each dried parsley and Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Make the dressing first to allow the flavors to meld. In a small bowl, combine mayo, sour cream, garlic, chives, pepper and salt. Whisk in milk to desired consistency. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
- Make Croutons:
- Oven Method:Cut bread into 3/4" cubes, crust and all. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle with all seasonings.
- Drizzle bread cubes with olive oil and butter. Toss until bread cubes have an even coating of oil, butter and seasonings.
- Spread the bread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 375˚F for 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crunchy.
- Stove Top Method:
- Cut bread into ¾” cubes, crust and all.
- Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the bread cubes to the pan, sprinkle with seasonings.
- Toast the bread cubes, tossing every minute or so, until the bread cubes are golden-brown on all sides, about 5-8 minutes total.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, bacon and croutons. Just before serving, drizzle with dressing and toss to combine.