Summer BLT Chopped Salad

Introduction & Inspiration

When I first made this Summer BLT Chopped Salad, I wanted something hearty and refreshing that still celebrated the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich. I imagined all the crispy, creamy, tangy goodness of a BLT but in a fresh, vibrant salad form perfect for hot days. This recipe quickly became a summer staple in my kitchen.

What I love most about this salad is how it combines crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor in every single bite. The crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce are everything you love about a BLT, but lightened up with colorful extras like avocado, corn, and crumbled feta.

This Summer BLT Chopped Salad feels like the perfect balance between indulgent and fresh. Every forkful tastes like sunshine, and it’s a dish that never fails to bring smiles to the table.

Nostalgic Appeal

BLTs always take me back to childhood summers, when sandwiches and simple salads ruled our meals. There was something about the combination of smoky bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes that felt like the essence of summer.

This chopped salad version revives all those memories but adds a few modern twists. The addition of sweet corn, creamy avocado, and tangy feta elevates the flavors and makes it even more satisfying.

Every time I toss together this salad, it feels like recapturing those carefree summer days. It reminds me that sometimes the best meals are the ones that are simple, colorful, and packed with fresh flavors straight from the garden or market.

Homemade Focus

Making this Summer BLT Chopped Salad from scratch lets me control every element of freshness and flavor. I can pick the ripest tomatoes, the crispiest lettuce, and the creamiest avocados.

Cooking the bacon at home allows me to get it perfectly crispy without any greasy mess. I love sautéing the corn myself too, because it adds a little extra sweetness and a light smoky flavor.

Homemade salads like this one feel extra special because I can balance all the elements to suit my tastes perfectly. Whether I’m adding a little more feta for extra tang or tossing in extra herbs, making it myself always leads to the most delicious results.

Flavor Goal

The flavor goal for this Summer BLT Chopped Salad was to capture the iconic taste of a BLT while making it brighter, crunchier, and more satisfying as a full meal.

The bacon brings that essential smoky, salty bite that makes a BLT so irresistible. Romaine lettuce adds refreshing crispness that holds up beautifully to the heavier ingredients.

Sweet corn and juicy tomatoes add bursts of sweetness that balance the salty bacon. Diced avocado introduces a creamy richness that ties everything together and makes each bite feel luxurious.

The feta crumbles add a tangy, salty pop, and whatever dressing you choose — creamy ranch, zesty balsamic vinaigrette, or a citrusy vinaigrette — finishes the salad with the perfect touch of brightness and flavor.

Ingredient Insights

Bacon is the heart of this salad. I choose a pound of good-quality bacon with a nice balance of lean meat and fat for the best flavor and texture.

Romaine lettuce serves as the fresh, crunchy base. I look for crisp, light green leaves without any wilted spots to ensure the salad stays vibrant.

Tomatoes provide juicy sweetness and bright acidity. I often use fresh cherry or grape tomatoes for convenience, but sun-dried tomatoes add a more intense, savory bite that feels slightly Italian-inspired.

Corn, whether fresh, canned, or frozen and thawed, brings an unexpected pop of sweetness and color. I love sautéing it quickly to enhance its natural flavors.

Avocado adds a creamy, buttery richness that contrasts beautifully with the crispness of the other ingredients. It’s an essential element that makes the salad feel hearty and satisfying.

Red or green onion adds a sharp, slightly pungent bite that cuts through the richness and brightens the overall flavor.

Croutons add extra crunch and a rustic touch, although you can easily substitute them with roasted chickpeas or another crunchy topping if preferred.

Feta cheese brings a salty tang that complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and corn while balancing the richness of the bacon and avocado.

Olive oil is mainly used for sautéing the corn, but you can also incorporate it into your homemade dressing if desired.

Your choice of salad dressing — ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or a citrusy dressing — ties all the flavors together and enhances the fresh, summery feel of the dish.

Essential Equipment

A large baking sheet lined with foil is essential for cooking the bacon evenly and achieving that perfect crispness.

A non-stick or stainless steel skillet works well for sautéing the corn quickly and evenly.

A sharp chef’s knife and a sturdy cutting board are key for chopping the lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and avocado neatly and safely.

A large mixing bowl provides enough space to toss everything together gently without crushing the delicate ingredients.

A whisk is helpful if you decide to make a homemade dressing to complement the salad.

List of Ingredients with Measurements

1 pound bacon
8 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
2 cups cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (or sun-dried tomatoes)
1 cup corn (fresh, canned, or thawed frozen)
1 avocado, diced
1 small red or green onion, diced
1 cup croutons (optional)
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing corn, optional)
Salad dressing of choice (ranch, balsamic vinaigrette, or citrus-based dressing)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F

Step 2: Arrange the bacon strips on a foil-lined baking sheet

Step 3: Bake the bacon for 15-20 minutes, until crispy, then remove from the oven and let cool on a paper towel-lined plate

Step 4: While the bacon is cooking, heat a skillet over medium heat

Step 5: Add the corn and sauté with a tablespoon of olive oil for about 5 minutes, then set aside to cool

Step 6: Once the bacon is cooled, chop it into bite-sized pieces

Step 7: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, halved tomatoes, diced onion, and sautéed corn

Step 8: Add the diced avocado and crumbled feta cheese

Step 9: Sprinkle in the croutons, if using, for extra crunch

Step 10: Drizzle the salad with your chosen dressing

Step 11: Toss everything gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the ingredients and dressing

Step 12: Serve immediately and enjoy every fresh, crunchy, savory bite

Troubleshooting

If the bacon isn’t crispy enough, I pop it back in the oven for another few minutes. Crisp bacon adds essential texture to the salad.

If the corn sticks to the skillet, a small splash of olive oil usually fixes it.

If the avocado browns too quickly, tossing it with a bit of lemon or lime juice helps preserve its color and freshness.

If the salad feels overdressed, I toss in a little extra chopped lettuce or a handful of extra croutons to soak up the excess.

Tips and Variations

For extra protein, I sometimes add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even hard-boiled eggs to make it a full, satisfying meal.

If I want to make it even more vibrant, I add diced red bell peppers or cucumber slices for additional crunch and color.

For a smoky twist, I substitute some of the corn with roasted corn or grilled corn straight off the cob.

To make it lighter, I skip the croutons and use a lemony vinaigrette instead of a creamy dressing.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Summer BLT Chopped Salad makes a fantastic main course for a light lunch or dinner. It’s also a perfect side dish for grilled meats, seafood, or a classic summer BBQ spread.

It pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine, a crisp rosé, or a refreshing iced tea.

When entertaining, I serve it family-style in a big colorful bowl, letting the vibrant ingredients and beautiful textures speak for themselves.

A slice of crusty bread or a few pita chips on the side make it even more satisfying and complete.

Nutritional Information

This salad offers a delicious balance of protein, healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins.

Bacon brings protein and savory flavor, while avocado provides heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.

Romaine, tomatoes, and corn deliver fiber, vitamins, and minerals essential for energy and overall health.

Feta cheese offers calcium and a punch of flavor, making it easy to enjoy the salad with just a modest amount of dressing.

Overall, it’s a hearty yet fresh dish that satisfies both your cravings and your body’s nutritional needs.

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Recipe Summary and Q&A

This Summer BLT Chopped Salad is fresh, hearty, colorful, and packed with all the bold flavors of a classic BLT sandwich — but in vibrant salad form.

Can I make it ahead?
You can prep the components ahead but assemble right before serving for the best texture.

Can I use different greens?
Absolutely. Spinach, arugula, or a spring mix would all work beautifully.

How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 day. The salad is best enjoyed fresh before the avocado and bacon soften.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.

This salad brings sunshine and pure deliciousness to every table, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Happy cooking!