When summer hits, you're always looking for fresh and exciting meals that are light yet satisfying. One standout option is the Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad which offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. This unique twist on the classic BLT combines the savory crunch of bacon, the crisp freshness of lettuce, the juicy burst of tomatoes, and the unexpected sweetness of watermelon.
You might be surprised at how well bacon and watermelon go together. The saltiness of the bacon elevates the natural sweetness of the watermelon and tomatoes, making each bite a delightful experience. Adding homemade croutons and a tangy Parmesan dressing ensures that this salad is both refreshing and filling.
This salad isn't just tasty; it's also a smart choice for those watching their nutrition. With 269 calories per serving and a mix of fats, proteins, and carbs, it is a balanced meal that won't derail your dietary goals. Dive into this easy-to-make, flavorful dish that's perfect for any summer day.
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
This Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad combines classic flavors with a refreshing twist. The recipe includes easy-to-find ingredients, a tangy dressing, and crispy croutons for added texture.
Key Ingredients
- Bacon: You'll need 12 strips, chopped into 1-inch pieces. Cook until crisp and set aside.
- Romaine Lettuce: One head, chopped, provides a fresh and crunchy base.
- Watermelon: Three cups of diced, seedless pieces add a juicy sweetness.
- Cherry Tomatoes: 1 ½ cups of halved yellow tomatoes for a mild, tangy flavor.
- French Bread Croutons: Two cups of cubed bread seasoned with salt, pepper, and bacon drippings, sautéed until golden.
- Dressing: A mix of plain yogurt, mayonnaise, Parmesan, white wine vinegar, minced shallots, cracked black pepper, capers, horseradish, and kosher salt.
Nutritional Information
The salad is not just tasty but also packed with nutrients. Here’s what you get per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 269 | - |
| Total Fat | 15 grams | 23% |
| Saturated Fat | 5 grams | 25% |
| Cholesterol | 24 mg | 8% |
| Sodium | 761 mg | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 28 grams | 9% |
| Fiber | 4 grams | 16% |
| Protein | 10 grams | - |
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
The salad offers a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and fats, making it a nutritious option.
Culinary Tips
Here are some handy tips to make your salad perfect:
- Bacon: Cook until just crisp to avoid it being too chewy or too hard. Using a skillet ensures even cooking.
- Watermelon: Pick a seedless variety to save time. Dice it into uniform cubes for the best texture.
- Croutons: Combine bread cubes with reserved bacon drippings for extra flavor. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
- Dressing: Whisk until smooth. If it's too thick, thin it out with a splash of milk.
- Assembly: For the best presentation, layer the lettuce first, followed by bacon, watermelon, tomatoes, and croutons. Drizzle dressing just before serving.
This salad brings together sweet, salty, and refreshing flavors in one dish, making it a unique and delicious option for any meal.
Salad Mixing Tips
An excellent Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad combines fresh ingredients, flavorful dressings, and a balanced assembly process.
Preparing the Salad Base
Romaine lettuce is an excellent choice for its crispness. Chop the romaine into bite-sized pieces. You can also mix in Boston or Bibb lettuce for variety.
Slice cherry tomatoes in half and make sure they are fresh for maximum flavor. Dice the seedless watermelon into small, even chunks to complement the tomatoes.
Cook bacon strips in a skillet until crisp, and set them aside on a paper-towel-lined plate. Make sure to reserve the bacon drippings. These will be handy for other parts of the salad.
Creating the Dressing
For a creamy dressing, whisk together plain yogurt, mayonnaise, and a bit of crumbled Parmesan. To add tanginess, use white wine vinegar and minced shallots.
Add cracked black pepper, minced capers, and a touch of prepared horseradish for extra zing. Mix all ingredients thoroughly. You can use a blender or food processor to get an even consistency.
Season with kosher salt. This dressing can be refrigerated for up to one week, making it convenient for later use. Feel free to experiment with other dressings, like a simple olive oil and lemon juice mix, for a lighter option.
Assembling the Salad
Start by placing the chopped romaine lettuce on four plates. Scatter the crisp bacon evenly over the lettuce.
Add the diced watermelon and halved cherry tomatoes on top. Make sure to mix the ingredients slightly to spread the flavors.
For extra crunch, prepare some homemade croutons. Combine French bread cubes with the reserved bacon drippings and sauté until golden brown. Sprinkle these croutons over the salad.
Finally, drizzle the prepared dressing over each plate. Toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients evenly. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest taste.
Modifying the Recipe to Meet Dietary Requirements
Keto Diet
For a keto-friendly version, remove the croutons as they are high in carbs. Replace the yellow cherry tomatoes with a smaller amount of tomatoes to reduce the carb count. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt in the dressing, as it has fewer carbs.
Paleo and Whole30 Diets
If you follow a Paleo or Whole30 diet, you will need to make a few changes. Omit the croutons and use coconut aminos instead of white wine vinegar in the dressing. Substitute mayonnaise with a Whole30-compliant version or make your own using compliant ingredients.
Diabetes
For those managing diabetes, you should cut down on the watermelon which can be high in sugars. Use less watermelon or replace it with a lower-sugar fruit, like berries. Make sure your mayonnaise and yogurt have no added sugars.
Gluten-Free
For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free bread for the croutons. Be sure to double-check that your ingredients, like the mayonnaise and yogurt, are also gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
Low-Sodium
If you need to reduce sodium, skip the kosher salt in the croutons and in the dressing. Opt for low-sodium bacon and check that the mayonnaise and yogurt are also low in sodium. You can replace the bacon with turkey bacon for a lower-sodium alternative.
Here's a quick summary in table form:
| Dietary Requirement | Modifications |
|---|---|
| Keto | Remove croutons, reduce tomatoes, use Greek yogurt |
| Paleo/Whole30 | Omit croutons, use coconut aminos, compliant mayonnaise |
| Diabetes | Reduce/Replace watermelon, no added sugar ingredients |
| Gluten-Free | Use gluten-free bread, confirm gluten-free ingredients |
| Low-Sodium | No kosher salt, low-sodium bacon, replace with turkey bacon |
These modifications will help make the Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad suitable for different dietary needs!
Recipe: BLT Watermelon Salad
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 12 strips bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped (about 8 cups)
- 3 cups diced seedless watermelon
- 1 ½ cups halved yellow cherry tomatoes
For the Croutons:
- 2 cups cubed French bread
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
For the Dressing:
- ¾ cup plain yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup crumbled Parmesan
- 3 Tbsp. white wine vinegar
- 1 Tbsp. minced shallots
- 2 tsp. cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp. minced capers
- 1 tsp. prepared horseradish
- ½ tsp. kosher salt
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bacon:
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crispy. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Save the bacon drippings for later.
2. Make the Croutons:
Toss the bread cubes with 2 Tbsp. of bacon drippings in a bowl to coat them.
Sauté the bread cubes in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Stir often. If the croutons seem dry, add an extra Tbsp. of drippings. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Whisk the Dressing:
Mix together the yogurt, mayonnaise, Parmesan, vinegar, shallots, pepper, capers, horseradish, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
4. Assemble the Salad:
Divide the chopped lettuce among four plates. Top with bacon pieces, watermelon, halved tomatoes, and croutons. Drizzle with the dressing.
Tips
- Leftover Dressing: Store any leftover dressing in a covered container in the fridge for up to one week.
- Serving Size: This recipe makes 4 servings.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
When serving your Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad, it's important to think about complementary dishes, ideal beverages, and ways to present the salad that make it even more appealing.
Complementary Dishes
This salad goes well with many different dishes. For a complete meal, pair it with grilled chicken or grilled fish. These proteins enhance the salad's fresh flavors.
For a more decadent meal, serve the salad with a side of tomato basil soup. The warmth and richness of the soup contrast well with the crisp bacon and refreshing watermelon.
You might also consider serving a light quinoa salad. This keeps the meal balanced and adds a healthy grain.
Beverages Best Paired with the Salad
Cold beverages are best for pairing with this salad. A chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is a great option. It is light and complements the salad's fresh ingredients.
For non-alcoholic choices, sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or lime is refreshing and doesn't overwhelm the salad's flavors.
Another great option is a fruit-infused iced tea. The subtle sweetness and cooling nature of iced tea work well with the mix of savory and sweet in the salad.
Presentation Tips
Presentation is key to making your salad look as good as it tastes.
Use a light-colored serving plate to make the colors of the salad pop. Divide the greens evenly among plates to ensure each serving size is consistent.
After adding the bacon, watermelon, and tomatoes, sprinkle croutons on top for added texture.
You can also add a sprinkle of crumbled cheddar cheese or avocado slices for extra garnish. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also add extra flavor and richness.
By following these serving and pairing tips, you'll make sure your Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad is the star of any meal or event.
Frequently Asked Questions
This section answers some common questions about making Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad. Read on to get helpful tips and solutions to potential issues.
What ingredients do I need for the Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, and Watermelon Salad?
You need bacon, romaine lettuce, seedless watermelon, yellow cherry tomatoes, French bread, kosher salt, black pepper, plain yogurt, mayonnaise, crumbled Parmesan, white wine vinegar, minced shallots, cracked black pepper, minced capers, and prepared horseradish.
How do I prepare the watermelon for the salad?
Cut the seedless watermelon into 1-inch cubes. It's best to use chilled watermelon for a refreshing touch.
What type of lettuce should I use?
Romaine lettuce works best. Chop it into bite-sized pieces for a crisp texture that complements the other ingredients.
Can I use different types of tomatoes?
Yes, you can use any type of cherry or grape tomatoes. Yellow cherry tomatoes add good color contrast, but red or mixed colors work too.
How do I cook the bacon for this salad?
Cut bacon into 1-inch pieces. Cook in a skillet over medium heat until crisp. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Reserve the bacon drippings for the croutons.
How do I make the croutons for the salad?
Combine French bread cubes with 2 tablespoons of reserved bacon drippings in a bowl, stirring to coat. Sauté the bread cubes in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until browned, about 8-10 minutes. If too dry, add more drippings.
What can I use as a substitute for French bread in the croutons?
Use sturdy bread like sourdough, ciabatta, or a baguette. These types hold up well when sautéed.
Can I use store-bought croutons instead of making my own?
Yes, you can. However, homemade croutons with bacon drippings offer a unique flavor.
What is the purpose of the bacon drippings in the croutons?
Bacon drippings add flavor and help the croutons brown and crisp up nicely. They give the croutons a savory taste.
What is the best way to ensure the croutons are evenly coated with bacon drippings?
Stir the bread cubes thoroughly with the bacon drippings in a bowl before sautéing. This ensures each piece is evenly coated.
How do I make the dressing for the salad? Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Whisk together plain yogurt, mayonnaise, crumbled Parmesan, white wine vinegar, minced shallots, cracked black pepper, minced capers, prepared horseradish, and kosher salt. Yes, you can make it ahead of time. Store in a covered container in the fridge for up to a week.
Can I use a different type of cheese in the dressing?
Yes, you can use another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano or Asiago. These have similar textures and flavors.
What type of yogurt should I use for the dressing?
Use plain, unsweetened yogurt. Greek yogurt is good for a thicker, creamier dressing, while regular yogurt provides a lighter texture.
How can balsamic vinegar be used in a bacon, lettuce, tomato, and watermelon salad?
You can add a balsamic glaze for extra sweetness and acidity. Drizzle it over the salad before serving.
Is there a vegetarian or vegan version of this salad?
To make it vegetarian, omit the bacon. Use olive oil or butter for the croutons. Add extra vegetables or a plant-based protein for additional flavor.
Can I make this salad gluten-free?
Yes, you can. Use gluten-free bread for the croutons and ensure all other ingredients, like bacon and dressing components, are gluten-free.
How do I prevent the salad from becoming soggy?
Assemble the salad just before serving and keep the dressing on the side until ready to eat. This helps keep the lettuce and croutons crisp.
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