Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While iceberg provides the classic BLT crunch, romaine works beautifully for extra nutrition, or try butter lettuce for a softer texture. Each variety brings its own character to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on what looks freshest at the store.

How can I make this salad healthier?

Easy modifications include using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, subbing Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream, and using light mayonnaise. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding cucumber, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots.

My family doesn't like mayonnaise - what can I use instead?

If mayonnaise isn't a favorite, try using all sour cream or Greek yogurt with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice. Another option is a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs, though this will give the salad a very different character.

Can I add bread to make it more like a traditional BLT?

Definitely! Toasted bread cubes make excellent croutons for this salad. Just cube some bread, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and toast in the oven until crispy. Add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

5 Ingredient BLT Salad (Breadless!) Recipe

Name: 5 Ingredient BLT Salad (Breadless!) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Salad; 1 head of Iceberg Lettuce, diced; 3 to 4 Tomatoes, diced; 1 pound of Bacon, cooked and crumbled; Dressing; 1/2 cup Sour Cream; 3/4 cup Mayonnaise; Salt & Pepper, to taste

This incredibly simple 5 Ingredient BLT Salad captures all the classic flavors of your favorite sandwich without the bread! Crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and juicy tomatoes come together with a creamy dressing for a low-carb meal that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for hot summer days when you want something light yet satisfying that doesn’t require turning on the oven!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 15 minutes – perfect for those nights when cooking feels like too much effort.
Minimal Ingredients: Just five main ingredients means less shopping and less prep work. The simplicity is what makes this dish shine!
Keto-Friendly: Without the bread, this BLT salad is naturally low-carb while still delivering all the satisfaction of the classic sandwich.
Crowd-Pleaser: Even picky eaters love this salad! The familiar flavors appeal to almost everyone, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Iceberg Lettuce: Provides that essential crisp texture and refreshing crunch. Make sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces for the perfect eating experience.
Tomatoes: The juicy sweetness balances the savory elements. Choose ripe, in-season tomatoes for the best flavor – garden fresh if possible!
Bacon: The star of the show! Cook until properly crispy for that irresistible texture and smoky flavor that makes a BLT so satisfying.
Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the dressing, creating a delicious base that coats all the ingredients.
Mayonnaise: Brings richness and binds everything together. Use real mayonnaise (not sandwich spread) for the best flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances all the other flavors. Adjust to your taste preference.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to customize your BLT salad? Here are some delicious twists:

Add Avocado: Transform it into a BLTA salad with creamy diced avocado chunks.
Cheese Please: Crumbled blue cheese or shredded cheddar adds another layer of flavor.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken or hard-boiled eggs to make it more filling.
Herb Enhancement: Mix fresh chopped herbs like basil, chives, or dill into the dressing.
Veggie Additions: Cucumber, red onion, or bell peppers add extra crunch and nutrition.

How to Make 5 Ingredient BLT Salad

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Cook your bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until perfectly crispy. The crispier the better for this salad! Drain on paper towels and once cooled, crumble into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Prep the Vegetables

Dice the iceberg lettuce into bite-sized chunks rather than shredding it – this gives the salad more structure and makes it easier to eat. Similarly, dice the tomatoes into chunks that match the size of your lettuce pieces.

Step 3: Make the Dressing

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and mayonnaise. Add salt and pepper to taste. This simple dressing perfectly complements the bacon, lettuce, and tomato without overwhelming them.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

In a large bowl, combine the diced lettuce, tomatoes, and crumbled bacon. Pour the dressing over the top and gently toss until everything is well coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Bacon Technique: For the crispiest bacon, start with a cold skillet and cook slowly, allowing the fat to render properly before increasing the heat.
Drain Well: Make sure to drain the bacon thoroughly on paper towels to prevent excess grease from making your salad soggy.
Prep Ahead: Cook the bacon and make the dressing ahead of time, but wait to combine everything until just before serving.
Salad Structure: Dice rather than shred the lettuce for better texture and easier eating.
Season Properly: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper – they enhance all the other flavors in this simple dish.

How to Serve

This BLT salad works beautifully as either a main dish or a side, depending on your needs:

Main Dish

Serve in large bowls with garlic bread on the side for a complete meal. The bread can scoop up any extra dressing!

Side Dish

Pairs perfectly with grilled proteins like chicken, steak, or fish. It’s also wonderful alongside a bowl of tomato soup for a soup-and-salad lunch.

For Gatherings

Bring this to your next potluck or barbecue – it travels well if you keep the dressing separate until serving time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The bacon may soften, but it will still taste delicious.

Meal Prep Strategy

If you want to prep ahead, store all components separately: cooked bacon in one container, lettuce and tomatoes in another, and the dressing in a third. Combine just before eating.

Reheating

This salad is best enjoyed cold, so no reheating is necessary!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of lettuce?

Absolutely! While iceberg provides the classic BLT crunch, romaine works beautifully for extra nutrition, or try butter lettuce for a softer texture. Each variety brings its own character to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on what looks freshest at the store.
How can I make this salad healthier?

Easy modifications include using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon, subbing Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream, and using light mayonnaise. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding cucumber, bell peppers, or even shredded carrots.
My family doesn’t like mayonnaise – what can I use instead?

If mayonnaise isn’t a favorite, try using all sour cream or Greek yogurt with a splash of olive oil and lemon juice. Another option is a simple vinaigrette with olive oil, vinegar, Dijon mustard, and herbs, though this will give the salad a very different character.
Can I add bread to make it more like a traditional BLT?

Definitely! Toasted bread cubes make excellent croutons for this salad. Just cube some bread, toss with a little olive oil and salt, and toast in the oven until crispy. Add them just before serving to maintain their crunch.

Final Thoughts

This 5 Ingredient BLT Salad captures everything wonderful about the classic sandwich in a fresher, lighter format. It’s the perfect solution when you’re craving those familiar flavors but want something a bit healthier or quicker to prepare. The combination of crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and creamy dressing creates a dish that’s simultaneously simple and satisfying. Give it a try tonight – I bet it becomes a regular in your meal rotation!