BLT Salad with SWEEETHEAT Southern Spice Croutons
Craving Crunch? Dive Into Our Spicy BLT Salad Masterpiece
Indulge in Southern Flavors with This BLT-inspired Salad Topped with Crunchy, Spicy Croutons
Get ready to treat your taste buds to a flavor-packed journey with this BLT-inspired salad! Filled with crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce, this salad gets an exciting twist with crunchy, spicy croutons that will leave you wanting more. Say goodbye to boring salads and hello to a delicious twist on a classic favorite.
Ready to dive in and indulge in all the savory goodness of Southern flavors? Let’s go!
About this Recipe
When you think of a classic BLT, you probably picture crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and fresh lettuce. But why stop at a sandwich when you can turn those same flavors into a hearty, satisfying salad?
Introducing our BLT-inspired salad with a splash of Southern charm!
First up, the bacon. Not just any bacon, but thick-cut, maple-glazed slices. The sweet maple syrup perfectly balances the salty bacon, adding a delightful, unexpected layer of flavor!
Next, the lettuce. Instead of romaine or iceberg, we’re using shredded kale. Kale stands up to dressings without wilting and adds a hint of earthiness that complements the other ingredients.
And of course, the tomatoes. Roasting cherry tomatoes until they burst with flavor intensifies their natural sweetness, creating a concentrated taste that’s simply irresistible.
Now for our special twist – spicy croutons!
Made from crusty French bread cubes, tossed in melted butter and our signature SWEETHEAT Southern Spice Blend, they bring the perfect balance of crunch and heat to every bite.
Tying it all together is a creamy buttermilk dressing, adding that quintessential Southern touch.
There you have it – a BLT-inspired salad with a Southern flair that’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as part of your weekly meal rotation. Enjoy exploring these flavors!
Tips for making the salad as a meal or a side dish for a cookout
Ready to elevate your cookouts and summer gatherings? The perfect salad is a game-changer—whether as a refreshing side or the star of the show! Here are some tips to make this BLT-inspired salad both delicious and filling.
- Choose hearty greens: Go for romaine lettuce, kale, or spinach. These greens have more substance and will hold up better with other ingredients and dressings.
- Add protein: Make your salad more satisfying by adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Extra nutrition and flavor, anyone?
- Incorporate carbohydrates: Add some carbs like quinoa, brown rice, or roasted potatoes to make the salad more satisfying.
- Don’t skimp on toppings: Toppings can elevate a simple salad. Think crispy bacon bits and crunchy spicy croutons for that added texture and flavor.
- Mix up the dressing: A flavorful dressing ties everything together. Our homemade avocado ranch dressing is creamy yet light with just the right tanginess!
- Make it colorful: Colorful salads are not only appealing but also nutritious. Add cherry tomatoes, red onions, and bell peppers for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve it chilled: Ensure your salad is chilled before serving to keep it fresh and crisp.
Follow these tips, and your BLT-inspired salad will be a hit at your next cookout! Get creative with ingredients and toppings—the possibilities are endless! Enjoy some Southern flavors with this mouth-watering salad.
The versatility of ranch dressing and why it rocks
Ranch dressing is a favorite in many American homes, and it’s easy to see why!
This creamy, tangy delight adds a touch of Southern charm to salads, dips, and marinades, making every dish tastier.
Why is ranch dressing so popular? It’s a versatile condiment that adds depth to sandwiches and wraps, pairs well with crunchy veggies and rich meats, and can even replace mayo or sour cream.
Ranch dressing is also a fantastic base for unique dips. Just mix in herbs, spices, or ingredients like avocado or blue cheese for a quick crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for parties or a quick snack!
Surprise! Ranch isn’t just for savory dishes—it pairs wonderfully with sweet ingredients like honey in desserts, adding a subtle complexity to cakes or muffins.
And don’t forget about marinating meats! Ranch dressing’s herbs and spices make it ideal for marinating chicken, beef, or seafood, keeping them moist and flavorful.
Originally crafted for salads in the 1950s, ranch remains a top choice for its creamy texture and tangy taste. It complements any salad, from classic Caesar to a BLT-inspired creation.
Ranch dressing’s versatility is unmatched. It adds a distinct flavor to every dish, making it a must-have in your kitchen. Enjoy the Southern flavors of ranch in your meals—you won’t regret it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Ingredients
- 1 loaf of French bread or baguette
- Olive oil
- SWEEETHEAT Southern Spice Blend
- Bacon, about 12 slices
- 1 Red onion, diced
- 1 Pound cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 Heads of romaine lettuce, washed and chopped (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 Cup of your favorite ranch dressing
- Additions such as shaved Parmesan and diced avocado
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F
Step 2
Set uncooked bacon slices on a foil lined baking sheet and bake about 15 minutes until crisp. Lay bacon slices on paper towels to absorb fat and then chop into 1 inch pieces.
Step 3
Cut the loaf of bread into 1 inch squares. In a large bowl, toss the cut bread with olive oil and SWEEETHEAT Southern Spice Blend to generously coat each piece.
Step 4
Spread the cubes onto a baking sheet in a single even layer.
Step 5
Bake in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until golden brown. Halfway through baking, stir and flip croutons so they brown and crisp evenly.
Step 6
In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together to combine. If you are not serving immediately, add the dressing just before serving.
ABOUT SWEEETHEAT’S ALL PURPOSE RUB
USING SWEEETHEAT’S SOUTHERN SPICE BLEND WILL TRANSFORM YOUR SALAD INTO A SENSATIONAL MASTERPIECE.
This isn’t just any seasoning mix; it’s a dynamic symphony of flavors that captures the heart and soul of Southern cuisine. Imagine sweet sugar crystals mingling with spicy chili flakes, robust Cajun seasoning, aromatic ground coriander, tangy ground mustard, fiery jalapeno powder, smoky paprika, earthy turmeric, and a hint of sea salt.
Sprinkle it generously over your roasted cherry tomatoes, crispy bacon, and shredded kale to unlock a new level of taste. The blend’s rich, multi-layered profile adds depth and character, turning an already delightful BLT-inspired salad into a culinary marvel.
UNLEASH YOUR CULINARY CREATIVITY AND IMPRESS YOUR GUESTS!
Click the button to secure your jar of SWEEETHEAT’s Southern Spice Blend today and elevate your BLT-inspired salad to extraordinary heights!
In Conclusion
There you have it—a BLT-inspired salad that delivers all the hearty and comforting flavors of the classic sandwich, but with a refreshing and nutritious twist. It’s a dish that effortlessly combines Southern charm with contemporary flair, making it perfect for any occasion. So the next time you’re looking to shake up your salad routine or impress your guests at a cookout, remember this recipe. With its enticing blend of sweet and salty maple-glazed bacon, robust shredded kale, burst-in-your-mouth roasted cherry tomatoes, and those irresistible spicy croutons, every bite is a delightful adventure. Don’t miss out on this culinary gem—try it today and savor the deliciousness!
