Since I have started to blog, there are a number of recipes that appeared on my menu quite often that have all but disappeared. One is the simple, yet quite delicious BLT. I like the variation that Maggie shares with us below….
This recipe came across my Recipe of the Day from cooks.com. Anything that has the word Bacon or BLT will always save it from my delete button. I was excited about this one due to the nod to the yummy bread salads I’ve had in Italy, and never been able to make quite as well as they do over there. This one was worth a try.
The original recipe called for tofu. I do not like tofu, so thought that avocado would be a perfect replacement. Avocado is perfect, period, so this was an easy swap for my palate! I also substituted olive oil for canola oil. I also increased the amount of bacon. Come one. No brainer.
I did really like this salad. It was pretty, and tasty. However, the bread really ended up being croutons, and was not like the bread salad (papa il pomodora) that I so love. That’s ok. It was a good BLT salad!
I will say that for a salad, this was a little more prep work than I normally allow for a weeknight dinner. I’d make this for guests or a special meal, but it is not your every day “I think I’ll toss together a cool salad” salad.
However, it is well worth the effort. I think it would not be good with the Tofu. Plus, why tofu with bacon? Not sure about that one!
BLT Bread Salad
What you need:
4 cups of cubed rustic white bread (about 4- ¾ inch slices)
1 ripe avocado
2 Tb olive oil
1 Tb champagne or white wine vinegar
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, julienned
½ shallot, chopped
kosher salt
black pepper
6 slices bacon, chopped
1 head butter lettuce torn into bite size pieces
1 cup red cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup tiny yellow pear tomatoes, halved
What you do:
Preheat oven to 250. Spread the bread cubes on a baking sheet and toast for about 15 minutes, until dry. In a blender or food processor combine the avocado, basil leaves, olive oil, vinegar, and shallot. Puree until very smooth. Add salt and pepper and reserve.
Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Transfer to paper towel to drain. I a large bowl toss the bread cubes with the bacon, lettuce and tomatoes. Add the basil avocado dressing and toss until evenly coated. Serve.
Rantings of an Amateur Chef 
hey there – looks great – why do you have recipes called Maggie Monday – curious – or is it that your wife cooks on mondays?
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Guest poster Maggie, a long time friend and former boss, has posted nearly every Monday since the blog’s inception.
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and all is revealed – THANKS!
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I can’t wait to try this recipe. It looks and sounds fantastic. Thanks for sharing.
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Looks amazing! Yummy!
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You had me at avocado. YUM!!
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Man, do I Love a great BLT! did one a while ago with grilled tomato, fried halloumi and balsamic reduction. OMW. it was so great!
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What an interesting concept! Makes me want to turn a lot of classics into salads.
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Reblogged this on dominicspoweryoga.
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Tofu and bacon? You’re right, I don’t think those two go together. This looks yummy!
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