BLT Chopped Salad with Bacon and Watermelon Mint Smoothie
A fresh take on the classic BLT combining crispy oven-baked bacon with chopped romaine, baby spinach, tomatoes and hard-boiled eggs tossed in a creamy tahini-Dijon dressing. Served alongside refreshing watermelon mint smoothies, this makes an ideal summer lunch or light dinner. The tahini dressing adds nutty richness while keeping the salad lighter than traditional mayo-based versions.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Heat oven to 400F
- 2
Line sheet pan with foil and arrange bacon slices without overlapping
- 3
Cook bacon in oven until golden brown and crisp, 12 to 15 minutes, pouring off excess grease if needed
- 4
Transfer bacon to paper towel-lined plate to cool
- 5
Peel and chop eggs
- 6
Combine tomatoes, lettuce, spinach and eggs in mixing bowl
- 7
Add dressing and toss to combine
- 8
Season with salt and pepper
- 9
Crumble bacon over top
- 10
Serve salad with smoothies on the side
Tips
Pour off excess bacon grease during cooking to prevent bacon from being submerged in oil
You can fry the bacon in a skillet instead of using the oven method if you prefer
Make hard-boiled eggs ahead of time and store peeled in the refrigerator for quick assembly
Good to Know
Store assembled salad covered in refrigerator for up to 2 days, though lettuce may wilt slightly
Cook bacon and hard-boil eggs up to 3 days ahead, store separately until ready to assemble
Serve immediately after tossing with dressing for best texture and crispness
Common Mistakes
Don't let bacon slices overlap on the pan or they won't cook evenly
Avoid overdressing the salad to prevent wilted greens
Substitutions
Nut-Free Alternatives
General Alternatives
FAQ
Can I make this salad vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the bacon and add extra protein like chickpeas, nuts, or cheese to make it more filling and satisfying.
What if I don't have tahini for the dressing?
You can substitute with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or any nut butter like almond or sunflower seed butter for similar creaminess.
How long will the watermelon smoothie keep?
The smoothie is best enjoyed immediately but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though separation may occur.