BLT Salad with Buttermilk-Parmesan Dressing and Buttery Croutons

Do you like the traditional BLT's? If you do you'll love this BLT salad. This recipe makes the perfect creamy buttermilk dressing. 

2 1/2 cups cubed white bread

3 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 tablespoon minced shallot

1/4 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup buttermilk

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon sugar

12 ounces romaine lettuce hearts, chopped

1 1/2 pounds assorted fresh tomatoes, sliced

6 slices cooked bacon, chopped

Flat-leaf parsley and torn basil leaves to garnish

1. Preheat oven to 375°.

2. Prepare Croutons: Toss together bread, melted butter, salt, and pepper in a medium mixing bowl. Place on a baking sheet, and bake 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from oven, and set aside.

3. Prepare Dressing: Combine shallot and vinegar in a medium mixing bowl, and let stand for 5 minutes. Whisk in buttermilk and next 5 ingredients.

4. Make Salad: Arrange romaine lettuce hearts onto a serving platter. Top with sliced tomatoes and chopped bacon, and drizzle with 3 Tbsp. of dressing. Add croutons, parsley, and basil. Serve immediately with remaining dressing on the side.

Erin Merhar and Dawn Perry,

Southern Living

JUNE 2016

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