BLT Bacon Ranch Cracker Salad

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Imagine all the beloved flavors of a BLT, plus tangy ranch and a cracker crunch—tossed into an easy, irresistible salad. It’s playful, comforting, and ideal for summer gatherings or a quick weeknight side.

🥓 What’s Inside

  • Lettuce: A mix of shredded iceberg or romaine brings crisp freshness.

  • Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes add bright, juicy pops.

  • Bacon: Cooked until perfectly crisp—don’t overdo it! About 7 minutes does the trick.

  • Crackers: Crushed Ritz or Saltines deliver irresistible crunch. Cherry tomatoes are less juicy, so crackers can mix in early without going soggy.

  • Red onion: Optional but adds a zesty layer of flavor.

  • Mayonnaise: Binds everything together and adds richness.

  • Ranch dressing: Creamy, tangy, and classic—finish with a drizzle or light toss.

📋 Ingredients (Serves 6)

  • 4–5 cups shredded iceberg or romaine lettuce

  • 1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved

  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled

  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped (optional)

  • About 15–20 Ritz or Saltine crackers, slightly crushed (≈½ sleeve)

  • ½ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup ranch dressing

  • Dill weed and black pepper to taste

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Prep the core ingredients
    Cook bacon until crisp (target ~7 minutes), then let drain and crumble. Halve tomatoes, chop lettuce and onion.

  2. Mix base & binder
    In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, onion, bacon, and crushed crackers.

  3. Dress it up
    Stir mayonnaise and ranch dressing into the salad until everything’s lightly coated. Season with dill and black pepper.

  4. Chill & serve
    Let the salad rest in the fridge for 1–2 hours before serving. Thanks to less juicy cherry tomatoes, crackers stay delightfully crunchy even after chilling.

💡 Why It Works

  • Crunchy meets creamy: Crackers and bacon give you satisfying texture, while mayo and ranch add dreamy richness.

  • Flavor harmony: Tangy ranch, smoky bacon, sweet tomatoes—all balanced in each bite.

  • No soggy salad: Including crackers early works because cherry tomatoes hold their juice.

  • Crowd-pleasing: Simple, nostalgic, and perfect for potlucks or family dinners.

✅ Pro Tips

  • For extra flavor, stir crushed crackers into mayonnaise before tossing.

  • Choose thick-cut, high-quality bacon for a bold texture and flavor.

  • Keep leftover creaminess: add a little more ranch if you lighten the mayo.

  • Add-ons: cucumber slices, shredded cheddar, or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs (like parsley or dill).

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

  • As a side: Pairs well with grilled meats or summertime BBQ.

  • Make it a meal: Stir in grilled chicken, turkey bacon, or canned tuna.

  • Picnic-ready: Prepare and chill in advance; crackers stay crisp for a few hours.

This BLT Bacon Ranch Cracker Salad is snackable, satisfying, and downright fun—a modern twist on a Southern classic that’s sure to disappear fast. Let me know if you want lighter versions, kid-friendly swaps, or how to add fresh herbs for an elevated finish!

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