Crispy Bacon, Avocado and Blue Cheese Tomato Salad Recipe

• Difficulty: Easy
• Servings: 6
• Nutritional Breakdown Per Serving - Portion Size: 1 of 6 servings - Energy: 366 calories - Total Fat: 33 g - Saturated Fat: 7 g - Carbs: 13 g - Fiber: 5 g - Sugars: 7 g - Protein: 6 g - Cholesterol: 25 mg - Sodium: 678 mg

• Cooking Time: 30 min total
• Preparation: 20 min
• Active Cooking: 10 min

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 pounds mixed tomatoes, quartered or halved depending on size
• Sea salt and freshly cracked pepper
• 4 slices premium thick-cut bacon
• 1 ripe avocado
• Juice from 1/2 lemon
• 1 cup blue cheese dressing (recipe included below)
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives or green onions
• Crumbled blue cheese for garnish

Instructions

Preparation Steps

1. Transfer the tomatoes to a spacious mixing bowl and season generously with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt along with several grinds of cracked pepper. Allow to rest undisturbed for approximately 20 minutes until the tomatoes release their natural liquids and become juicy.
2. While waiting, prepare the bacon by cooking it in a large skillet set to medium temperature until it achieves a crispy texture, roughly 4 minutes on each side. Once cooked, place the bacon strips on a paper towel-covered dish to drain excess grease and cool slightly. Once cooled enough to handle, break apart into small bite-sized pieces.
3. Remove the pit from the avocado and take off the outer skin; slice into approximately 1/2-inch cubes and combine with lemon juice in a separate large mixing bowl. Incorporate the tomato mixture into the avocado and combine delicately using a folding motion. Pour the prepared dressing over the mixture and finish with a sprinkle of crumbled bacon pieces, minced chives, and additional blue cheese crumbles.

Blue Cheese Dressing Recipe

Preparation Instructions

1. In a blender, combine 1/2 cup of crumbled blue cheese with 1/2 cup sour cream, 1/3 cup buttermilk, 1 small garlic clove (pressed), and 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar. Blend until smooth and fully combined. Empty the blended mixture into a separate container and fold in an additional 1/4 cup of crumbled blue cheese, 2 to 3 dashes of Worcestershire sauce and/or hot sauce as desired, plus 1 tablespoon of minced fresh parsley. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and cracked pepper to your preference. This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of dressing.

About This Recipe

Whip up this irresistible Tomato, Avocado, and Bacon Blue Cheese Salad that bursts with summer flavors! Juicy ripe tomatoes mingle with creamy avocado, crispy bacon, and tangy homemade blue cheese dressing for a dish that'll steal the show at any table.

With just 20 minutes prep and minimal cooking, this easy recipe lets peak-season tomatoes shinetheir natural juices create a mouthwatering base that soaks into every bite. Perfect as a light meal or side to grilled steak or chicken.

Customize with romaine, cucumbers, or red onions. Make the versatile dressing aheadit lasts up to 5 days in the fridge for endless salad inspiration. Your guests will rave!

Photo courtesy of Ryan Liebe

Courtesy of Recipe Iseasy Magazine