BLT Chopped Salad with Creamy Blue Cheese Dressing

Transform your classic BLT into a Blt chopped salad for a light and vibrant meal perfect for any occasion.

There’s something undeniably satisfying about a classic BLT—the smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, and crisp lettuce are a combination that never goes out of style. However, when you transform those flavors into a chopped BLT salad with a creamy blue cheese cottage cheese dressing, it suddenly feels fresh, elevated, and perfect for everything from weekday lunches to elegant entertaining.

I started making this salad when I wanted something hearty enough to be a meal but still light and vibrant. The chopped texture ensures every bite is balanced, and the creamy, tangy dressing adds just enough richness without weighing down the dish. Plus, it’s absolutely stunning in a big serving bowl—especially if you love colorful, elevated plating like I do.

This chopped BLT salad is one of those recipes that feels special but comes together effortlessly. I especially love making it when I want something quick yet impressive. The creamy blue cheese dressing paired with crisp lettuce and smoky bacon is simply irresistible—and once you try it, it might just become one of your go-to salads too.

Why We Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons this salad has become a staple in my kitchen:

First, it’s incredibly flavorful. The smoky bacon, creamy blue cheese, and juicy tomatoes create the perfect balance.

Second, the chopped texture makes it easy to eat and satisfying. Every bite includes a little bit of everything.

Third, it feels both indulgent and fresh. The creamy dressing is balanced by bright citrus and crisp greens.

And finally, it’s versatile. It works beautifully as a main dish or as a stunning side for grilled chicken, steak, or seafood.

Key Ingredients for this Chopped Salad

Butter lettuce, arugula and romaine lettuce
This combination gives you the best of both worlds. Butter lettuce is soft, tender, and slightly sweet, while romaine provides crispness and structure. 

Arugula adds a subtle peppery bite that elevates the entire chopped BLT salad, and helps cut through the richness of the bacon and cheese. While butter lettuce and romaine provide crispness and structure, arugula introduces a slightly bold, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the bacon and creamy blue cheese dressing.

Grape tomatoes
These add bursts of juicy sweetness and acidity. Quartering them allows their juices to lightly coat the salad, enhancing overall flavor.

Thick-cut bacon
Crispy bacon is the heart of the BLT flavor. Thick-cut bacon provides smoky, savory richness and a satisfying crunch. Crumbling it ensures it is distributed evenly throughout the salad.

Red onion
Red onion adds sharpness and a subtle bite, balancing the richness of the bacon and cheese. Slicing it thin keeps it flavorful but not overpowering.

Blue cheese (in the salad)
Crumbled blue cheese brings creamy texture and bold tanginess. It complements the bacon beautifully and elevates the entire dish.

Olive oil
A drizzle of olive oil lightly coats the greens, enhancing their natural flavors without overpowering them.

Lime juice
This brightens everything. The acidity balances the richness of the bacon and cheese and makes the salad taste fresh and vibrant.

Salt and pepper
These simple seasonings enhance and sharpen all the existing flavors.

For the Dressing

Cottage cheese
Cottage cheese creates an incredibly creamy base while adding protein and a subtle tanginess. Once blended, it becomes silky smooth.

Sour cream
This adds richness and deepens the creamy texture while enhancing flavor.

Milk
Milk helps thin the dressing to the perfect pourable consistency.

Blue cheese
This adds bold, classic blue cheese flavor and creates those delicious creamy chunks.

Parsley
Parsley adds freshness, color, and a subtle herbaceous brightness.

Lemon juice
This enhances acidity and balances the richness of the cheese and dairy.

How to Make Chopped BLT Salad

Step 1: Cook the bacon

First, cook the thick-cut bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and let cool before crumbling.

Step 2: Prepare the dressing

In a blender or food processor, combine:

• Cottage cheese
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Parsley
• Lemon juice

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Next, stir in the blue cheese crumbles. Set aside.

Step 3: Build the salad

In a large bowl, combine:

• Chopped butter lettuce
• Chopped romaine
• Quartered grape tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Crumbled bacon
• Crumbled blue cheese

Step 4: Season and toss

Drizzle with olive oil and lime juice. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Gently toss everything together so the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Add dressing and serve

Drizzle the creamy blue cheese dressing over the salad just before serving. Toss lightly or serve dressing on the side.

Entertaining Tip

This is a great salad if you’re looking to entertain! Before serving this for guests, assemble the salad on a large platter instead of tossing it in a bowl. Sprinkle the bacon and blue cheese over the top and drizzle the dressing lightly, leaving some visible layers. This creates a gorgeous presentation that feels elevated and restaurant-worthy—perfect for entertaining or food photography.

You can even serve extra dressing on the side so guests can add their own.

Storage Instructions

Undressed salad:
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Dressing:
Store separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before using.

Already dressed salad:
Best enjoyed immediately. The dressing will soften the greens over time.

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Additional Recipes to Try

Vibrant Couscous Kale Salad – this couscous kale salad is packed with fresh ingredients and a herby dressing you will love.

Smoky Summer Slaw – Make your summer BBQ complete with Smoky Summer Slaw! A crunchy and creamy side dish full of flavor and spice.

Healthy Grilled Chicken Taco Salad – With juicy grilled taco-seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, drizzled with a creamy cilantro dressing, this is a salad you’ll be craving all year long!

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