BLT & C Salad

Inspired by the classic bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich, this tasty salad adds shredded Monterey Jack cheese and fresh bread cubes sautéed crisp in bacon drippings to the flavor equation.

Recipe Ingredients:

8 smoked bacon slices
1/4 loaf Italian bread
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon water
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 pound cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 head Boston lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces

Cooking Directions:

1. In a skillet cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in skillet, drain bacon on paper towels and crumble.
2. Cut bread into enough 3/4-inch cubes. Heat drippings over medium heat until hot, and sauté bread cubes with salt to taste, stirring, until golden brown. Transfer croutons to paper towels to drain and cool.
3. In a small bowl whisk together garlic, lemon juice, mayonnaise, water, salt and pepper.
4. In a large bowl toss together onion, tomatoes, cheese, lettuce, half of bacon and croutons and enough dressing to coat. Serve salad and top with remaining croutons and bacon.

Makes 2 main dish servings.