Name: Turkey Avocado BLT Salad: The Ultimate Healthy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced; 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled; 2 ripe avocados, diced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced; 4 cups mixed greens (Romaine, spinach, etc.); 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional); 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; 1 clove garlic, minced; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; Optional toppings: croutons, everything bagel seasoning

Turkey Avocado BLT Salad: Prepare to redefine your lunchtime routine! Forget everything you thought you knew about salads because this isn't just a bowl of greens; it's a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more. Imagine the smoky, savory goodness of crispy bacon mingling with juicy turkey, creamy avocado, and the refreshing crunch of lettuce and tomato – all tossed in a light and tangy dressing. Sounds divine, right?

While the BLT sandwich has its roots in early 20th-century America, evolving from simple bacon, lettuce, and tomato combinations, this salad adaptation takes those classic flavors and elevates them to a whole new level. It's a modern twist on a beloved classic, perfect for those seeking a lighter, healthier, and equally satisfying alternative.

People adore this Turkey Avocado BLT Salad for its incredible versatility and satisfying combination of textures and tastes. The creamy avocado provides a luxurious mouthfeel, while the crisp bacon adds a delightful salty crunch. The turkey offers a lean protein boost, making it a filling and nutritious meal. Plus, it's incredibly easy to customize! Add your favorite cheese, swap out the lettuce, or experiment with different dressings to create your perfect salad masterpiece. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy lunch, a light dinner, or a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, this salad is guaranteed to be a hit!

Ingredients:

1 pound cooked turkey breast, diced
6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
4 cups mixed greens (Romaine, spinach, etc.)
1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Optional toppings: croutons, everything bagel seasoning

Preparing the Bacon and Turkey

Okay, let's get started! First things first, we need to make sure our bacon is nice and crispy. If you haven't already cooked your bacon, now's the time. I prefer baking mine in the oven for easy cleanup, but you can fry it in a pan if you prefer. Just make sure it's cooked until crispy and then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Set it aside for later.

Next, let's tackle the turkey. You'll want about a pound of cooked turkey breast, diced into small, manageable pieces. You can use leftover Thanksgiving turkey, deli turkey, or even roast a turkey breast specifically for this salad. Whatever you choose, just make sure it's cooked and ready to go. I like to dice mine into roughly 1/2-inch cubes, but feel free to adjust the size to your liking.

Preparing the Avocado and Vegetables

Now for the fresh stuff! Grab your avocados and carefully dice them. Ripe avocados are key here – you want them to be soft enough to easily cut, but not so mushy that they turn to paste. Gently toss the diced avocado with a little lemon juice to prevent browning. This will also add a nice tang to the salad.

Next up are the cherry tomatoes. Halve them lengthwise – this makes them easier to eat and releases their juicy flavor. If you're using larger tomatoes, you can dice them instead. I find that cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Thinly slice the red onion. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak the slices in cold water for about 10 minutes to mellow out the flavor. This will remove some of the harshness and make it more palatable. Drain the onion well before adding it to the salad.

Making the Dressing

The dressing is what really ties this salad together, so let's make it delicious! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. The lemon juice adds a bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and avocado, while the Dijon mustard provides a subtle tang and depth of flavor. The minced garlic adds a little bit of zing.

Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don't be afraid to experiment with the seasonings – you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat, or a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor. Taste the dressing and adjust the seasonings as needed until it's just right.

Assembling the Salad

Alright, we're in the home stretch! Now it's time to assemble the salad. This is where all your hard work pays off.

In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, diced turkey, crumbled bacon, diced avocado, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
If you're using blue cheese, add it now. The blue cheese adds a salty, tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. If you're not a fan of blue cheese, you can substitute feta cheese or goat cheese instead.
Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss to combine. Be careful not to overdress the salad – you want just enough dressing to coat the ingredients without making them soggy.
Taste the salad and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice to brighten up the flavors.
Serve immediately. If you're not serving the salad right away, you can store the dressed salad in the refrigerator for up to an hour. However, the avocado may start to brown, so it's best to serve it as soon as possible.

Optional Toppings and Variations

This Turkey Avocado BLT Salad is delicious as is, but you can also customize it to your liking with a variety of toppings and variations. Here are a few ideas:

Croutons: Add some crunchy croutons for extra texture.
Everything Bagel Seasoning: Sprinkle everything bagel seasoning over the salad for a savory, garlicky flavor.
Hard-boiled Eggs: Add sliced hard-boiled eggs for extra protein.
Corn: Add grilled or roasted corn for a touch of sweetness.
Black Beans: Add black beans for extra fiber and protein.
Different Greens: Experiment with different types of greens, such as arugula or kale.
Different Cheese: Substitute a different type of cheese, such as cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese.
Spicy Mayo: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a spicy kick.
Grilled Chicken: Substitute grilled chicken for the turkey.
Shrimp: Add grilled or sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.

Tips for Success:

Use ripe avocados for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overdress the salad – you want just enough dressing to coat the ingredients without making them soggy.
Serve the salad immediately to prevent the avocado from browning.
If you're not serving the salad right away, store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.
Feel free to customize the salad to your liking with your favorite toppings and variations.

Storage Instructions:

Store leftover salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. The avocado may start to brown, so it's best to eat it as soon as possible. If you're storing the salad for later, it's best to store the dressing separately and add it just before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Turkey Avocado BLT Salad! I hope you love it as much as I do!

Conclusion:

This Turkey Avocado BLT Salad isn't just another salad; it's a flavor explosion waiting to happen! It's the perfect way to use up leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or even just enjoy a light yet satisfying meal any time of the year. The creamy avocado, crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender turkey all come together in a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you wanting more. Trust me, once you try it, you'll be adding it to your regular rotation. But the best part? It's incredibly versatile! Feel free to get creative and adapt it to your own preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

* Make it a Wrap: Instead of serving it as a salad, spoon the mixture into a large lettuce leaf for a refreshing wrap, or use a whole-wheat tortilla for a more substantial meal. A little bit of sriracha mayo adds a delightful kick! * Add Some Crunch: Toasted croutons, sunflower seeds, or even crushed tortilla chips can add an extra layer of texture and flavor. * Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give this salad a fiery twist. * Cheese, Please!: Crumbled blue cheese, feta, or shredded cheddar would all be delicious additions. * Grain Bowl Goodness: Serve the salad over a bed of quinoa, brown rice, or farro for a heartier and more filling meal. This is a great way to stretch the recipe and make it even more nutritious. * Dress it Differently: While the lemon-dill vinaigrette is a classic pairing, feel free to experiment with other dressings. A creamy ranch, a tangy balsamic vinaigrette, or even a simple olive oil and vinegar dressing would all work well. * Vegetarian Option: Easily transform this into a vegetarian delight by substituting the turkey with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu. The avocado and bacon provide plenty of richness and flavor, so you won't even miss the meat! * Breakfast Twist: Top a slice of whole-wheat toast with the salad and a fried egg for a protein-packed and flavorful breakfast. I truly believe this Turkey Avocado BLT Salad is a must-try recipe for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and delicious meal. It's perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a light snack. It's also a great way to sneak in some healthy fats and protein into your diet. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece! I'm confident that you'll love this recipe as much as I do. And most importantly, I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did you think? Share your thoughts, photos, and variations in the comments below. I'm always eager to learn from your experiences and see how you've made this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and enjoy your delicious Turkey Avocado BLT Salad! I can't wait to see what you create!