BLT Caesar Salad

BLT Caesar Salad combines the delicious flavors of a BLT with the simple perfection of Caesar Salad. The perfect side or main dish, this salad comes together quickly and is sure to be a hit!

You know those things you totally thought would be easier….until you tried them? I sometimes feel like that describes all of parenting. Everything from teaching your kids to say please to finding success in potty training to maintaining some level of patience during their meltdowns….it seems like it’s all harder than it should be. And definitely harder than I thought it would be!

Another one to add to the list? Getting them to eat vegetables! Seriously. Who knew it would be such a challenge? I remember back in the day…before my kids were old enough to have any choice in the matter….thinking it was ridiculous that parents mixed veggies into breads and muffins and mac ‘n cheese. And now? Well, now I get it!

I’m not ready to give up….but some days I definitely want to. So instead, I just keep making salads. Tons and tons of salads. A salad with every dinner! And you know what? I think it’s working. It used to be that only Ellia would eat it. But slowly, surely, the other girls are joining in. Now, more days than not, Greta and Nora are asking for salad, too! And sometimes, for seconds! Which, let me tell you, feels like SUCH a parenting win.

Of course, when you’re making salad with every meal, the one key is mixing it up. Because the last thing I want to do is ruin the good thing we have going! I’ve absolutely fallen in love with Marzetti Salad Dressings, and I love that they’re made with simple ingredients I can feel good about…good enough to eat every day!
This BLT Caesar Salad is one of our recent favorites, made with Marzetti Simply Dressed Caesar Salad Dressing. It’s a simple combination of caesar salad and classic BLT. Light enough to serve on the side, but substantial enough to be an entire meal! Of course, when it comes to caesar salad, we all know it’s the dressing that makes all the difference. And this dressing does NOT disappoint. BLT Caesar Salad would also be awesome for a summer BBQ, 4th of July party, or for Father’s Day. And? It’s guaranteed to get your kids eating veggies….(who can resist the combo?)

Ingredients

• 3 Romaine lettuce hearts, chopped
• 1 c. chopped cherry tomatoes
• 1 c. chopped, cooked bacon
• 1 c. shaved Parmesan cheese
• 1 c. Parmesan croutons (more to taste – recipe below)
• Marzetti Simply Dressed Caesar Salad Dressing
• For Croutons:
• 2 c. bread cubes
• 2 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• ¼ tsp. garlic powder

Instructions

1. Fill a large salad bowl with chopped Romaine.
2. Top with tomatoes, bacon, and shaved Parmesan cheese.
3. Prepare croutons by tossing bread cubes with olive oil; sprinkle with grated Parmesan, salt, and garlic powder.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.
5. Add croutons to salad.
6. Top with salad dressing as desired