If you love the classic flavors of bacon, lettuce, and tomato but want a fun, fresh twist, the Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe is your new go-to comfort meal. This dish takes the beloved BLT and reinvents it by chopping and tossing all the iconic ingredients together in a flavorful salad, then serving it piled high in perfectly toasted sub rolls. The crispiness of the bacon, the crunch of the fresh romaine, and the juiciness of ripe tomatoes all come together in an explosion of texture and taste that’s nothing short of addictive. Whether for a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, these sandwiches bring bold, homey flavors with a brightness that feels both nostalgic and new at the same time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to this recipe’s success. Each element plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes the Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe so irresistible.
- Bacon (12 ounces): Choose good-quality sliced bacon that crisps up beautifully for that savory crunch.
- Romaine heart (1): Romaine adds a crisp, fresh crunch that holds up well when tossed with mayo.
- Tomatoes (2 small or 1 large): Use ripe tomatoes for juicy bursts of flavor and a touch of vibrant color.
- Mayonnaise (2 to 4 tablespoons): This creamy binder lightly coats the salad for perfect moisture without overpowering.
- Sub rolls (4): Toasted sub rolls act as a sturdy, satisfying vessel to hold the chopped BLT salad without becoming soggy.
How to Make Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Step 1: Cook the bacon
Start by cooking the bacon to crisp perfection. You can do this on the stovetop or in the oven. If using a skillet, lay the bacon in a cold pan, then turn the heat to medium and flip the bacon every 3 to 4 minutes until it’s beautifully browned and crispy. If you prefer oven cooking, line a baking sheet with foil, arrange the bacon evenly, and place it in a cold oven. Turn the oven to 425º F and let the bacon cook for about 15 minutes or until it reaches your desired crispness. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease and cool slightly.
Step 2: Prepare the lettuce and tomatoes
While your bacon cooks, chop the romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dice the tomatoes. Toss them together in a large bowl and add about 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise to start. Give everything a gentle toss to coat the veggies evenly. Taste and decide whether you want to add a bit more mayo for creaminess—the salad should be lightly dressed, fresh but indulgent.
Step 3: Toast the sub rolls
Once the bacon is out of the skillet, carefully discard most of the bacon grease to avoid burning. Place the sub rolls cut side down on the skillet or flattop grill and toast them for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden and develop a crisp surface. If you’re using the oven, switch your heat to broil on high, place the sub rolls cut side up on a baking sheet, and toast them for 1 to 3 minutes under close watch to prevent burning. Toasting adds a delightful crunch and prevents the bread from getting soggy once filled.
Step 4: Assemble the chopped BLT salad
Chop the cooled bacon into bite-sized pieces and add it to the bowl with your lettuce and tomatoes. Toss everything together one last time to combine those classic flavors in every bite. Spoon the chopped BLT salad generously into each toasted sub roll. Serve these sandwiches immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast between crisp bread and cool, creamy filling.
How to Serve Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe
Garnishes
If you want to add a little extra flair and flavor, consider topping your Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe with some fresh cracked black pepper or a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley. A light drizzle of a smoky chipotle mayo or a thin slice of ripe avocado can also elevate the experience while keeping it fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
These sandwiches pair wonderfully with crunchy sides like homemade potato chips, dill pickles, or even a crisp coleslaw. For a lighter option, a simple cucumber salad or a tangy lemony quinoa salad can boost the freshness on your plate without overpowering the sandwich’s rich bacon and mayo flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting a casual gathering, you can cut the stuffed sub rolls diagonally into finger-sized portions and serve them on a platter for easy snacking. Another idea is to hollow out mini sub rolls and fill them with the chopped BLT salad for adorable bite-sized sliders that are perfect for lunchboxes or buffet tables.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover chopped BLT salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep leftovers fresh, it’s best to keep the toasted sub rolls separate and assemble just before eating to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
Because of the fresh veggies, freezing the chopped BLT salad itself isn’t recommended as the texture will degrade. However, you can freeze unused sub rolls wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and thaw them when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheating the sandwich once assembled is tricky due to the fresh ingredients, but you can briefly warm the toasted rolls alone in a toaster oven or skillet. Reassemble with chilled chopped BLT salad after warming. This keeps your sandwiches crisp and fresh-tasting.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of lettuce for this recipe?
Absolutely! While romaine is preferred for its crunch and sturdiness, iceberg or butter lettuce can work too. Just keep in mind iceberg is a bit milder, and butter lettuce softer, which might affect the sandwich’s texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe?
You can swap bacon for smoky tempeh or coconut bacon alternatives to maintain that savory and crispy element. Adding a little liquid smoke to these substitutes can help replicate that iconic bacon flavor.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace the sub rolls with your favorite gluten-free bread or hearty gluten-free buns. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this recipe quite adaptable.
How can I make the sandwich less messy to eat?
To keep things tidy, make sure the sub rolls are thoroughly toasted and use just enough mayonnaise to lightly bind the salad. Serving these on a plate with napkins handy is also a wise approach for enjoying every bite without slips or drips.
What’s the best way to balance the flavors?
The key is to taste as you mix. Start with less mayonnaise and add more if you want creaminess. Also, opt for ripe tomatoes and quality bacon—they make all the difference between a good sandwich and an unforgettable one.
Final Thoughts
The Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe is a joyous celebration of familiar flavors with a fresh, fun twist. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly satisfying, and perfect for any time you want a sandwich that feels homemade and a little bit special. I promise once you try this, it’ll become one of your favorites to make again and again. So grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy one of the best sandwiches that’s as delicious as it is simple!
Print
Chopped BLT Salad Sandwiches Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 sandwiches
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A quick and delicious Chopped BLT Sandwich recipe featuring crispy bacon, fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayonnaise served on toasted sub rolls. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner with a classic flavor combination.
Ingredients
Bacon
- 12 ounces bacon
Vegetables
- 1 heart of romaine lettuce, chopped
- 2 small tomatoes or 1 large tomato, diced
Condiments and Bread
- 2 to 4 tablespoons mayonnaise, or to taste
- 4 sub rolls
Instructions
- Cook the bacon: Lay out the bacon on a cold large skillet or flattop grill and turn the heat to medium. Cook, flipping every 3 to 4 minutes until the bacon is browned and crispy to your liking. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool slightly. Alternatively, for oven cooking, line a sheet pan with aluminum foil, place the bacon on it, and put it in a cold oven. Turn the oven to 425ºF and cook for about 15 minutes or until the bacon reaches desired crispiness.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the bacon cooks, chop the romaine lettuce and dice the tomato(s). Add them to a large bowl. Start with 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise and toss everything together until coated. Taste and add more mayonnaise if desired.
- Toast the sub rolls: After bacon is done, toast the buns. For skillet toasting, carefully remove excess bacon grease, then place each sub roll cut side down on the skillet for 2 to 3 minutes until toasted; repeat for all rolls. If using a flattop grill, scrape away grease and place all rolls cut side down at once. For oven toasting, set oven to broil (high), place the sub rolls cut side up on a sheet pan, and toast under the broiler for 1 to 3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Assemble the sandwich: Chop the cooled bacon into pieces and add it to the bowl with lettuce and tomatoes. Toss everything together well. Spoon the chopped BLT mixture into each toasted sub roll and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of black pepper or a sprinkle of smoked paprika to the mayo mixture.
- You can substitute mayonnaise with a light or flavored mayo to adjust the taste and calorie content.
- To make the sandwich gluten-free, substitute the sub rolls with gluten-free bread of choice.
- Ensure to monitor the bacon and bread closely during cooking and toasting to prevent burning.
