If you love a good BLT sandwich & a classic caesar salad, but are looking for something a little lighter, this California BLT Caesar Salad brings all the bold flavors you love—with a West Coast twist. You need just a few simple ingredients to take the classic blt and elevate it to an amazing salad! Think crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, creamy avocado, and savory grilled chicken, tossed with romaine lettuce and topped with crunchy croutons. Drizzle this big salad our homemade Caesar dressing, and you’ve got a salad that eats like a main dish!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This California BLT Caesar Salad
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It’s a Salad with Substance
This isn’t your average side salad. With grilled chicken, bacon, and avocado, it’s hearty enough to stand in as a full meal. -
California Freshness
The creamy avocado, bright tomatoes, and grilled onion bring that fresh California feel—balanced and full of texture. -
Croutons that Steal the Show
Homemade sourdough croutons with garlic oil and real Parmesan give every bite the perfect crunch and a burst of flavor.
🥗 Ingredients for California BLT Caesar Salad
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1 head of romaine lettuce, chopped and washed
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6 slices of bacon, cut into bite-sized pieces, fried until crisp, and drained
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
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½ red onion, sliced and grilled with olive oil, salt, and pepper
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2 grilled chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
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1 ripe avocado, diced
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Parmesan sourdough croutons:
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2 cups sourdough bread, cubed
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2 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil
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¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Homemade Caesar Salad dressing (use your favorite recipe or ours!)
👩🍳 How to Make a California BLT Caesar Salad
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Prep the Sourdough Croutons
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Preheat oven to 400°F.
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Toss sourdough cubes with garlic olive oil and Parmesan.
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Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crisp
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Grill the Onion
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Toss sliced red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
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Grill over medium heat until soft and slightly charred.
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Assemble the Salad
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In a large bowl or platter, layer romaine lettuce as your base.
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Add the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, avocado, grilled red onion, and Parmesan croutons.
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Drizzle with homemade Caesar dressing just before serving.
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✅ Why It Works Without Croutons:
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Still hearty: With grilled chicken, bacon, avocado, and creamy Caesar dressing, this salad is super satisfying even without the added crunch.
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Lower carb or gluten-free: Skipping the croutons makes it a great option if you’re cutting back on carbs or avoiding gluten.
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Plenty of texture: The crisp romaine, grilled onions, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado give the salad enough contrast in flavor and texture.
So yes—go ahead and skip the croutons if you like. The salad will still be packed with flavor and 100% delicious! Want help listing a crouton alternative in the recipe post?
Whether you’re hosting brunch, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something crisp and satisfying, this California BLT Salad has you covered. And do not forget to drizzle it with our easy go-to Caesar dressing!
Equipment
- plate
- bowl
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 6 slices of bacon cut into bite-sized pieces, fried until crisp, and drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved or quartered
- ½ red onion sliced and grilled with olive oil, salt, and pepper
- 2 grilled chicken breasts sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 ripe avocado diced
- Parmesan sourdough croutons:
- 2 cups sourdough bread cubed
- 2 tablespoons garlic-infused olive oil
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Homemade Caesar Salad dressing use your favorite recipe or ours!
Instructions
- Prep the Sourdough Croutons
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Toss sourdough cubes with garlic olive oil and Parmesan.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until golden and crisp
- Grill the Onion
- Toss sliced red onion with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill over medium heat until soft and slightly charred.
- Assemble the Salad
- In a large bowl or platter, layer romaine lettuce as your base.
- Add the grilled chicken, crispy bacon, tomatoes, avocado, grilled red onion, and Parmesan croutons.
- Drizzle with homemade Caesar dressing just before serving.
Nutrition
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