Turkey Bacon Club Salad

Summer means fresh ripe tomatoes and all the things that go with them. I like turkey-bacon clubs but sometimes I don't want all that bread. Also, I'm not overly fond of hard to eat food, clubs aren't really user friendly. A salad is a good alternative. I can have all the goodness of a turkey club in nice neat little bites, no worrying about keeping the sandwich together and stuff shooting out the back because I have to compress it to take a bite. To make this extra good, make homemade croutons, it really makes a difference. I just make simple croutons for this with only a little salt and pepper for seasoning, I don't want to detract from the salad.

For homemade croutons: Cut some Italian bread into 1" cubes. In a skillet over medium-High heat melt enough butter to lightly coat the amount of bread you are using. Once the butter is hot add the bread and toss to coat, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook stirring as needed until the bread is browned. Remove to a plate to cool.

For the Salad: Cook bacon to desired doneness and remove to paper towels to drain, then cut into 1" pieces. Clean and prepare iceberg lettuce, chop tomato, and dice a 1/2" slice of turkey into cubes.

When I make these type of salads I put all the individual components out buffet style. The Little Buddy and I never seem to like the same amounts of things in salads. This way we can make our own and everyone is happy, or you can just toss all together in a big bowl.

I want this to taste like a club so I just make a simple mayonnaise dressing. Take mayonnaise and thin to the proper consistency with half and half or cream, then salt and pepper to your individual taste.

Check out more great recipes at Blessed with Grace for Tempt my Tummy Tuesday and The Grocery Cart Challenge.

Enjoy,
Jaynie