The Creamy Mayo Alternative That Gives Your BLT Sandwich The Salad Treatment
The BLT is a classic sandwich that employs a short list of simple ingredients to create a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Two slices of toasted bread get a swipe of mayo, then a few leaves of crisp, crunchy lettuce –- romaine leaves or shredded iceberg are both great options here –- and plus juicy slices of tomato and crispy bacon. Mayo haters might be tempted to skip out on the condiment here, but it adds an essential tang and bit of moisture that would be sorely missed.
Whether you belong to the sizable population of folks with a strong aversion to mayonnaise, or just want to experiment, the BLT is wildly customizable. Creamy Italian salad dressing is a mayo substitute that adds that essential tanginess and more complexity to the tried and true dish. With a similarly creamy texture and subtle tang, it hits all the notes of the original, but brings in hints of herbs and garlic. Even mayonnaise haters can appreciate all that this sandwich has to offer.
While you're at it, why not add even more Italian flair to your BLT? Chef Giada De Laurentiis swaps out the bacon for pancetta, and others sub in basil for a Caprese-inspired BLT. You can also use other condiments in place of mayo.
Why the BLT works so well with creamy salad dressing
Every sandwich needs a condiment. Although the word "moist" can be even more polarizing than mayo itself, without some sort of sauce, dry bread can make your BLT less than pleasant. Mustard, hummus, or a thick layer of sriracha might feel like fair options to those avoiding mayo, and can be tasty, but these flavors all dramatically change the sandwich. A creamy Italian dressing, whether store-bought or homemade, allows folks to bypass the texture and flavor that most commonly ruffle feathers for the mayo-averse, while still maintaining the original sandwich's profile.
If you're feeling adventurous, take the salad treatment one step further by employing the viral TikTok grinder sandwich approach. Not only will this preparation aid in the marrying of textures and flavors, but it also allows you to lean in fully to the salad treatment, creating a filling that fully embraces the condiment swap. If you aren't worried about appeasing BLT purists, consider adding other ingredients you'd find in an Italian salad or sandwich. The zing of banana peppers or kalamata olives, a sharp bite of sliced red onion, or a bit of heat from a sprinkle of crushed red pepper can all help make this sandwich your own.