I would like to thank the inventor of the chopped salad, then double thank the inventor of the BLT. We’re combining both works of genius into a big, beautiful salad today: BLT Chopped Salad with feta and corn!
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It’s super summery, creamy and crunchy, and, unlike just about every salad I’ve ever ordered in a restaurant, blessedly low maintenance to munch.
This BLT chopped salad was made for ease.
The colorful array of beautiful tomatoes, kale, and bacon (!!) are cut to a manageable size, and the even distribution of ingredients ensures that you get a little bit of everything with each bite. Like a BLT but without the bread.
A shower of creamy, salty feta and golden corn take this from a basic BLT salad to one that you will want to eat on repeat.
Chopped salads are special because of their presentation. All of the ingredients are chopped into small, bite-sized pieces, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors at once.
You may be familiar with chopped salad restaurant-style, which typically isn’t a highly nutritious choice.
However, when wholesome, nutritious ingredients are used (as they are in this version), chopped salads are healthy. This Italian Chopped Salad, and classic Cobb Salad are two other salad favorites.
Whether you need a dish for a summer cookout or are looking for some lunch or light dinner inspiration, this BLT chopped salad does not disappoint.
The BLT flavors shine (just like in this BLT Pasta Salad and BLT Grilled Cheese) and are further elevated by simple additions.
It’s a classic with a twist that’s sure to please a crowd.
How to Make the Best Kale Chopped Salad
For this BLT-inspired salad recipe, I swapped the classic butter lettuce for heartier kale, which not only can better hold up to the “chop” (butter lettuce tends to become mushy and watery when cut and tossed), but also actually tastes better after it’s sliced.
If your experience of kale salads thus far is best summarized by piles of tough, overpowering greens that feel more like a workout for your jaw than an enjoyable meal, I understand.
I am also determined to change your mind.
- The secret to perfect kale: massage it. If you finely chop the kale, then spend a few minutes gently squeezing it with your hands, the kale becomes more tender, and its flavor mellows into something that’s not just pleasant—it’s delicious. As a bonus, you will feel super-duper healthy and empowered after you eat it too.
- See this Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad post for more tips on massaging your kale.
OK, now that we’ve covered the “L” (er, K) portion of this BLT chopped salad rather exhaustively (I’ve convinced you to try it with kale, right?), let’s move along to the “B” and “T.”
The Sandwich-Inspired BLT Chopped Salad
With just a handful of simple ingredients and easy prep, this chopped salad is ideal for any day of the week.
The Ingredients
- Kale. I love using kale in salads because it’s hearty enough to last in my refrigerator for days. You can prep a big kale salad on the weekend and eat it for quick, healthy lunches all week long. Plus, kale is rich in fiber and antioxidants (see more kale health benefits here).
- Bacon. The “B” of BLT might as well stand for “Best Thing in Life.” Thick, crispy bacon is the heart of a BLT. Buy the good stuff, and then make Oven Baked Bacon. It’s worth it!
- Tomatoes. For the “T,” I added plump cherry tomatoes for freshness, along with a handful of sun-dried tomatoes for their rich, concentrated flavor. The fresh tomatoes are the staple, but it’s the sun-dried ones that make the salad taste special and almost give it an Italian chopped salad flair.
- Corn. For color and delightfully sweet flavor. The corn makes the salad extra fresh and summery. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned corn here.
- Feta. A shower of creamy, salty feta over the top makes the BLT salad taste complete.
- Green Onion. Green or red onion adds beautiful color and crunch.
- Chopped Salad Dressing. A little lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt is all you’ll need, and it’s DELISH!
The Directions
- Bake the bacon at 400 degrees F, then chop it.
- Rehydrate the sun-dried tomatoes and massage the kale.
- Put the salad ingredients together in a big bowl.
- Stir the dressing together. Pour it over the salad, toss to combine. DIG IN!
Make Ahead and Storage Tips
- To Make Ahead for Meal Prep. I love making little chopped salad kits and enjoying them for healthy lunches and dinners throughout the week. Prepare the dressing, and store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cook and chop the bacon, and store it in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Portion the massaged kale, tomatoes, and corn into small airtight storage containers, and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Top each portion with dressing, bacon, feta, and onion just before serving.
- To Store Leftovers. Store leftovers in an airtight container (or a bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days (you can store the salad dressed or undressed). Before serving, toss with a little extra lime juice and a pinch of salt.
More Crowd-Pleasing Salad Recipes
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
- Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad
- Healthy Taco Salad
- Italian Farro Salad
- Caprese Pasta Salad
Recommended Tools to Make Chopped Salad
- Storage Containers. My favorite way to prep and store salads ahead of time.
- Citrus Juicer. This tool has become essential for juicing limes and lemons.
- Sharp Chef’s Knife. Chop all your salad ingredients with ease.
This healthy BLT chopped salad is ready to be your new favorite easy lunch, light dinner, or crowd-pleasing cookout contribution. Whatever the occasion, I know this salad will be something you want to make again and again!
BLT Chopped Salad
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Ingredients
For the BLT Chopped Salad:
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon about 9 ounces
- ½ cup julienned sun-dried tomatoes not the kind packed in oil
- 8 cups kale tough stems removed and chopped (about 14 to 16 ounces with stems or 8 ounces without)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 ½ cups sweet corn kernels fresh, frozen and thawed, or drained from a can
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup finely chopped green or red onion
For the Dressing:
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice from about 2 medium limes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- ¾ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake the bacon according to these directions for Baked Bacon. Once cooked, remove to a plate and pat dry. Let cool, then chop.
- Meanwhile, place the sun-dried tomatoes in a small bowl. Top with very hot water and let sit for a few minutes to rehydrate while you prepare the other ingredients. Drain and pat dry.
- Place the chopped kale in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Massage with your hands by grabbing large handfuls a few at a time and squeezing gently until the kale is darker in color and more fragrant (this step makes the kale more tender and less bitter in taste—don’t skip it!).
- Add the drained sun-dried tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, corn, bacon, feta, and green onion.
- Prepare the dressing: In a small bowl or large measuring cup, stir together the lime juice, olive oil, smoked paprika, and salt. Drizzle over the salad and toss to coat. If time allows, let rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes or serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- TO STORE: Store leftovers in an airtight container (or a bowl tightly covered with plastic wrap) in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before serving, toss with a little extra lime juice and pinch of salt.
- For faster prep, chop and prep the kale and other salad ingredients while the bacon bakes.
- TO LAYER IN MASON JARS: Grab three 32-ounce mason jars like these and add 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas (rinsed and drained) to the recipe. Mix the dressing in the bottom of each (I eye ball it), then layer on the rest of the ingredients, starting with the chickpeas and ending with the bacon and kale, dividing between each. Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
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Thank you so much for the tip for massaging the kale, I can’t wait to try it!
It makes all the difference! I hope you love the salad, Sheri!
This looks delicious! Where would I find sun-dried tomatoes that are not packed in oil?
Hi Linda, the sun-dried tomatoes not packed in oil are often in a few possible locations: by the regular oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, by the jarred minced garlic, or sometimes in the produce section next to the fresh tomatoes or basil. If you ask your grocery clerk, they should be able to point you in the right direction. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Thanks, Erin. Surely I can find them in one of those places!
Trader Joe’s has a great option
Thank you Stella! Now I have no excuse for not making this salad!
This looks so good! Beautiful photos too, Erin!
<3 Thanks Elaine!!!
Tomorrow for dinner I’m actually making my BLT Salad recipe. The dressing is a combo of mayonnaise and horseradish. However, because we like kale, I plan on trying this version in the very near future. Using corn must make it have a bit of sweetness, and bacon…what can I say that hasn’t been said. The last few times I made bacon, I used your method in the oven and it works just great with no splattering – wonderful!
Chris, that dressing sounds intriguing! I hope you love this version too if you do give it a try!
Looks great and I will try it! Know what you mean about what I call fight back food!!!!!
I hope you enjoy, Marilyn!
Ooh! Why did I see this AFTER I did my grocery shopping today?????? This salad sounds so good! I like the idea of using kale, especially since there are only two of us, and if I make the full recipe, half of it will have to survive for a day or two in the refrigerator. Adding feta and the corn is perfect. Nutritionally speaking, the corn takes the place of the bread in the sandwich. And everything is definitely better with feta.
I completely agree with you about feta! :) I hope you enjoy the salad if you give it a try!
Could you add some Cooke quinoa to this for added protein?
Yes, Stella, that sounds delicious!
hey girl- this salad looks so yummy!
Thanks so much, Shawnna!
Is there a difference in taste between cherry tomatoes and the regular tomatoes?
Hi Nicole, I think they taste pretty much the same! (But cherry tomatoes are usually less juicy and seedy than regular ones when cut up.)
Sorry, this just hit all the wrong notes for us. The sun-dried tomatoes were pointless, the feta too salty in combination with the bacon, the dressing too acidic. I was hoping for amazing toppings to boost my feelings about kale, but nope. This didn’t work. I’m very surprised at the positive reviews.
I’m sorry to hear the recipe wasn’t to your taste, Kathleen. I know it’s disappointing to try a new recipe and not enjoy it. I (and many other readers) have enjoyed it, so I really wish they would’ve been a hit for you too!
LOVE this! All of the best flavors and little carbs!
This sounds delish! Unfortunately I don’t like feta. Any other recommendations for this salad cheese side or other?
Hi Caitlin! A shredded sharp white cheddar would be delicious, as would a mild blue cheese like gorgonzola. I hope you love the recipe!
Cheese-wise…sorry. Typo.
This was delicious, and kept well in the fridge for leftovers!
I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it, Emma! Thanks for taking the time to review the recipe!
This was outstanding! I am not huge on kale salads, although my husband likes them. I’m printing this one off and putting it in my binder. I only had sun-dried tomatoes in oil, so I used them after patting off the oil with paper towels. It was delicious, not too sour, and I am hiding the leftovers from my family!
Sheri, thanks for sharing this review! I’m so glad to hear the salad was a hit.
Made this for 4th of July and it was delicious! Super simple to make and great flavors. Definitely a keeper recipe!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the salad, Heidi! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I never thought I would enjoy a kale salad but this is delicious! The combination of flavors makes it so tasty. Also, who doesn’t love adding fresh cooked bacon. I will be making this again soon?
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the salad, Candice! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
In The recipe you do not mention adding the chopped bacon.
Hi Jane! You should add the chopped bacon in Step 4. I hope you enjoy the recipe if you try it!
Delicious!! Simple yet great layers of flavor & texture and was filling, which I always love in a salad for a meal! We added avacado too ?
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Megan! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This salad was absolutely delicious! I am definately adder gets this to our rotation! It went very quickly! So excited for your cookbook!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Diana! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Loved this salad! I didn’t have kale on hand but used romaine hearts in lieu and it was still delicious. Next time I will add avocado as well – might give it a bit of creaminess.
Thanks very much!
PS – I love many of your recipes and you are one of my regular go-to sites for new ideas :)
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the salad, Lana! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This salad was fantastic!! I made this for a family pot luck and so many people commented how delicious it was even though the didn’t like Kale ? Will make again
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the recipe, Carissa! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Could you give me the sodium content please? Thank you!
Hi Katherine! I stopped including sodium info because it can vary so much depending upon what products you used, and I found a lot of conflicting info online, so ultimately I didn’t feel comfortable publishing it because sometimes it wasn’t even in the ballpark. If you’d like to calculate it yourself, there are lots of free tools online (myfitnesspal.com is popular). I hope that helps!
A friend recommended this recipe to me, and am so glad she did. Was the perfect weeknight meal. Very easy to throw together. I would double dressing if you like a heavily dressed salad. Will definitely be making again.
Hi Ynes! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
This salad is easy to make and the flavor combo is perfect! My entire family enjoyed this as a side dish with grilled chicken, but the salad could be its own meal.
Thank you Lyndi!