BLT Salad

It's been so hot here (about 10 degrees above normal for June) that all I can think about cooking is salad.  This one is one of my favorites.  You must try making your own croutons.  Not only are they a fraction of the cost of boxed ones, but they are delicious!  And for salads, I like to cook bacon in the microwave because it gets really crispy.

BLT Salad

bacon
lettuce
tomatoes
Homemade Croutons
BLT Dressing

Homemade Croutons

The best way:
Cube leftover, stale french bread into equal size chunks, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, garlic powder, and bake at 400 for about 20 minutes, or until brown and crispy. 
OR the way I did it because I was in a hurry:
Cube regular whole wheat sandwich bread, fry in a skillet on medium-high heat for 10 minutes until really golden brown.  The croutons are a little more chewy this way, but still really good.
 
BLT Dressing

1/4 cup real mayo (Hellmans)
2 tablespoons Greek yogurt
2 cloves of garlic, grated
juice of half a small lemon
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste 
basil and chives to taste