Bacon Lettuce And Tomato Salad

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Crisp bacon makes this salad a real winner. I use turkey bacon with good success. Please don't try to substitute those artificial bacon bits in this recipe, it just won't work.

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Steps

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Cook bacon until it is crisp by your favorite method.

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Crumble , and set it aside , reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings in a small bowl.

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Whisk together the reserved bacon drippings , mayonnaise , vinegar and basil and let dressing sit , covered , at room temperature while you finish making the salad.

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In a large skillet over medium heat , toss the bread pieces with the salt and pepper.

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Drizzle with the oil , and cook , stirring constantly , until the croutons are crisp and golden brown.

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In a large salad bowl mix together the romaine , tomatoes , bacon and croutons.

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Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.

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Serve immediately.

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Ingredients

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bacon, low-fat mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, fresh basil, french bread, salt, ground black pepper, canola oil, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes