Smoked Bacon and Parmesan Caesar Salad

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich, creamy Caesar salad featuring smoky bacon and Parmesan, dressed in a keto-friendly vinaigrette. This american-inspired salads (keto, low-carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs Romaine lettuce, Smoked bacon, Parmesan cheese into a side that holds its own next to almost any main — bright, balanced, and quick enough to slot into a weeknight plate. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly next to roasted proteins, grain bowls, or weeknight mains. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.3 (10 ratings) Prep: 15 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp mayonnaise, and 1/4 tsp Dijon mustard until smooth. Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce with the dressing until evenly coated.
  3. Step 3: Top with 4 crumbled cooked smoked bacon slices and 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese just before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoked Bacon and Parmesan Caesar Salad take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoked Bacon and Parmesan Caesar Salad?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep romaine lettuce from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoked Bacon and Parmesan Caesar Salad?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoked Bacon and Parmesan Caesar Salad for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Smoked Bacon and Parmesan Caesar Salad keto?

Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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