BLT Salad

My husband is at a train show today so I am fending for myself.  A good day for a salad.  This was really good.

• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 4 (1-inch-thick) slices Italian bread
• 1 pound bacon, chopped
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 (10-ounce) bags chopped romaine lettuce (or use fresh)
• Salt and pepper

Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 475 degrees.  Spread 1/4 cup mayonnaise over both sides of bread slices and transfer to baking sheet.  Bake until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes.  Let cool 5 minutes, then cut into 1-inch croutons.  (Or if you don’t want to make your own croutons, just use 2 cups of seasoned croutons.)

Cook bacon in large skillet over medium heat until crisp, about 8 minutes.  Transfer to paper towel-lined plate.  Discard drippings.

Whisk remaining 1/2 cup mayonnaise and vinegar in large bowl.  Add bacon, tomatoes, lettuce, and croutons and toss to combine.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve.

Makes 4 servings.

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