B.L.T. Salad with Basil Mayo Dressing

Ingredients

• 1/2 pound bacon
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
• 4 slices French bread, cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 pound romaine lettuce – rinsed, dried, and torn into bite-size pieces
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered

Directions

Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of the drippings.

In a small bowl, whisk together the reserved bacon drippings, mayonnaise, vinegar and basil and let dressing stand, covered, at room temperature.

In a large skillet over medium heat, toss the bread pieces with the salt and pepper. Drizzle with the oil, continue tossing and cook over medium-low heat until golden brown.

In a large bowl mix together the romaine, tomatoes, bacon and croutons. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.