California BLT Chopped Bagel: A West Coast Twist on a Classic

Forget everything you thought you knew about bagels and BLTs. This isn’t your average sandwich. The California BLT Chopped Bagel takes the beloved bacon, lettuce, and tomato combo and elevates it with creamy avocado, crunchy bagel bites, and a vibrant, flavorful dressing. It’s a salad, it’s a sandwich, it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! This recipe is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Texture:** The combination of crispy bacon, crunchy bagel pieces, creamy avocado, and crisp lettuce creates a delightful textural experience.
* **Flavor:** The savory bacon, sweet tomatoes, and creamy avocado are perfectly balanced by the tangy dressing.
* **Easy to Customize:** You can easily adapt this recipe to your preferences. Add grilled chicken or shrimp for extra protein, or swap the bagel for a different type of bread.
* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **California Inspired:** The addition of avocado gives this classic BLT a Californian makeover, making it a refreshing and healthy option.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start chopping and mixing, gather these ingredients. This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

* **Bagels:** 2 everything bagels (or your favorite flavor)
* **Bacon:** 8 slices of bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
* **Avocado:** 2 ripe avocados, diced
* **Tomatoes:** 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
* **Lettuce:** 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or your favorite type of lettuce)
* **Red Onion:** 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional, for a little bite)
* **Mayonnaise:** 1/4 cup
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
* **Dijon Mustard:** 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* **Garlic:** 1 clove garlic, minced
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Optional Toppings:** Sprouts, crumbled feta cheese, everything bagel seasoning, hot sauce

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own California BLT Chopped Bagel.

**Step 1: Cook the Bacon**

* Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet.
* Cook over medium heat, flipping occasionally, until crispy.
* Remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
* Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces. You can also use pre-cooked bacon to save time.

**Step 2: Prepare the Bagels**

* Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Slice the bagels into thin rounds, then cut the rounds into bite-sized pieces, about 1/2 inch to 1 inch cubes.
* Spread the bagel pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet.
* Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through for even toasting. Watch closely to prevent burning.
* Alternatively, you can lightly toast the bagel pieces in a toaster oven or air fryer.

**Step 3: Chop the Vegetables**

* Wash and dry the romaine lettuce.
* Chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and place it in a large bowl.
* Wash the cherry tomatoes and halve or quarter them, depending on their size.
* Add the tomatoes to the bowl with the lettuce.
* Dice the avocado into 1/2-inch cubes and add it to the bowl.
* If using, finely chop the red onion and add it to the bowl.

**Step 4: Make the Dressing**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and olive oil.
* Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of lemon juice or mustard to your liking. For a sweeter dressing, add a touch of honey or maple syrup.
* Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

**Step 5: Assemble the Chopped Bagel Salad**

* Add the crumbled bacon and toasted bagel pieces to the bowl with the lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
* Pour the dressing over the salad.
* Gently toss everything together until well combined, being careful not to mash the avocado.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**

* Serve the California BLT Chopped Bagel immediately.
* Garnish with optional toppings like sprouts, crumbled feta cheese, everything bagel seasoning, or hot sauce.
* This salad is best enjoyed fresh. If you’re making it ahead of time, keep the dressing separate and add it just before serving to prevent the bagel pieces from getting soggy.

## Tips and Variations

* **Make it Vegetarian:** Omit the bacon and add grilled halloumi cheese or tempeh bacon for a vegetarian option.
* **Add Protein:** Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu would be great additions to this salad.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or use a spicy mayonnaise.
* **Different Bagel Flavors:** Experiment with different bagel flavors like sesame, poppy seed, or asiago.
* **Different Lettuces:** Use your favorite type of lettuce, such as iceberg, butter lettuce, or mixed greens.
* **Make it a Wrap:** Instead of serving it as a salad, wrap the mixture in a large tortilla for a California BLT wrap.
* **Add Corn:** Grilled corn kernels adds a layer of summer freshness
* **Add a Fried Egg:** Top the salad with a fried egg for an extra protein boost and a luxurious touch.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Fresh basil, dill, or parsley will add fresh flavor notes.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve as a light lunch or dinner.
* Bring it to a potluck or picnic.
* Serve as an appetizer at a party.
* Pair it with a side of fruit salad or a cup of soup.
* Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* The bacon can be cooked and crumbled a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* The bagel pieces can be toasted a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature.
* The lettuce and tomatoes can be chopped a few hours ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator.
* The dressing can be made a day ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* Assemble the salad just before serving to prevent the bagel pieces from getting soggy.

## Storage Instructions

* This salad is best enjoyed fresh. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* The bagel pieces will become soggy over time, so it’s best to eat the salad as soon as possible.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 15-20g
* Fat: 30-40g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 5-7g

## Recipe Card

**California BLT Chopped Bagel**

A delicious and refreshing twist on the classic BLT, with creamy avocado and crunchy bagel bites.

**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 10 minutes
**Total Time:** 25 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 2 everything bagels (or your favorite flavor)
* 8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 2 ripe avocados, diced
* 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved or quartered
* 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
* 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion (optional)
* 1/4 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional toppings: Sprouts, crumbled feta cheese, everything bagel seasoning, hot sauce

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Slice bagels into bite-sized pieces and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
2. In a large bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes, avocado, and red onion (if using).
3. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4. Add bacon and bagel pieces to the bowl with the lettuce mixture.
5. Pour dressing over the salad and gently toss until well combined.
6. Serve immediately and garnish with optional toppings.

**Enjoy!**

This California BLT Chopped Bagel is a delightful and easy way to enjoy the classic flavors of a BLT with a fresh, Californian twist. The combination of textures and flavors is sure to please everyone. Give it a try and let me know what you think!