Don’t you just LOVE a fresh cool BLT in the summer!? I just love all those flavors together! Well, check this out. This is the salad version! SO yummy!

1/2 pound bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 TBS red wine vinegar
1/2 TBS sugar
1 tsp garlic powder
2 TBS grease from fried bacon
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil (optional)

Croutons
1 pound romaine lettuce – rinsed, dried, and chopped
1 pint yellow grape tomatoes, sliced

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, sugar and basil and let dressing stand, covered, at room temperature.
In a large bowl mix together the romaine, tomatoes, bacon and croutons. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well.