Simple Paleo No Bread BLT Sandwich

If you ask me, BLTs are one of life’s simple pleasures.

This low-carb twist on the classic sandwich skips the bread but keeps all the good stuff you love. Fresh lettuce leaves work as the perfect wrapper for crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and creamy mayo.

I’ve found that using large, sturdy romaine or iceberg leaves gives you that satisfying crunch you’d normally get from toast. Plus, the natural cup shape of the leaves helps keep all those tasty ingredients right where they belong.

It’s a quick and easy lunch option that’s both filling and fresh – perfect for those days when you’re watching your carbs or just want something lighter.

What Kind of Lettuce Should I Use?

While this recipe calls for Romaine lettuce, you’ve actually got several good options for your no-bread BLT. Romaine is a popular choice because its long, crisp leaves are sturdy enough to hold your sandwich fillings and provide that satisfying crunch. If you’re looking to switch things up, butter lettuce offers a softer, more delicate wrap that’s still strong enough to handle your sandwich fixings. Iceberg lettuce can work too, though you might need to use more leaves to get the same structure. Just make sure whatever lettuce you choose is fresh and crisp – nobody likes a wilted wrap! When prepping your leaves, give them a good wash and pat them completely dry to keep your sandwich from getting soggy.

Options for Substitutions

This low-carb BLT can be customized in several ways to match your preferences:

• Romaine lettuce: You can swap romaine for iceberg lettuce if you want more crunch, or butter lettuce for a softer wrap. Even collard greens work well as they’re sturdy enough to hold everything together.
• Bacon: Regular bacon can be replaced with turkey bacon for a lighter option, or try coconut bacon (made from coconut flakes) for a vegetarian version. If using coconut bacon, make sure to keep it extra crispy.
• Paleo mayonnaise: No Paleo mayo? Regular mayo works fine, or try mashed avocado for a different creamy element. You could also use Greek yogurt mixed with a little olive oil and seasonings.
• Tomato slices: Any type of fresh tomato works here – from beefsteak to roma to cherry tomatoes (halved). In winter, when tomatoes aren’t at their best, try roasted red peppers instead.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Making

The biggest challenge when making lettuce wraps is ending up with a soggy, falling-apart sandwich that’s impossible to eat – pat your tomato slices dry with paper towels and let your bacon cool completely to keep your lettuce crisp.

Another common mistake is choosing the wrong lettuce leaves – the outer leaves of romaine are often too flimsy, so select the firmer, inner leaves that are boat-shaped and can hold your ingredients without tearing.

To keep your no-bread BLT from becoming a mess, avoid overloading the lettuce leaves with mayo; instead, spread a thin layer in the center of the leaf where the ingredients will sit, and make sure your bacon is broken into pieces that fit neatly within the natural curve of the lettuce leaf.

What to Serve With No Bread BLT?

Since this low-carb version of a BLT skips the bread, you’ve got lots of room to add some satisfying sides! A scoop of cold cucumber salad or coleslaw works perfectly with these lettuce wraps, adding extra crunch and freshness to your meal. For something warm and filling, try some sweet potato wedges or roasted cauliflower – they’ll make the meal feel more complete without adding any grains. If you’re keeping it strictly keto, a handful of pork rinds or some avocado slices on the side give you that extra bit of richness that you might miss from traditional sandwich bread.

Storage Instructions

Prep Ahead: You can cook the bacon and make the Paleo mayo up to 3 days ahead. Keep the bacon crispy by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge, and store the mayo in a sealed jar. This makes assembling your no-bread BLT super quick when you’re ready to eat!

Keep Fresh: Once assembled, it’s best to eat your no-bread BLT right away to enjoy the crisp lettuce and fresh tomatoes. If you need to pack it for lunch, keep the components separate and assemble just before eating to prevent the lettuce from getting wilted.

Pack: For lunch on the go, pack your lettuce, tomato, and bacon in separate containers or compartments. Put the mayo in a small container on the side. This way, everything stays fresh and crisp until you’re ready to put it all together!

Preparation Time	10-15 minutes
Cooking Time	0-5 minutes
Total Time	10-20 minutes
Level of Difficulty	Easy

Estimated Nutrition

Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):

• Calories: 250-300
• Protein: 5-10 g
• Fat: 20-25 g
• Carbohydrates: 10-15 g

Ingredients

• 2 romaine lettuce leaves
• 2 tomato slices
• 3 cooked and cooled bacon pieces
• 2 tablespoons paleo mayonnaise

Step 1: Prepare the Romaine Leaves and Tomato

Start by thoroughly rinsing and drying the romaine leaves to ensure they are clean and crisp.

Next, take a tomato and slice it into rounds.

Then, cut each slice in half to create half-circle shapes that will layer nicely in your wrap.

Step 2: Prepare the Bacon

Decide whether you want to leave the bacon in whole strips or slice it into smaller strips for easier assembly and eating.

If slicing, use a knife to cut the bacon into your preferred size.

Both options work well, so choose based on your personal preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Wrap

Take your dry romaine leaves and generously slather some mayo on each leaf.

This will add flavor and help the toppings stick to the leaf.

Layer the prepared bacon strips and tomato half-circles on top of the mayo, evenly distributing them for a balanced bite.

Step 4: Fold and Serve

Once all the layers are in place, simply fold each romaine leaf over the ingredients to form a wrap.

Enjoy this delicious and easy-to-make snack immediately.

Yum!