here's a great recipe from a friend of mine.

BLT Dinner Salad

1 lb good thick sliced bacon, cut into 1 inch pieces
5-6 cups good bread, cut into large cubes (about 1 inch)
5-6 large ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks about the same size as bread.
1 bunch fresh Basil
Olive oil
S & P
1/4 C sherry or balsamic vinegar
3 garlic cloves, sliced thin
Shredded crisp lettuce, such as iceberg or romaine

Cook bacon until crisp, and drain. Reserve the drippings, and add olive oil to make 1 cup. Return to the heat and add the garlic, and cook until very light brown. Remove the oil add 2 TBSP chopped basil, and set oil aside.

Toast the bread cubes lightly on all sides, and while still warm drizzle with a little olive oil. when reserved drippings and oil have cooled, remove the garlic, if desired, and add the vinergar and S & P to taste, and shake until emulsified. Toss the bacon, bread cubes, and tomatoes in a large bowl, and add 1/2 of the dressing. Take a good handful of basil and remove large stems, and shred or chiffonade, and toss with the shredded lettuce. Place lettuce and basil mixture on a large platter, and mound the bread/tomato mixture in the center. Serve remaining dressing on the side.