Bacon vinaigrette salad is a delightful combination of crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s a versatile dish that can be a light lunch, a satisfying side dish, or even a star attraction at your next gathering. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make!
This recipe will guide you step-by-step through the process of creating a delicious bacon vinaigrette salad that will have everyone asking for seconds. So, let’s gather our ingredients and embark on this culinary adventure!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the salad:
- 6 cups chopped romaine lettuce (or your favorite salad greens)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (optional)
For the bacon vinaigrette:
- 1/4 cup reserved bacon fat
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Tools of the Trade
- Large salad bowl
- Small bowl (for whisking the dressing)
- Whisk
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Bacon
- Cook the bacon until crispy. You can fry it in a pan, bake it in the oven, or use an air fryer.
- Once cooked, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.
- Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
2. Make the Vinaigrette
- In the small bowl, whisk together the reserved bacon fat, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Assemble the Salad
- In a large salad bowl, combine the chopped romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
4. Dress and Serve
- Pour the bacon vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and blue cheese (if using) over the salad.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Bacon Vinaigrette Salad
- Bacon Fat is Key: The reserved bacon fat is what gives this vinaigrette its unique smoky flavor. Don’t substitute it with oil!
- Don’t Overdress: Start with a small amount of vinaigrette and add more to taste. You don’t want to drown your salad.
- Get Creative with Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like chopped hard-boiled eggs, avocado, or croutons.
Presentation Matters
While this salad tastes amazing, a little presentation can go a long way! Try these ideas:
- Layered Look: Create a visually appealing salad by layering the ingredients in a mason jar or tall glass. Start with the dressing at the bottom, followed by heavier ingredients like tomatoes and bacon, and finish with the lettuce on top.
- Family-Style: For a more rustic presentation, serve the salad in a large bowl with the bacon and blue cheese in separate bowls on the side. This allows your guests to customize their salads to their liking.
Close up of bacon vinaigrette salad in a bowl
Ingredients for bacon vinaigrette salad on a table
This bacon vinaigrette salad is a delicious and easy way to elevate your salad game. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a new family favorite. If you’re looking for other delicious salad recipes, check out our guides on how to make a refreshing spinach salad (https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-spinach-salad/) or a delicate mache salad (https://familycuisine.net/how-to-make-mache-salad/). Enjoy!
