Today, we’re excited to share a recipe that brings together the best of summer’s harvest and a touch of smoky indulgence: Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette. This dish showcases the juicy sweetness of ripe tomatoes paired with a tangy, savory bacon vinaigrette.
Sun-ripened tomatoes mingling with crispy bacon bits, all drizzled with a luscious dressing that strikes the perfect balance between acidity and richness.
Let’s bring a burst of flavor to your table with this irresistible Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette!
Tomato salad with bacon vinaigrette:
1. Ingredients
For the Salad
- 4 cups of vibrant, sun-kissed tomatoes (heirloom, cherry, grape), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 slices of savory, crispy bacon
- 1/2 cup of onion (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup basil leaves (chopped)
- 1/4 cup of fragrant parsley, coarsely chopped
- Optional: 1 creamy avocado, diced; 1 crisp cucumber, sliced; 1/2 cup of milky mozzarella balls
For the Bacon Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup of liquid gold – warm, reserved bacon drippings
- 1/4 cup of smooth olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of ACV.
- 1 tablespoon of zesty Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of golden honey or rich maple syrup
- A pinch of sea salt and a crackle of freshly ground black pepper
Equipment Needed
- A spacious mixing bowl
- A dashing whisk for the vinaigrette
- A trusty cutting board and sharp knife
- A sizzling frying pan for the bacon
- A few sheets of absorbent paper towels
- A stunning serving platter or individual plates
2. Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Wash and Cut the Tomatoes: Treat your tomatoes to a refreshing bath under cool water before slicing them into bite-sized morsels. Mix and match varieties for a visually captivating salad.
Cook the Bacon: In a sizzling pan, work your magic with the bacon until it’s tantalizingly crispy. Let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate, collecting those precious drippings for later use.
Prepare the Other Ingredients: With finesse, slice the red onion into delicate rings and add them to the bowl with the tomatoes. Follow suit with the fresh basil and parsley, imparting their aromatic essence. For those craving extra indulgence, dice the avocado, slice the cucumber, and halve the mozzarella balls before joining the party.
Step 2: Craft the Bacon Vinaigrette
Combine Vinaigrette Ingredients: In a bowl, unite the warm bacon drippings with olive oil, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Season this elixir with a pinch of sea salt and a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.
Whisk the Vinaigrette: With graceful vigor, whisk the vinaigrette until it harmonizes into a symphony of flavors. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking, ensuring a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
Step 3: Symphony of Flavors
Combine Salad Ingredients: Pour the luscious bacon vinaigrette over the tomatoes, onions, and herbs in the mixing bowl. With a gentle touch, toss the salad until every morsel is enveloped in the tantalizing embrace of the vinaigrette. Sprinkle in the crumbled bacon and give it one final twirl to distribute the savory goodness.
Serve the Symphony: Adorn your serving platter with the vibrant ensemble, garnishing with a flourish of fresh herbs or a sprinkle of cracked pepper. Serve this culinary symphony immediately, allowing each bite to sing with the flavors of summer.
Tips and Variations:
Vegan Variation: Substitute the bacon with crispy tempeh or coconut bacon, and use extra olive oil in the vinaigrette.
Flavorful Flourishes: Elevate the vinaigrette with minced garlic or finely chopped shallots for an extra layer of complexity. Experiment with different mustard varieties, such as whole grain or spicy brown, to add a unique twist to the vinaigrette.
Serving Suggestions: Pair this flavorful salad with grilled meats, fish, or a light pasta dish for a delightful meal. Whether at a summer BBQ or a casual picnic, this salad is sure to impress with its vibrant flavors and irresistible appeal.
Storing Leftovers: Store any remaining salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh to savor the vibrant flavors.
Health Benefits:
Tomato salad with bacon vinaigrette, bursting with essential nutrients that promote overall well-being. They’re bolstering immune system and collagen production for healthy skin.
What’s more, tomatoes boast a wealth of antioxidants like lycopene, beta-carotene, and vitamin E, which combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease and certain cancers.
Fresh herbs like basil and parsley not only add aromatic flair but also contribute additional health perks. Basil contains potent compounds with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, potentially aiding in reducing inflammation and fending off harmful bacteria.
Bacon rich source of protein, crucial for muscle repair and growth, and contains essential micronutrients like selenium, phosphorus, and B vitamins.
Read Others:
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Banana And Milk Smoothie
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Last Call:
- Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette, We reflect with a satisfied palate and a heart warmed by the culinary journey we’ve shared.
- Yet beyond its nutritional value and gustatory pleasures, the Tomato Salad with Bacon Vinaigrette embodies a deeper essence—it symbolizes the spirit of connection and conviviality.
- Until our next culinary escapade, may your kitchen be filled with laughter, love, and the aroma of good food. Cheers to delicious adventures ahead!
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