Introduction
Discover a delightful and hearty salad that combines the smoky flavor of bacon, the creaminess of avocado, and the sweetness of medjool dates. With added textures from crunchy almonds and grilled corn, this dish is not only visually appealing but also packed with flavors. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side for dinner, this salad will surely impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 3 slices bacon
– 1 rotisserie chicken (meat pulled and chopped)
– 12 to 16 ounces spring greens
– 1 avocado, thinly sliced
– 6 medjool dates, pitted and chopped
– 2 ears of corn, grilled (roughly 1 cup of corn)
– 4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled
– 2 teaspoons brown sugar
– 1/4 cup pickled onions
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
– 3 tablespoons bacon fat
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds (toasted, if you wish)
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1/4 teaspoon pepper
– 1/8 teaspoon salt
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4-6
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful salad that is sure to be a hit!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prepare the Bacon:
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon slices until crispy. Remove the bacon and set aside, reserving the bacon fat in the skillet.
Make the Dressing:
To the reserved bacon fat, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Whisk in the Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Keep the dressing warm over low heat.
Assemble the Salad:
In a large bowl, combine the spring greens, chopped rotisserie chicken, sliced avocado, chopped dates, grilled corn kernels, crumbled goat cheese, pickled onions, and toasted sliced almonds. Crumble the cooked bacon over the salad.
Dress the Salad:
Drizzle the warm bacon dressing over the salad. Toss gently to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
Serve:
Divide the salad among serving plates. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Ensure the bacon is adequately cooked to achieve maximum crispiness. Substitute grilled corn with canned corn if fresh corn is not available. For added flavor, consider toasting the sliced almonds before adding them to the salad. Adjust the salt and pepper according to personal taste.
Cook techniques
Preparing Bacon
Cook bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Reserve the bacon fat for later use.
Making the Dressing
Sauté minced garlic in reserved bacon fat until fragrant, then whisk in Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assembling the Salad
Combine spring greens, chopped rotisserie chicken, sliced avocado, chopped dates, grilled corn, crumbled goat cheese, pickled onions, and toasted almonds in a large bowl. Add crumbled bacon on top.
Dressing the Salad
Drizzle warm bacon dressing over the assembled salad and gently toss to coat all ingredients evenly.
Serving the Salad
Divide the salad into serving plates and enjoy immediately.
FAQ
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie?
Yes, you can use cooked and shredded fresh chicken if you prefer.
What can I substitute for goat cheese?
Feta cheese or blue cheese can be good alternatives if you don’t like goat cheese.
How can I make the salad vegan?
Omit the bacon, goat cheese, and replace the honey with a plant-based sweetener, and consider using a vegan dressing.
Can I use frozen corn instead of grilled corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn; just make sure to thaw and heat it before adding to the salad.
How long can I store the salad?
It’s best to consume the salad immediately after making it, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for a day. Keep the dressing separate until ready to serve.
Conclusion
This salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures, bringing together the smokiness of bacon, the sweetness of dates, and the creaminess of avocado. The addition of grilled corn and goat cheese enhances the dish, while the warm bacon dressing ties everything together beautifully. It’s a perfect meal for those looking for something both hearty and refreshing.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Bacon-Wrapped Asparagus
Wrap asparagus spears in bacon and bake until crispy for a delicious appetizer.
Chicken and Avocado Tacos
Use leftover rotisserie chicken and avocado to create tasty tacos, topped with fresh salsa and lime.
Grilled Corn Salad
Combine grilled corn with diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, and feta cheese for a refreshing side.
Goat Cheese and Fig Crostini
Spread goat cheese on toasted bread and top with fig jam for a quick and elegant snack.
Medjool Date Energy Balls
Blend chopped medjool dates with nuts, cocoa powder, and a pinch of salt, then roll into energy balls for a healthy treat.
Pickled Onion and Bacon Quesadillas
Layer pickled onions and crumbled bacon with cheese in a tortilla and cook until crispy for a flavorful twist on classic quesadillas.
