| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 155 | 10g | 4g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 5g | 0.1g |
As a Texas girl with a deep appreciation for Southern recipes blended with the richness of Tex-Mex flavors, one of my favorite dishes to whip up and share is the Wilted Lettuce with Bacon. This exquisitely simple salad pairs the saltiness of bacon with the tender sweetness of wilted lettuce, giving it an extraordinary taste profile that leaves the palate yearning for more.
Where Tradition Meets a Modern Twist
What I adore about the Wilted Lettuce with Bacon salad is that it is reminiscent of those summer memories of sunset dinners at my granny’s kitchen. She was a master of coach-swapping traditional Southern recipes for healthier versions without losing an ounce of flavor. This vibrant salad is a nod to not just my roots but also the modern, health-conscious food lover I have become. It’s rich with a variety of flavors that beautifully mimic and elevate the charm of the Southern culinary landscape.
A Dish of Nutritional Value and Versatility
Aside from it being an ultimate flavor bomb, the Wilted Lettuce with Bacon salad is loaded with nutritional benefits. Leafy greens, such as lettuce, come packed with vitamins A and K, as well as fiber. Plus, it is a low-calorie option making it ideal for those conscious about weight management. The addition of strawberries, peaches, banana, and apple not only lends a delightful sweetness to the dish, but also brings a plethora of antioxidants and vitamins to the table.
While the bacon provides a pop of protein and irresistible smokey flavor, it’s the simple dressing of sugar, white vinegar, water, salt, and pepper that pulls everything together beautifully. This sweet and tangy combo is the real charmer, making every bite a delectable harmony of flavors.
This salad pairs well with any main dish, whether it’s a pan-seared chicken breast, a juicy steak, or a simple pasta dish. Its versatility is a testament to its charm and deliciousness. If you wish to explore other similar salad options, you might want to take a look at the traditional Wilted Spinach Salad or a slightly different but equally delightful Wilted Arugula Salad.
So there you have it – my beloved Wilted Lettuce with Bacon salad. Rich, wholesome, and deeply satisfying, you just can’t go wrong with this beautiful blend of vegetables and a meaty treat. It’s a versatile go-to dish that possesses the perfect balance of freshness, succulence, and robust flavors. Here’s reassuring you that your taste buds are in for a real treat.
What You’ll Need
- 1 head of lettuce
- 8 slices of bacon
- 1/4 cup of white sugar
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
- 6 ripe strawberries
- 2 ripe peaches
- 1 ripe banana
- 1 ripe apple
Method
Step One
Begin by washing your fresh fruits and the head of lettuce thoroughly. Once cleaned, chop the lettuce and put it to the side for later. Next, dice the strawberries, peaches, banana, and apple into bite-sized pieces.
Step Two
Place a pan on medium heat on your stove. Add the bacon slices to the pan and cook until crispy. Once the bacon is done, remove it from the pan but leave the grease in the pan.
Step Three
In the same pan with the bacon grease, add the sugar, vinegar, water, salt, and pepper. Stir this mixture thoroughly, until the sugar is fully dissolved. This will create a tangy dressing for your salad.
Step Four
Bring this dressing to a gentle simmer on low heat for about five minutes. After five minutes, pour it over the chopped lettuce. Toss the lettuce gently so that it is coated evenly.
Step Five
Next, crumble the crispy bacon slices that you set aside earlier, then sprinkle it over the wilted lettuce.
Step Six
Finish off your salad by adding the chopped fruits to the top, mixing them in slightly but making sure they still stand out on top. This will add sweetness contrast to the tangy dressing and the salty bacon. Your Wilted Lettuce with Bacon is now ready to serve. Enjoy this lovely balance of flavours!
