| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 550 | 35g | 8g | 45g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 5g | 20g | 1.6g |
One of the recipes that I adore from my Southern repertoire is the delightfully fresh and saucy Crispy Bacon Corn Salad. A soulful blend of vibrant colors and flavors, this dish holds a special place in my heart. It embodies the best elements of Southern cooking and my coastal influences, marrying them in an endearing harmony that graces any dinner table.
A Taste of Southern Corn Fields
Being a gal from Charleston, South Carolina, this dish takes me back to the sun-drenched cornfields of home. There’s something about the combination of fresh corn and crispy bacon that brings the South to your senses. Pair that with a mix of colorful vegetables, a drizzle of honey and apple cider vinegar, this salad is a celebration of Southern flavors done in a breezily fresh way. It’s similar to the favorite Southern Corn Salad, but with a crispy bacon twist.
An Unexpected Health Hero
Yes, Crispy Bacon Corn Salad has bacon, but it’s brimming with myriad health benefits too. The corn is a great source of fiber and antioxidants, while the greens and bell peppers provide much-needed vitamins. In addition, the olive oil and apple cider vinegar combo not only enhance the salad’s flavor but also bring their unique health enhancing properties. It’s like having your cake and eating it too. You can read more about the health benefits of corn here.
This salad fits right in with a meal of succulent fried chicken or even a good old shrimp boil. It brings lightness to the plate, making it an excellent complement. I often enjoy it with a cold glass of iced tea, while reminiscing about dipping my toes in the placid South Carolina waters.
The Crispy Bacon Corn Salad is more than just a side dish. It’s a story, a beloved character in the script of Southern cooking, starring fresh, hearty ingredients from our own backyard. So, I invite you to partake in this with me and add a little Southern charm to your dinner table.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb of crispy bacon, chopped
- 6 ears of fresh corn or 5 cups of frozen corn
- 6 green onions, chopped
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 cup of fresh basil leaves, chopped
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of honey
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
Method
Step One
Start off by cooking the bacon in a pan over medium-high heat until it turns crispy. Then, remove it from the pan, chop it into small pieces and set it aside.
Step Two
If you’re using fresh corn, boil the corn cobs for about 10 minutes, then allow them to cool. Once cooled, cut the kernels off the cob. If you’re using frozen corn, just thaw it in advance.
Step Three
Chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. Put them in a large bowl, then add the cooked bacon and corn kernels.
Step Four
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, mix together the chopped fresh basil leaves, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and black pepper.
Step Five
Pour the dressing over the salad in the large bowl. Toss everything together until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the dressing. Serve your Crispy Bacon Corn Salad chilled or at room temperature, enjoy!
