Sure! Let’s dive into creating a delicious Butter Lettuce Salad with Bacon, Dried Cherries, and Roquefort Vinaigrette. This recipe is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, combining the crisp freshness of butter lettuce with the savory richness of bacon, the sweet tanginess of dried cherries, and the creamy decadence of Roquefort cheese in a homemade vinaigrette. With just 15 minutes of preparation time, you can whip up this flavorful salad to enjoy as a satisfying lunch or a light dinner.
Butter Lettuce Salad With Bacon, Dried Cherries, and Roquefort Vinaigrette
Ingredients:
- 8 slices of bacon
- 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup crumbled Roquefort cheese
- 1 head of butter lettuce, leaves separated and washed
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
-
Cook the Bacon:
- Begin by sautéing the bacon in a heavy medium skillet over medium heat until it is brown and crisp. This will take approximately 5-7 minutes, depending on the thickness of the bacon slices. Once the bacon is cooked to perfection, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon to drain off any excess grease. Set aside.
-
Prepare the Vinaigrette:
- In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and white wine vinegar until they are well combined. Gradually whisk in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth and emulsified. Next, add the crumbled Roquefort cheese to the vinaigrette, stirring until it is evenly distributed. Season the vinaigrette with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning as needed to suit your preference. Set the vinaigrette aside while you assemble the salad.
-
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter lettuce leaves, half of the dried cherries, and half of the cooked bacon pieces. Drizzle enough of the Roquefort vinaigrette over the salad ingredients to coat them evenly, tossing gently to ensure that everything is well coated in the dressing.
-
Plate and Serve:
- Divide the dressed salad among six plates, arranging the lettuce leaves in an attractive manner. Sprinkle the remaining dried cherries and bacon pieces over the top of each salad, adding an extra pop of color and flavor. Serve the Butter Lettuce Salad with Bacon, Dried Cherries, and Roquefort Vinaigrette immediately, allowing your guests to enjoy this deliciously satisfying dish while it is still fresh and vibrant.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 334.7
- Fat Content: 34.4g
- Saturated Fat Content: 7.3g
- Cholesterol Content: 22.5mg
- Sodium Content: 306.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 3.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.6g
- Sugar Content: 1g
- Protein Content: 4.3g
Recipe Notes:
- For a variation on this salad, you can substitute other types of lettuce such as romaine or mixed greens for the butter lettuce.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version of this salad, you can omit the bacon and add toasted nuts such as walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
- The Roquefort vinaigrette can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. Simply give it a good stir before using to recombine the ingredients.
- Feel free to adjust the quantities of the vinaigrette ingredients to suit your taste preferences. You can add more or less Roquefort cheese depending on how strong you want the flavor to be.
- This salad pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, making it the perfect choice for a light and refreshing meal.
With its delightful combination of flavors and easy preparation, this Butter Lettuce Salad with Bacon, Dried Cherries, and Roquefort Vinaigrette is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy the vibrant freshness of the lettuce, the smoky saltiness of the bacon, the sweet tartness of the cherries, and the creamy richness of the Roquefort cheese in every bite. Whether you serve it as a starter, a side dish, or a main course, this salad is guaranteed to impress your family and friends alike.
