Vermont Country Salad: A Sweet and Savory Delight
Discover the heartwarming flavors of Vermont with this delightful Vermont Country Salad, a recipe borrowed from the beloved “American Harvest” cookbook. This salad combines the richness of maple syrup, the savory crunch of bacon, and the creamy tang of cheddar cheese for a truly irresistible dish. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a special treat, this salad will surely steal the show. Let’s dive into the easy preparation of this scrumptious creation!
Ingredients:
- Maple Syrup – 3 tablespoons 🍁
- Apple Cider Vinegar – 1/4 cup 🍏
- Dijon Mustard – 1 tablespoon 🌟
- Garlic – 1 clove, minced 🧄
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon 🧂
- Fresh Ground Black Pepper – 1/2 teaspoon 🌶️
- Bacon – 1/4 pound, diced 🥓
- Cheddar Cheese – 6 ounces, shredded 🧀
- Croutons – 1/2 cup 🥪
- Mixed Greens – 4 cups, washed and dried 🥗
Instructions:
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Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic. Gradually add the oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth emulsion. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Set the vinaigrette aside to let the flavors meld.
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Cook the Bacon: Place the diced bacon in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the bacon, turning occasionally, until it becomes crispy and golden brown, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and cool. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
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Assemble the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the mixed greens, shredded cheddar cheese, croutons, and crumbled bacon. Drizzle the prepared vinaigrette over the top of the salad.
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Toss and Serve: Gently toss the salad until all ingredients are evenly coated with the vinaigrette. Serve the salad immediately by placing a neat mound of the mixture onto each plate.
This Vermont Country Salad is a true celebration of sweet and savory flavors, offering a delightful crunch and a touch of indulgence in every bite. With its rich, tangy vinaigrette and the satisfying combination of bacon and cheddar, this salad makes for a perfect appetizer or a light meal. Enjoy the delightful burst of flavors and the satisfying textures of this charming dish! 🌟🥗🍴
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 585.5
- Fat: 52.5g
- Saturated Fat: 14.7g
- Cholesterol: 52.8mg
- Sodium: 818mg
- Carbohydrates: 16.7g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 9.2g
- Protein: 12g
Yield: Serves 4
Embrace the delicious harmony of Vermont’s finest ingredients with this flavorful salad and make any meal memorable! 🌿🧀🥓
