Hearty Pear Salad
With Thick-Cut Bacon

2015-12-10

This healthy salad – with a touch of decadence – is loaded with juicy pears, leafy greens, crisp bacon, and a fresh-made dressing. It’s perfect for a winter brunch, accompanied by a soup, or enjoyed with a friend.

Ingredients

  • SALAD
  • 2 Tomorrow's® Organics Red Anjou pears, cut into large chunks, core discarded
  • 1/2 pound thick-cut bacon
  • 1 small head frisée, cleaned, tender leaves only
  • 2 cups curly green kale, cleaned, stalks removed and shredded
  • 1 tablespoon rough chopped dill
  • 1 tablespoon rough chopped parsley
  • 1 can cooked green lentils, rinsed
  • Freshly shaved pecorino cheese
  • DRESSING
  • 1 tablespoon shallot, minced
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1-1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • Fresh cracked black pepper to taste

Method

Step 1

BACON: Preheat your oven to 400°F.

Step 2

Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy clean up, and place a cooking rack inside the sheet pan.

Step 3

Lay the thick-cut bacon on the cooking rack, spaced for even cooking.

Step 4

Place in the oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and slightly crisp. While the bacon is cooking, prepare the dressing as instructed below.

Step 5

When the bacon is done cooking, remove from the oven and allow to cool. When cool enough to handle, yet still warm, cut bacon into fork-full sized pieces. Keep bacon warm until ready to assemble salad.

Step 6

DRESSING: Place minced shallot, red wine vinegar, and salt into a mixing bowl; allow to sit at room temperature for 5 minutes to allow flavors to mingle.

Step 7

Add the mayonnaise and slowly incorporate the olive oil in a thin stream with a whisk until well blended. Add black pepper to taste and adjust salt level.

Step 8

Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 9

ASSEMBLE: Place all salad ingredients into a large mixing bowl. Add desired amount of dressing; gently toss until salad is well coated. Plate salad and finish with fresh ground black pepper, freshly shaved pecorino cheese, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

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