Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a delightful twist on a classic French dish! The Tangy Frisée Lardons Salad is not just a salad; it’s a culinary experience that combines the crispness of frisée lettuce with the rich, savory flavor of crispy lardons. Imagine the warm, smoky bacon mingling with a zesty vinaigrette, all topped off with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This salad is perfect for impressing guests at your next dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home. With just 25 minutes of your time, you can create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sophistication. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 head frisée lettuce, torn into pieces
- 4 oz lardons or bacon, diced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the frisée lettuce. Rinse the head of frisée under cold water to remove any dirt or grit. Tear the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl. Set aside to dry.
- Next, prepare the lardons or bacon. In a large skillet, add the diced lardons or bacon over medium heat. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the lardons to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, with the residual bacon fat still in the pan, reduce the heat to low. Add the red wine vinegar and Dijon mustard to the skillet. Whisk together until well combined, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Slowly drizzle in the olive oil while whisking continuously to create a smooth vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the acidity by adding more vinegar if desired.
- Pour the warm vinaigrette over the frisée lettuce in the salad bowl. Add the crispy lardons and toss gently to combine, ensuring the leaves are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Finally, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute the cheese evenly.
- Serve the Tangy Frisée Lardons Salad immediately while the lardons are still warm, garnished with additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy your delicious French-inspired salad!
Tips
- Choose Quality Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality lardons or bacon, and fresh frisée lettuce. The fresher the ingredients, the better your salad will taste!
- Crisp the Lardons Perfectly: Ensure your lardons are cooked until crispy; this adds a wonderful texture to the salad. Don’t rush this step—let them brown nicely!
- Warm Vinaigrette: Using the residual bacon fat to create a warm vinaigrette enhances the flavors and helps the dressing cling to the frisée leaves better.
- Adjust Acidity: Taste your vinaigrette before adding it to the salad. If you prefer a tangier flavor, don’t hesitate to add a bit more red wine vinegar.
- Serve Immediately: This salad is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after tossing to ensure the frisée remains crisp and the lardons are warm.
- Add Extras: Feel free to customize your salad with additional toppings like toasted nuts, hard-boiled eggs, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra layer of flavor.
- Pairing Suggestions: This salad pairs beautifully with a light white wine or a refreshing sparkling water with lemon for a complete dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg
