tomato salad with arugula bacon

Olvin

2 min read

·

11-01-2025

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This isn't your grandma's tomato salad. We're elevating the classic with peppery arugula, smoky bacon, and a vibrant dressing that brings it all together. This recipe is perfect for a light lunch, a side dish at a barbecue, or a sophisticated appetizer. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Ingredients:

This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities based on your needs.

• For the Salad:

  • 2 lbs ripe tomatoes, various colors and sizes, ideally heirloom varieties for extra flavor and visual appeal. Choose tomatoes that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch – this indicates ripeness and juiciness.
  • 5 oz baby arugula, thoroughly washed and dried. Arugula’s peppery bite provides a fantastic counterpoint to the sweetness of the tomatoes.
  • 4-6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled. The smoky saltiness of bacon adds a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced. A small amount of red onion adds a pleasant sharpness without overpowering the other ingredients.
  • 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (optional, but highly recommended!). The tangy goat cheese complements the sweetness of the tomatoes and the saltiness of the bacon.

• For the Dressing:

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil. Use a high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar. A good quality balsamic vinegar will add complexity and depth to the dressing.
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard. Dijon mustard adds a subtle sharpness and helps emulsify the dressing.
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup. A touch of sweetness balances the acidity of the vinegar.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Seasoning is key to bringing out the best flavors in your salad.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Wash and dry the tomatoes. If using large tomatoes, cut them into wedges or slices. Smaller tomatoes can be halved or left whole, depending on their size.

2. Cook the Bacon: Cook the bacon until crispy. Remove from the pan and let it cool slightly before crumbling it. Reserve a tablespoon or two of the bacon fat – it adds amazing flavor to the dressing!

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey (or maple syrup), salt, pepper, and the reserved bacon fat (optional). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the tomatoes, arugula, red onion, and crumbled bacon. Gently toss to combine.

5. Dress the Salad: Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently again. Be careful not to overdress – you want the tomatoes and arugula to retain their texture.

6. Add Goat Cheese (Optional): If using goat cheese, crumble it over the salad just before serving.

7. Serve Immediately: Enjoy this fresh and flavorful tomato salad while the ingredients are at their peak!

Tips and Variations:

• Add some crunch: Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds would add a delightful crunch to this salad.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick.
• Herbs, herbs, herbs!: Fresh basil, oregano, or thyme would complement the flavors beautifully.
• Different cheese: Feta cheese or mozzarella could be used instead of goat cheese.

This Tomato Salad with Arugula and Bacon is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of sweet tomatoes, peppery arugula, smoky bacon, and a tangy dressing is sure to impress your taste buds! Enjoy!