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Fresh Dandelion Greens Salad with Warm Bacon Dressing

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A flavorful side salad featuring fresh dandelion greens lightly wilted by a warm, smoky bacon dressing with a touch of tangy apple cider vinegar and sweetness from brown sugar.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups dandelion greens, washed and roughly chopped
  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon
  • 1 small shallot, finely minced
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped chives or fresh parsley
  • Optional: Hard-boiled egg slices

Instructions

  1. Rinse about 6 cups of fresh dandelion greens thoroughly to remove dirt and grit. Pat dry with a clean kitchen towel or use a salad spinner to get them mostly dry. Roughly chop the leaves into bite-sized pieces and place them in a large salad bowl.
  2. Heat a medium skillet over medium heat. Add 4 slices of thick-cut bacon and cook until crispy, about 6-8 minutes, flipping occasionally for even browning. Once done, transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Reserve about 3 tablespoons of the bacon fat in the pan (drain excess if there’s more).
  3. In the same skillet with the reserved bacon fat, reduce heat to low. Add 1 finely minced shallot and sauté gently until softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Stir in 1 minced garlic clove and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Remove the skillet from heat and whisk in 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar until the sugar dissolves. Slowly drizzle in 3 tablespoons olive oil while whisking to emulsify the dressing. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
  5. Crumble the crispy bacon and add it to the bowl of dandelion greens. Pour the warm bacon dressing over the salad and toss gently but thoroughly so the greens are lightly wilted but still crisp.
  6. If desired, sprinkle chopped chives or parsley for freshness and color. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

Use warm dressing to gently wilt the greens without making them soggy. Avoid overcooking bacon to prevent bitterness. Soaking dandelion greens briefly in cold water can reduce bitterness. Toss and serve immediately for best texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: dandelion greens salad, warm bacon dressing, side dish, easy salad, spring salad, bitter greens salad, healthy salad

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/fresh-dandelion-greens-salad-with-warm-bacon-dressing-easy-recipe-for-perfect-side-dish/