Prepare to transform your ordinary salad experience into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Wilted Mustard Greens Salad with Bacon is not just a side dish - it's a symphony of bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. Imagine crispy bacon, vibrant mustard greens, and a tangy vinaigrette coming together in a mouthwatering dance of textures and tastes that will make your dinner table the talk of the town!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 cups mustard greens, chopped
- 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Wash the mustard greens thoroughly under cold running water to remove any dirt or grit. Once cleaned, chop them into bite-sized pieces and set aside.
- Next, cook the bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon strips. Cook until they are crispy, usually about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once done, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into small pieces.
- In the same skillet, leave about 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings for flavor. If there is too much grease, you can drain some, but make sure to keep enough to enhance the salad's flavor.
- With the skillet still over medium heat, add the chopped mustard greens to the skillet. Sauté them in the bacon drippings for about 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until they are wilted but still vibrant in color. Remove the skillet from heat.
- While the greens are cooking, prepare the dressing. In a small bowl, whisk together the apple cider vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the wilted mustard greens and crumbled bacon. Drizzle the dressing over the salad and toss gently to coat all the greens and bacon evenly.
- Serve the wilted mustard greens salad warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious dish!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Greens: Select crisp, vibrant mustard greens with no wilting or yellowing edges for the best flavor and texture.
- Bacon Brilliance: For extra crispiness, cook bacon in the oven on a wire rack at 400°F for more even cooking and less mess.
- Vinegar Variation: Experiment with different vinegars like red wine or balsamic for unique flavor profiles.
- Temperature Matters: Serve the salad slightly warm for the most intense flavor experience.
- Customize Your Salad: Add toasted nuts like pecans or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Storage Tip: This salad is best enjoyed immediately, but can be stored in the refrigerator for 1-2 days if needed.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 175kcal
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
