In the realm of salads, few dishes offer the harmonious blend of flavors and textures found in wilted lettuce salad with bacon dressing. This classic salad features tender greens adorned with crispy bacon, tangy cheese, and a creamy, savory dressing that ties all the elements together. The key to this salad's success lies in the wilting process, which involves briefly cooking the lettuce in the bacon fat, lending it a slightly softened texture that readily absorbs the dressing. Whether you're seeking a light lunch, a vibrant side dish, or a versatile base for your favorite toppings, this wilted lettuce salad with bacon dressing is sure to satisfy.
Accompanying this star recipe are a collection of complementary variations that cater to diverse tastes and dietary preferences. For bacon enthusiasts, the "Extra Bacon" variation doubles down on the crispy, salty goodness, while the "No-Bacon" alternative offers a vegetarian-friendly option without sacrificing flavor. If you crave a touch of sweetness, the "Honey Mustard Dressing" variation incorporates honey and Dijon mustard for a tangy, slightly sweet dressing. And for those seeking a lighter option, the "Lightened Up Dressing" variation uses Greek yogurt and olive oil to create a healthier version of the classic dressing.
With its ease of preparation, customizable variations, and irresistible combination of flavors, this wilted lettuce salad with bacon dressing is a culinary delight that deserves a place in your recipe repertoire.
CLASSIC WILTED LETTUCE SALAD
When we were kids, my sister and I would prepare the freshly picked lettuce for this wilted lettuce salad recipe, rinsing it several times and carefully drying it. As we did so, we quibbled about the portions we'd each have. Somehow, it seems she always managed to get more! We still can't get enough of this salad. -Doris Natvig, Jesup, Iowa
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Lunch Side Dishes
Time 15m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp. Using a slotted spoon, remove to paper towels to drain. , To the hot drippings, add the vinegar, water, onions, sugar, salt and pepper, stirring until sugar is dissolved. , Place lettuce in a salad bowl; immediately pour dressing over and toss lightly. Top with egg. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 118 calories, Fat 10g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 45mg cholesterol, Sodium 227mg sodium, Carbohydrate 5g carbohydrate (3g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 3g protein.
WILTED LETTUCE SALAD
This wilted salad is lightly coated with a delectable warm dressing.
Provided by Mary Jones
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes
Time 20m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Remove from skillet, crumble and set aside.
- To the hot bacon drippings, add the vinegar, lemon juice, sugar and pepper. Stir over medium heat until hot.
- In a large bowl, combine the lettuce and green onions. Add the warm dressing and toss to evenly coat. Sprinkle with bacon and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 124.3 calories, Carbohydrate 4.1 g, Cholesterol 15.9 mg, Fat 10.6 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 3.6 g, SaturatedFat 3.5 g, Sodium 210.3 mg, Sugar 1.5 g
WILTED GREENS WITH BACON VINAIGRETTE
Steps:
- Place romaine in a serving bowl. In a skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crispy. Remove bacon and crumble over greens. To the pan, add sugar and vinegar, and simmer until sugar is dissolved, scraping up bacon bits that cling to the bottom of the pan. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Pour hot dressing over greens and toss. Serve immediately.
GRANDMA'S WILTED LETTUCE WITH HOT BACON DRESSING
When my Grandma Hallie passed in 1984, I mourned MANY things about this wonderful woman. But it wasn't until the next spring, when leaf lettuce came up, that I realized I had never asked her how to make Wilted Lettuce. Over the next 30 years, I would try one recipe after another, but none of them were quite right until a lovely...
Provided by Fran Miller
Categories Salads
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- 1. If you are making Wilted Lettuce, put the eggs on to cook, then wash the leaf lettuce carefully. I remove all hard parts, like the spine, of the leaves. Put the leaves in a salad spinner to remove the excess water, or allow the leaves to drain in a colander lined with paper towels. Chop some onion and set aside. When the eggs have cooked about 15 minutes in boiling water, drain the water, and refill the pan with cool water to allow the eggs to cool. Assemble the lettuce leaves and chopped onion in a large salad bowl. Chop the eggs and set aside. THEN prepare the Hot Bacon Dressing.
- 2. Fry the diced bacon until crispy, then remove the bacon to a paper towel to drain. Reserve about 1 1/2 Tablespoons of bacon grease in the skillet and remove the rest.
- 3. While the diced bacon is frying, stir together the sugar, flour, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
- 4. Add the sugar mixture to the 1 1/2 Tablespoons of hot bacon grease, cooking over medium heat and stirring.
- 5. Add the vinegar and water and stir constantly, bringing it to a boil. Boil about 2 minutes, until slightly thickened. (If too thick, add a little water.)
- 6. Remove from heat and cool until warm. Pour over lettuce & onion, tossing the salad until coated and wilted. (The hotter the dressing, the more it will wilt. Your call.) Top with the chopped hardboiled eggs and crispy diced bacon. Dinner is served! =^..^=
SOUTHERN WILTED LETTUCE SALAD WITH HOT BACON DRESSING
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- Combine the shredded lettuce and chopped green onions in a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- In a cast-iron or other frying pan, cook the bacon over medium-high heat until the desired doneness.
- Remove the bacon to paper towels to drain and reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings.
- Combine the bacon drippings, vinegar, and sugar in a saucepan and heat until it boils.
- Pour over the shredded lettuce mixture. Toss to mix. Crumble the bacon and add it on top. Serve at once.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 109 kcal, Carbohydrate 6 g, Cholesterol 14 mg, Fiber 1 g, Protein 4 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 231 mg, Sugar 4 g, Fat 8 g, ServingSize 4 to 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
LETTUCE SALAD WITH BACON DRESSING
Make and share this Lettuce Salad With Bacon Dressing recipe from Food.com.
Provided by cuisinebymae
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 15m
Yield 2-3 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook bacon until crisp and brown.
- Measure bacon fat.
- Leave about 1 1/4 tablespoons bacon fat in skillet with the bacon.
- Add vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.
- Bring to a boil.
- Pour hot dressing over lettuce in a bowl and toss.
LETTUCE WITH HOT BACON DRESSING
Here is something a little different for a salad. A friend gave me this years ago. Hope you like it.
Provided by Vera
Categories Salad Green Salad Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Place egg in a saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring water to a boil; cover, remove from heat, and let egg stand in hot water for 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from hot water, cool, peel and chop.
- Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Reserve excess grease.
- Add onions to skillet with reserved grease and cook until tender. Add bacon, vinegar, water, sugar and salt. Stir and bring to boil.
- Place lettuce in a large bowl. Pour hot dressing over and toss well. Garnish with egg and radishes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 168 calories, Carbohydrate 6.4 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fat 13.6 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 5.5 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 465.7 mg, Sugar 4 g
Tips:
- Choose the right lettuce: Use a sturdy lettuce that can withstand being wilted, such as romaine, butter lettuce, or escarole.
- Wilt the lettuce properly: To wilt the lettuce, simply toss it with a warm vinaigrette dressing and let it sit for a few minutes. You can also wilt the lettuce by quickly blanching it in boiling water.
- Make the bacon dressing ahead of time: The bacon dressing can be made up to 3 days in advance. Simply whisk together the ingredients and store the dressing in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Add other ingredients: Feel free to add other ingredients to your wilted lettuce salad, such as chopped hard-boiled eggs, crumbled blue cheese, or toasted nuts.
Conclusion:
Wilted lettuce salad with bacon dressing is a delicious and easy-to-make salad that is perfect for any occasion. The wilted lettuce provides a slightly bitter flavor that is balanced out by the sweet and smoky bacon dressing. This salad is also a great way to use up leftover bacon. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy salad, give this wilted lettuce salad with bacon dressing a try.
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