This bacon salad is a tasty mix of crispy romaine, smoky bacon, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onions and creamy avocado, topped with tangy Gorgonzola or feta cheese. The homemade salad dressing, made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, garlic and a bit of sugar, ties it all together. Coating the avocado in lemon juice keeps it fresh and adds a zesty kick. Perfect for a light lunch or as a side dish at barbecues or picnics, this bacon and salad recipe is quick to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients for Bacon Salad
Dressing:
- Extra virgin olive oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for a silky, rich texture with a mild, fruity taste. Olive oil is probably one of the most significant ingredients in this dressing recipe, so go for a good one!
- Red wine vinegar: The acidity of red wine vinegar balances the smoothness of the olive oil and gives the dressing a sweet, tangy flavor.
- Sugar: A little bit of sugar balances the tangy vinegar and mustard in the dressing.
- Garlic: Minced garlic gives the dressing a robust, savory flavor.
- Dijon mustard: Dijon mustard gives the dressing a subtle sharpness. Increasing the amount of mustard will enhance the tangy flavor.
Salad:
- Romaine: The base of this salad is crisp and leafy romaine lettuce. You can also use other types of lettuce like butter lettuce for a softer texture or mixed greens for a variety of flavors and colors.
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon is the star of this salad, with its smoky, savory crunch.
- Tomatoes: Roma or cherry tomatoes work well for their sweetness and firm texture.
- Onion: Red onion adds a sharp, tangy bite that contrasts beautifully with the other ingredients.
- Avocados: Choose ripe avocados with dark skin and flesh that feels soft but not mushy. If you bought an underripe fruit, there are some ways to quickly ripen an avocado. You can use frozen avocado instead of fresh, but just know that you will lose some of the creamy texture you get from fresh avocados.
- Lemon juice: We recommend using fresh lemon juice for this recipe, but bottled will work in a pinch.
- Cheese: Choose Gorgonzola for a stronger, more pungent taste, or feta for a milder, creamier option.
Directions
Step 1: Make the dressing
Place the olive oil, red wine vinegar, sugar, garlic, salt and Dijon mustard in a jar with a tight-fitting lid, then shake it well until blended. Refrigerate the dressing until serving.
Step 2: Make the salad
In a large bowl, combine the romaine, bacon, tomatoes and onion. Toss the avocados with lemon juice and add them to the salad. Sprinkle with cheese. Before serving, add the dressing, shaking the jar to blend again if needed.
Bacon Salad Variations
- Make it Southwest style: Incorporate black beans and corn into the salad, and a sprinkle of cumin in the dressing, for a Southwestern twist. Top it with tortilla strips for added crunch.
- Pile on the protein: Add grilled or shredded chicken, sliced steak, tofu or grilled fish for extra protein, making it a more filling main dish.
- Keto-fy it: Skip the tomatoes and onions, and add extra avocado and cheese to keep it low-carb while still delicious.
How to Store Bacon Salad
The best way to store bacon salad is to keep the ingredients separate until you’re ready to serve. If the salad is already mixed, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume it within a day to enjoy optimal freshness.
Can you make bacon salad ahead of time?
Of course! Make this bacon salad ahead of time by prepping the ingredients separately. Chop the romaine, cook and crumble the bacon, and prepare the tomatoes and red onion, then store each ingredient in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Mix the dressing and keep it in a jar with a tight-fitting lid. Assemble the salad just before serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Bacon Salad Tips
How do I keep the avocado from turning brown?
To keep the avocado from turning brown, toss the avocado cubes in lemon juice or lime juice. The citric acid in the juice helps prevent oxidation, which is what causes the avocado to brown. Make sure the avocado is well-coated with the juice and store it in an airtight container if you’re preparing it ahead of time. This method will keep the avocado looking fresh and vibrant longer.
What can I use instead of bacon in this salad recipe?
If you’re looking for alternatives to bacon in your bacon salad, there are several delicious options to try. Turkey bacon is a leaner choice that still delivers a smoky flavor and crispy texture. For an Italian twist, use pancetta or crispy prosciutto, both of which offer a similar savory taste. Vegetarian options include plant-based bacon substitutes, smoked tofu cubes or tempeh bacon, each providing a satisfying protein boost and a hint of smokiness. Additionally, thinly sliced mushrooms, such as shiitake or portobello, can be marinated and baked until crispy to add a savory, umami flavor that mimics the taste and texture of bacon.
What can I serve with bacon avocado salad?
This bacon salad pairs well with grilled chicken, steak or fish for a balanced meal. It complements pasta dishes like spaghetti carbonara or penne alfredo. For a lighter option, serve it with vegetable soup or quiche. It also goes well with crusty bread or garlic breadsticks and can be part of a larger spread with other salads and appetizers.
