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recipe salad tomato basil avocado bacon

Easy Recipe Salad Tomato Basil Avocado Bacon Idea

Recipe salad tomato basil avocado bacon, a vibrant mix of creamy, smoky, and fresh flavors, brings a delightful culinary experience to any table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Dishes, Salad
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Cutting board
  • Chef's knife
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Large Mixing Bowl

Ingredients
  

  • 4 ripe tomatoes, assorted colors and sizes preferred, cored and chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
  • 2 ripe avocados, pitted and diced
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Instructions
 

  • Step 1: Cook the Bacon: Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet over medium heat. Cook until crispy, flipping occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once crispy, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Crumble the bacon into bite-sized pieces.
  • Step 2: Prepare the Vinaigrette: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined. This vinaigrette will provide the perfect balance of acidity and flavor to complement the other ingredients.
  • Step 3: Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, gently combine the chopped tomatoes, basil leaves, diced avocado, and crumbled bacon. Be careful not to overmix, as the avocado can become mushy.
  • Step 4: Dress the Salad: Pour the vinaigrette over the salad and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly. Ensure that the dressing is distributed without crushing the avocado or bruising the basil.
  • Step 5: Serve Immediately: Serve the salad immediately to prevent the avocado from browning. This salad is best enjoyed fresh, allowing the flavors and textures to remain at their peak. Optional tips: For a vegetarian version, omit the bacon. Feta or goat cheese can be added for extra flavor. Red onion can be finely diced and included for sharpness. Substitute maple syrup for balsamic vinegar if needed.

Notes

Variations

Recipe salad tomato basil avocado bacon lends itself to numerous adaptations, accommodating diverse tastes and dietary needs. These include:
  • Ingredient Swaps: For a vegetarian alternative, the bacon may be omitted entirely or substituted with plant-based bacon alternatives or smoked tofu. Feta or goat cheese can be added for extra flavor and a creamy texture. Sun-dried tomatoes introduce a concentrated sweetness.
  • Regional Twists: Incorporating mozzarella or burrata cheese aligns the salad with Italian influences. A sprinkle of cotija cheese and a squeeze of lime evokes a Mexican-inspired profile.
  • Dietary Adjustments: To reduce fat content, opt for turkey bacon or leaner cuts of pork bacon. A sugar substitute can be used in the vinaigrette for those monitoring sugar intake. The recipe naturally fits a gluten-free diet.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile salad functions well as a light lunch, a refreshing side dish, or a vibrant appetizer. It complements grilled chicken, fish, or steak. For a more substantial meal, the salad can be served over a bed of mixed greens or alongside crusty bread. Presentation matters; arranging the ingredients artfully enhances the dining experience. The salad is best served immediately after preparation to preserve the avocado’s vibrant color and prevent the basil from wilting.

Storage Tips

Due to the delicate nature of the ingredients, optimal storage is critical. The salad is best consumed immediately after preparation. If necessary, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the avocado may brown, and the basil may wilt. Dressing the salad just before serving is recommended to maintain optimal freshness. The crumbled bacon may be stored separately in an airtight container at room temperature to retain its crispness. However, the flavor may not be as robust.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question 1: Can this salad be made ahead of time?The salad is best served immediately after preparation. If making ahead, delay adding the avocado and dressing until just before serving.
  • Question 2: What can be used in place of balsamic vinegar?Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar can serve as suitable substitutes, though the flavor profile will differ slightly.
  • Question 3: How do you keep the avocado from browning?Coat the diced avocado with lemon or lime juice to help prevent oxidation. This should be done as one of the first steps so the flavor infuses.
  • Question 4: How long does the bacon last?If properly stored in an airtight container at room temperature, cooked bacon can last about 4-5 days.
Keyword Salad