This refreshing Tomato, Basil, and Bacon Salad combines the bright acidity of ripe beefsteak tomatoes with the aromatic punch of fresh basil and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Topped with creamy mozzarella and homemade garlic-infused croutons, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The simple dressing of basil-flavored olive oil and sherry vinegar ties everything together without overwhelming the fresh ingredients. Perfect for a light summer lunch, a picnic side, or a quick dinner when you want something fresh yet satisfying. It&# 226;ÂÂs an easy dish that highlights seasonal produce and comes together in under an hour, making it a reliable favorite for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.
Tomato, Basil And Bacon Salad
Description
This refreshing Tomato, Basil, and Bacon Salad combines the bright acidity of ripe beefsteak tomatoes with the aromatic punch of fresh basil and the savory crunch of crispy bacon. Topped with creamy mozzarella and homemade garlic-infused croutons, it offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. The simple dressing of basil-flavored olive oil and sherry vinegar ties everything together without overwhelming the fresh ingredients. Perfect for a light summer lunch, a picnic side, or a quick dinner when you want something fresh yet satisfying. It&# 226;ÂÂs an easy dish that highlights seasonal produce and comes together in under an hour, making it a reliable favorite for weeknight meals or casual gatherings.Ingredients
Directions
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Cut 4 bacon strips into 1/2-inch pieces.
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Dice 1 large beefsteak tomato.
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Chop 1/2 cup of fresh basil leaves.
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Dice 2 oz (1/2 cup) of mozzarella cheese.
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Cut white bread into 1/2-inch cubes.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add smashed garlic clove and bread cubes to the skillet.
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Toss frequently until bread cubes are browned and crisp, about 5 minutes.
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Remove croutons with a slotted spoon and set aside.
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Discard the garlic clove from the skillet.
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Fry the bacon in the same skillet until crisp.
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Remove bacon, drain on paper towels, and crumble.
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Arrange diced tomatoes in a high pile on a dinner plate.
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Top tomatoes with chopped basil and diced mozzarella.
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Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the salad.
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Season generously with freshly ground black pepper.
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Whisk together 1 tablespoon basil-flavored olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons sherry or red wine vinegar in a small cup.
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Pour the dressing over the salad.
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Sprinkle with the homemade garlic croutons.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 99.7kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 4.5g7%
- Saturated Fat 0.7g4%
- Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
- Sodium 122.8mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 12.2g5%
- Dietary Fiber 0.7g3%
- Sugars 1.2g
- Protein 2.2g5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
To make basil-flavored olive oil: Pour 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil into a cup, add 2 or 3 minced basil leaves, and press with the back of a spoon to extract flavor. Let sit for 30 minutes, then use the oil and discard the basil. If you cannot find basil-flavored oil, you can use plain extra-virgin olive oil instead.
For best results, use ripe, in-season tomatoes and fresh basil. The salad is best served immediately to maintain the crunch of the bacon and croutons.
